Vintage Solid Sterling Silver Navajo Bell Pendant by Bell Trading Post - Mother In Law Bell Pendant
$152.03 $178.86
Vintage solid sterling silver, Navajo Mother In Law Bell pendant by Bell Trading Post. Lovely stamped details, vintage patina.
Dimensions of pendant:
Height 1" - 25mm (including the pendant bale)
Width 0.6" - 15mm
Ball Chain 24" Length
Please check out my other designs and vintage pieces here:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/YouGotTheSilverUK
Click on customise for any custom queries or bespoke pieces.
The Navajo “mother-in-law” bell is worn by the mother-in-law to warn her son-in-law of her impending arrival. The Navajo believe that the two must not lay eyes on each other.
The following quotation is from Indian Silver: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers by Margery Bedinger. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque. 1973.
“Bells. The Navajo also made tiny bells. Grey Moustache says the Mexicans taught the Navajos to make them many years ago, when they first learned to work silver; (Adair:7). They were made much as a button. Grey Moustache remembers, with a loop of metal soldered inside the top of the bell to hold tiny silver or copper clapper. Both sexes wore them at dances, and women sometimes fastened them to their sashes to warn their sons-in-law of their approach because no Navajo was supposed to look on his wife’s mother; hence the occasional term ‘mother-in-law bell.’”
Shipping from United Kingdom
Processing time
1-3 business days
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
- Items on sale
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Custom and personalised orders
I accept custom requests and personalised options where available.
Bespoke customs designs are agreed before payment. Custom items are non refundable.
Sizing details
I make all my handmade rings, bracelets and pendants to the size requested at checkout. For vintage items, especially bracelets and bangle cuffs please check all measurements in the listing description. Checking sizes against your own jewellery is a good way also to confirm the fit. Please get in contact if you need any help with sizing.
Care instructions
I have a blog on my website (below) on how to care for jewellery. I also supply a free polishing cloth for most orders.
https://yougotthesilveruk.patternbyetsy.com/post/159974548155/a-few-tips-and-info-on-how-to-clean
Gift wrapping and packaging
All items come boxed with a YGTS logo ready to gift. Headed paperwork supplied with no cost of purchase info on the invoice.
Wholesale availability
I currently don't offer wholesale quantity as my handmade items are carefully priced. But I will consider requests.
Express Shipping
I offer free worldwide shipping. If an Express service is required, usually 3-5 days, I can create an invoice to cover this (at cost) with your purchase. Please contact me before purchase to arrange it.
Shipping Information
I process and ship vintage and already manufactured items in 1-3 working days. Handmade items, made to a specific size are shipped within 5 to 7 working days. (Weekends excluded)
International postage usually takes 5-7 days to arrive in your country from dispatch, then it's down to customs processing in the buyers country. I supply tracking numbers and timescale info via email for all orders.