About BHG - Black Hills Gold Jewelry

Black Hills Gold jewelry is manufactured in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. The history of the jewelry dates back to 1874, when a member of a prospecting expedition led by the infamous General Custer struck gold along South Dakota's French Creek. This discovery resulted in one of the last major gold rushes in American history, which in turn led to the growth of new towns in region, including the infamous Deadwood.

One of the residents of Deadwood was S.T. Butler, who is considered the father of Black Hills Gold jewelry. He originated a grape-leaf design in three colors: pure gold, green-tinted gold, and silver-tinted gold. To create the different colors, he combined the gold with copper and silver.

Later, in 1919, one of Butler's grandsons, F.L. Thorpe, expanded upon his grandfather's business, founding the F.L. Thorpe Company. Thorpe and his partners produced many different jewelry designs in addition to the original grape leaf motif.

Today, Black Hills Gold is the official state jewelry of South Dakota. In order for jewelry to be legally called "Black Hills Gold," it must be manufactured in the Black Hills region. Styles of jewelry include bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, brooches, and men's accessories. Though designs vary greatly, Black Hills gold is often recognizable for its intricate detail and engraving. Many visitors to the Black Hills region enjoy shopping for the jewelry, and many find it makes an excellent souvenir or gift. In recent years, manufacturers of Black Hills gold have begun selling their jewelry online, introducing its unique look to people from all over the world.