I second @Ziacat on this. Don’t have Dr. Lori appraise Native American jewelry. Find an expert.
And $59 for 10 min?? Yowza. I’ll tell that to my figure skaters regarding my cost for private lessons. They’re getting a deal with me ![]()
Sorry for my reply getting off. For some reason my phone has issues getting a message to open up. And sometimes doesn’t show who it is replying to at top. Thanks for the info. A jeweler charges $150 for first item appraisal then $50 each there after! So I did not think it was bad. Was not jewelry with Dr Lori antiques. Who do you recommend for NA appraisal? Do they do it from photos? The beading classes I taught were a steal too!
I know lots of people get caught up in TV “personalities” (I will never understand why) but IMHO, I would prefer to check with real industry professionals with years of hands-on experience such as museums and major auction houses that have specialty departments. Most auction houses will give auction estimates - for FREE.
These antler “things” are different. Maybe someone has seen something like it before or it might be on the order of what George Carlin once said.
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@StevesTrail
100 likes for the George Carlin reference.
Could these be what are called ear weights?
I did an image search of one of your photos and that was the result. There were some made from antlers, but none as long as yours.
I would contact @Jason of the forum for an informal appraisal and live with that. He would have a sense if they’re NA or not and a guess on value.
Dr Lori has her PH.D as an antique appraiser. They call on her to verify what the antiquities of Oak Island. She is an industry professional. I have learned a lot from her. She helps the average person learn how to resell and has great passion for it and cares about people. I have respect for her! You are the second man to respond and with put downs towards a woman. First one, go to Wallmart wearing a get up to draw men. Now insinuating I am caught up in a TV personality puts me beneath your humble opinion. Then adding another put down by referencing George Carlin quotes.
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; …
Thank you to everyone who gave ideas and suggestions. I appreciate it. However I don’t feel comfortable here. God bless you all!
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You wanted an honest assessment Deb. Here it is.
Would characterize these as experimental pieces
Without knowing the history on these, it’s impossible to know whether or not they were made by native hands, or for what (if any) purpose. Probably not, but you never know.
The way the twist wire is used in construction is reminiscent of Asian (Philippine or Thai) copies/interpretations of native work.
The turquoise is treated, and extremely low quality. Silverwork is (mostly) hand fabricated intermediate student level work. Not the work of an expert craft person by any means. Silver feathers are low quality castings (not hand made). Whoever made these pieces likely acquired the feathers from a vendor, or elsewhere as ready made findings.
Without provenance value is whatever the materials — antlers and silver at scrap value minus the stones — are worth .
Thank you so much, I highly appreciate your response and knowledge!
why does there need to be some magical,mystical, religious mystery attached? why not just “cool”?
They are way cool. I was going to sell them if very valuable. But to sell them I wanted to make sure the description of them would be accurate!
The function of these 2 pieces is a real puzzle. The closest thing I could find online is this, but it’s still quite different.
I like Dr Lori and I know who she is. However, her area of expertise is not Native American jewelry. She seems to know costume and antique and old gold and stuff like that. Everyone has their area. I would trust her for certain things, but apparently not for Native American jewelry.
I’d certainly go with @mmrogers on this. He knows jewelry fabrication.