The "Kona-wwata-ki", or crescent sliver gorgets, have an interesting origin (Sturtevant, 1967). English officers wore gorgets as a symbol of rank. In some cases, Indian chiefs were awarded an army rank for service given to the English in time of war. When a chief received a mliltary rank, he was given a standard army gorget (Goggin, 1940). As time passed, gorgets were copied by other male tribal members and worn as decoration. They heated silver coins and pounded them together with a hammer.

Graduated gorgets were worn in sets of two or three, but there is an occasional picture showing four worn. (Fig. 7, Sturtevant, 1967; Fig. 62, MacCauley, 1887). When in graduated sizes, the largest was worn at the top, its upper curves usually Just touching at the collarbones. Earlier 1820's and 1830's gorgets seen in McKenney-Hall are much smaller than mid or late 19th century gorgets.

Gorgets were made, however infrequently, up to the 1930's, and began to disappear after then (Sturtevant, 1967).

Although here are patterns and instructions for gorget construction, I urge you to do your own research. These instructions are intended for hobbyists who want an acceptable reproduction of gorgets made in the late 1800's and early 1900's.