There are federal laws governing the commercial trade for Native American jewelry, with specific info on what can be sold as such. Penalties apply for violating these laws.
If you’re interested in learning about Native American Southwest jewelry, you may want to read the many books on the subject. And of course read the numerous threads with valuable info on this site.
Gotcha, that makes sense. The books would be great to learn facts, as far as the threads, I think I’ll just read those for anything thats open for dispute.
There are some members here who are long time professionals. Jason from Perry Null, who owns this page, often shares his knowledge. MMRogers has been making and selling jewelry for many years.
There may be others as well.
Yes, pictures are long overdue. Been really busy with work. I will try and remember (I have CRS) when the wife and I get back in town after the holidays.
A couple of the rings look like they could possibly be Native American, especially the one on the right in the first pic (does it have a hallmark on the back?). The things I circled look to be Asian made, something about the scroll work and the beading on the silver beads.
I think i am starting to see the difference now between the asian and native american jewelry. But it sure does make it easier when it has markings on it. I didnt grab the ring and bring it home today and i cant remember if it has a marking other than 925 on the back. , ill pick it up tomorrow. Ill post more of what i brought home today that im unsure of heres one.
one thing to note, most Native American silversmiths don’t use a “925” sterling stamp, but one with the word “sterling” spelled out. of course, there are exceptions. but a good rule of thumb is if you see 925 you will need to dig deeper to determine the origin if you are thinking Native American. Also, when you see faceted gems or beads you could buy in a craft store, that’s a good reason to dig deeper.
I’m thinking there are non-native items that use the word sterling. It’s just that most native made items use the word sterling vs. 925. I have one ring that has .925, but it also has the artist’s hallmark, and I bought it directly from the artist, so I knew it was native made. And some native items might have a generic stamp on the cones (I have one Navajo made necklace that does). I know, it’s all really confusing. But it’ll make sense eventually! I think what @StevesTrail was saying about the generic stamp on the cone was that it wasn’t a hallmark.
I don’t know if I stated that very clearly…
Edit: I reread what he said, and I guess that stamp is on non-native items, but like I said, I have it on a native made item which I bought at a National Park gift shop, and have documentation that it’s Navajo made. I might have to look and see if it has that exact mark.
Yes, except for my legit Milford Calamity (Navajo) ring which has .925 and his hallmark on it. He uses the .925 stamp quite a bit. And his stuff is DEFINITELY something I would purchase again.
Thank you. Doesnt surprise me that its not NA jewelry. I think if there wasnt so many items made overseas that try to copy the same style, it would be easier to recognize NA jewelry.
Oh you are so right about that. Native American jewelry is being so copied, and it’s frustrating not only for those of us that love to buy it, but especially for those natives that make their living crafting it. It’s taught me to be crazy careful about how I shop for Native American jewelry, or any native art for that matter. People not only get taken in by how real it can look, but I also that the prices are cheaper. Unfortunately good Native American jewelry is not cheap.
