Would like to list on Turquoise People Auction but not sure it’s American Indian. Is it -is it not?
Strung on double thread
Length: 23" end to end
Approx. strand width: Varies between 6 mm & 5.5 mm
Total weight my scale 53.4 grams
Unsigned
Thank you, Sara
I didn’t comment right away when I first saw the post; I was hoping someone else would comment first. But I will put my two cents in. Initially, i thought this was Native made. The turquoise has a nice, desirable color (Sleeping Beauty or Kingman maybe?) and has lots of turquoise beads. However, the curved cone beads made me think that this is more of a southwestern piece. Those cone beads look manufactured, and I found some available for sale online.
So I looked for a few other necklaces that use these same beads and found these. None of particularly scream “Native American” to me:
So, my initial thought is that this is more of a southwestern piece, than Native American. I would think that a Native necklace would have Native components as well. However, I realize I could be entirely incorrect and this could definitely be Native made. Regardless, I don’t think that would really make a difference in the price. I think you should ask the same price as if it were Native.
Perhaps it is Native and the maker just took a short cut, like they sometimes do with belt buckle attachments.
@TAH I agree, it’s more than likely that this is the case too. As a seller I just get really worried about labeling things incorrectly, you know? I guess I’d rather label something as being Southwestern, and if it turns out to be Native, then that’s okay. But if the reverse happens, I’m not okay with that.
Thanks @Bigbree43 - @TAH -always appreciated.
Turquoise beads like this are sold at supply stores. They usually come from dealers who bring a large quantity of strands. It is very common for an artist to buy the strands and purchase the stringing material and the cones. Also, you find bead necklaces finished with traditional wraps and someone wants this style of cone finish and has them restrung.
I’ve purchased similar beads from supply stores in NM and AZ and made a necklace in a similar style. I’d question calling a necklace Native American Made unless you know for sure who made it, or the signature style of the necklace could be attributed to a specific maker or family. Perhaps it can legitimately be called Native American Style or Southwestern Style but beyond that seems like it might be unethical, only because it’s so easy for anyone to make this style of necklace in today’s world. My opinion is that of a collector, and as such I would expect that if a reputable seller labeled an item Native American, they could back that up, and in this case it doesn’t appear that’s possible.
