"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Friday, May 18, 2018

Mother In Laws


I sell things on eBay, Etsy and Mercari.  Mostly crystals and stones, old pawn Navajo jewelry and a few things left over from my antique booth.

This item cracks me up.  I just love it and have several - all different.  This is a vintage Navajo mother in law bell.  All sterling silver, the bell and chain both handmade by a Navajo artisan, the story goes that the son in law was not supposed to look at the mother in law.  Talk about respect.  Anyway, the mother in law wore these little bells so she could be heard approaching.  There is a little clanger in the bell and each one makes a different sound.  Some of these have a turquoise cabochon on the  front.  The stamping on this bell means something, but I don't know what.  I only know the bird wing stamp, which isn't on this one.  It is decorated front and back.  I also have some Navajo bell earrings, but I'm keeping one pair.


29 comments:

angryparsnip said...

Not sure about the reason but a very darling necklace. I would be looking up everythime I heard the bell.
I am sure you would not need this necklace as you must be the best MIL !

cheers, parsnip

Debbie Nolan said...

This is an interesting piece Donna - never heard about such a thing. Made me smile. Hope you are having a great weekend. Hugs!

donna baker said...

I learned the lessons from my MIL (she hated me) and so, don't give advice unless asked... Love my son and daughter in law, even my ex son in law.

donna baker said...

You too Deb. I hadn't either until I ran across the first one. Ended up buying five.

Out on the prairie said...

never heard of this, very interesting

La Table De Nana said...

Like a mini cowbell:) But cute and feminine..I don't give advice either..:)Love them all too:)

Elephant's Child said...

How fascinating. And pretty.
I wonder how many people would like to 'bell me'?

Joanne Noragon said...

I sold my grandparent's "western collection" of things from their trips west (in the thirties, by car!) on EBay. To my surprise and delight, it almost all went back west; "home", so to speak.

Bea said...

That's really interesting!

Michelle said...

I LOVE old pawn jewelry and am always "looking around" for pieces. This piece is a new one to me and I adore the story behind it.

donna baker said...

I thought it was a hoot. Guess not much gets by in those pueblos.

donna baker said...

Yes, and bribery works well too. And most of all, love the grandkids and be thankful they are raising them to be good people. It is cute. I'll have to take a picture of the other ones. I just sold the one with turquoise yesterday.

donna baker said...

I think it's a good idea. Those pueblos were small and within walls so I guess they could turn a corner and there you were. I'm going to wear one sometime. I just don't wear jewelry and never think of it.

donna baker said...

I've got lots of native American and western things too. I don't know why they speak to me. Guess if I lived back east it would be early American.

donna baker said...

I do too Michelle. It's just too funny. There is lots of Navajo and Native American jewelry on the sites I told you about. And, always ask if they'll take less. I usually start at 20% off, but have been known to get half off. You have to look a lot. Same with crystals. Maybe this summer you'll have some time to browse.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

This made me think of putting a bell on a cat, so the birds can have a fighting chance to live! I have no knowledge of Navajo culture, so this was interesting. -Jenn

donna baker said...

Good idea Jenn.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Just saying hi Donna! I have been awol for a time. Thanks so much for the encouragement on my little shop space. I sure would like to spend more time poking around your part of the west for vintage goodies. I wonder if the little bell is supposed to be humorous? Sure is cute!

donna baker said...

I think it was the custom at one time. It sure is humorous now.

Kirsten Steen said...

I love it! Mine didn't care for me either... but I wish she was still here so I could give her one of these. I think she would have gotten a kick out of it!

Sandra Cox said...

A Mother-In-Law bell. Heh. I wonder if the kids would want one for me?:)

donna baker said...

Glad to hear there are others, Kirsten.

donna baker said...

I adore my sons-in-law and daughter-in-law and I hope it's vice versa.

Down by the sea said...

That's fascinating! My FIL always used to tell my husband to always look at the mother before marrying their daughter as they would turn out the same! Sarah x

donna baker said...

I've heard that one too! Isn't that funny?

Curtains in My Tree said...

That is LOL interesting

donna baker said...

I know. It's great.

jerilanders said...

You don't see that kind of respect these days! How funny!

donna baker said...

i just love them and have several.