BEFORE BARBED WIRE

Since the beginning of time, man has constructed his barriers from natural materials adjacent to the barrier site. These materials were mostly wood from trees, stone, thorny brush, and mud. When settlers arrived on the Great Plains of America, they found these materials in short supply, thus creating a demand for a more economical type of fencing.

THE INVENTION OF WIRE WITH POINTS

In 1867, two inventors tried adding points to the smooth wire in an effort to make a more effective deterrent. One example was not practical to manufacture, the other experienced financial problems. In 1868, Michael Kelly invented a practical wire with points which was used in quantity until 1874.

THE INVENTION OF BARBED WIRE

Joseph F. Glidden of Dekalb, Illinois attended a county fair where he observed a demonstration of a wooden rail with sharp nails protruding along its sides, hanging inside a smooth wire fence. This inspired him to invent and patent a successful barbed wire in the form we recognize today. Glidden fashioned barbs on an improvised coffee bean grinder, placed them at intervals along a smooth wire, and twisted another wire around the first to hold the barbs in a fixed position.

Glidden's patent, No. 157124, was issued November 24, 1874. The patent application and related papers are found in the Records of the Patent and Trademark Office, Record Group 241.

ACCEPTING THE DEVIL'S ROPE

When livestock encountered barbed wire for the first time, it was usually a painful experience. The injuries provided sufficient reason for the public to protest its use. Religious groups called it "the work of the devil," or "The Devil's Rope" and demanded removal.

Free range grazers became alarmed the economical new barrier would mean the end of their livelihood. Trail Drivers were concerned their herds would be blocked from the Kansas markets by settler fences. Barbed wire fence development stalled.

Barbered Wire Jewelry by Devil's Rope

Devil's rope breaks all rules of jewelry design by using historically accurate barbed wire patents in the creation of rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets leather and exotic accessories. Barbs are meticulously created out of precious metals, with some designs incorporating the black natural Diamond.

We choose Devil's Rope jewelry because it embodies the spirit of the Old West, where open land beckoned pioneers willing to risk their lives in the taming of it, and for the exceptional quality of every piece.

Barbed wire was invented around 1870 to fill the need for an accessible and inexpensive fencing when natural materials were not readily available. It played an integral part in the westward expansion by defining boundaries in which people and their livestock lived and keeping out any man or beast that would threaten their claim.

Devil's Rope jewelry employs authentic, historically accurate barbs drawn from the thousands of styles carefully documented over years of research and categorization. Each Devil's Rope piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity indicating barb style, inventors name, and year of the original patent.

All exotic skins utilized in the Devil's Rope line are stamped on the underside with authentic skin type and made in the USA

Devil's Rope jewelry designs include a spiral barb ring called "Uphams Outside Coil", set with a black natural diamond. The lines also features a dramatic fringe necklace of fine silver containing sixteen "Glidden's Common Variation" barbs on 3mm braided leather which is complemented bt matching earrings.

Beautiful barbed rings are also available in the line, as well as bolo chokers and bracelets featuring large single barb.

All barbs are available in high polished or oxidized finish. Special orders are available in Platinum or Gold.

Because of the sharpness of the barb points, this jewelry is intended for adult wear and collecting only.

To see our collection of Barbed Wire Jewelry, Click Here.

Most PureTexan.com Jewelry is available online here or at Legend Jewelers
San Angelo Texas