We specialize in providing high quality Native American Southwest Indian Jewelry, Southwest home decor products, and other handmade natural products for your body, your spirit, and your home.

Buying Tips for Consumers

Is It Real?  Is It Hand-Made?  Is It Made by Native Artists?

BUYING NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY:

Appearance

Is the jewelry well crafted? Are images clear, lines unwavering?  Are stones well-cut, uniform in size and secure in their settings?  If the design is stamped, is the design clear and even?  Is the artist’s ‘hallmark’ stamped on the jewelry?  Many Indian artists use a hallmark to identify their work. The hallmark may be a symbol or a signature of the artist.  If the piece is made with Heishi – strung shell or stone beads – should be regular in cut and smooth to the touch.  Fine heishi feels like liquid when run through the fingers.

Materials

If jewelry is made of silver, is it marked "Sterling"?  If turquoise or other opaque stones are used, is the stone natural or has it been altered to change the color or hardness of the stone?

Price

Genuine handmade Indian jewelry is often expensive. Mechanically produced or imported products made with lower labor costs may cost considerably less. If the price seems too good to be true – it probably is!!

Source

By law, any item sold as Indian or Native American-made, must be the creation of an individual who is a member of a state or federally recognized tribe or tribally certified as an Indian artisan. Ask the seller to certify that the item was Indian made.

Dealer

Buy from an established dealer who will provide a guarantee of authenticity and who will be available later to respond to any questions or complaints you may have about your purchase.

Documentation

Obtain a receipt that includes all pertinent information about the value of your purchase.

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Last modified: 03/16/08

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