What is Black Hills Gold?
Leaves in three colors of gold, made in the Black Hills.
Black Hills Gold is jewelry made in the Black Hills of South Dakota, decorated with grape clusters, vines and leaves in yellow, green and rose gold. Only jewelry made in the Black Hills may be sold under the name.
Three colors of gold
The look comes from three gold alloys set side by side. Yellow gold is the familiar color. Green gold is gold alloyed with silver, and rose (pink) gold is gold alloyed with copper.
The traditional motif is grape clusters and leaves on a vine. On most of our gold pieces the body is 10K gold and the leaves are 12K gold in rose and green, often with fine engraved lines that catch the light.
Made in the Black Hills
"Black Hills Gold" tells you where the jewelry is made. In 1980 a federal appeals court upheld an order that jewelry made outside the Black Hills can't be sold as Black Hills Gold (Black Hills Jewelry Mfg. Co. v. Gold Rush, Inc.). In 1988 South Dakota named Black Hills Gold its official state jewelry.
Legend ties the grape-and-leaf design to the 1870s gold rush and a French goldsmith named Henri LeBeau. It's a story rather than a record, but the craft has been part of the Black Hills for well over a century.
Gold or Gold on Silver?
Gold pieces are solid 10K gold throughout, with 12K gold leaves. Gold on Silver pieces use a sterling silver base decorated with the same 12K Black Hills Gold leaves: the same look at a lower price.
Family rings also come in white gold. Every family ring and pendant can be ordered with genuine or synthetic birthstones.
The brands we carry
Landstrom's
Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold: leaf and grape designs, watches, and Gold on Silver pieces.
Shop 258 piecesMt. Rushmore
Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold: rings, pendants and earrings, including the classic "Baby" ring.
Shop 191 piecesBlack Hills Gold by TRJ
Black Hills Gold by TRJ: family pendants and rings such as the Generational Tree, plus earrings and bands.
Shop 130 piecesCaring for Black Hills Gold
- Clean it with warm water, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft brush; rinse, then dry with a soft cloth.
- Take it off before swimming, using cleaning products, or working with your hands.
- Store pieces apart, in a soft pouch or their gift box, so they don't scratch each other.
- Sterling silver darkens over time: brighten Gold on Silver pieces with a silver polishing cloth.
- Avoid harsh dips and abrasive polishes, which can dull the leaves' finish.
Black Hills Gold questions
Is Black Hills Gold real gold?
Yes. Our gold pieces are 10K gold with 12K rose and green gold leaves. Gold on Silver pieces are sterling silver decorated with 12K gold leaves.
Does the gold come from the Black Hills?
The name tells you where the jewelry is made: under a 1980 federal court ruling, only jewelry made in the Black Hills of South Dakota can be sold as Black Hills Gold.
Why are the leaves pink and green?
Rose gold gets its color from copper and green gold from silver, each alloyed with gold. Together with yellow gold they make the three-color look.
Does Black Hills Gold tarnish?
Gold doesn't tarnish. Sterling silver darkens over time, so Gold on Silver pieces may need a silver polishing cloth now and then.
How do I clean Black Hills Gold?
Use warm water, a little mild soap and a soft brush, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh dips and abrasive polishes.
Which brands do you carry?
We carry Landstrom's Original, Mt. Rushmore and Black Hills Gold by TRJ, all made in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Can I add birthstones?
Yes. Our family rings and pendants take 1 to 14 birthstones, genuine or synthetic. Find a family ring by number of stones.
Questions about a piece?
We're happy to help with sizing, gift ideas or anything else. Send us a note and we'll get back to you.