A type of
gold jewelry created only in the
Black Hills of
South Dakota. Black Hills Gold pieces are
handmade, usually 10K or 12K gold, and always feature one or more
grape leaves, done in
rose gold or green gold. They are produced by several
companies in the
Black Hills area, under strict
licensing. Black Hills Gold jewelry is also produced featuring the
Harley-Davidson trademark, under license.
The grape-leaf design goes back to the legend of a French prospector who became lost while searching for gold in the Black Hills. Suffering from hunger and thirst, he dreamt of a beautiful stream with grapevines growing beside it. He eventually settled in the area, and created the first jewelry pieces featuring grape leaves as a decoration.
Black Hills Gold jewelry is among the most unique jewelry in the world, and the only American-made jewelry that enjoys substantial sales overseas. It is very popular in Europe.