You've decided you want to buy some Native American jewelry. That's a great choice! American Navajo jewelry is some of the most attractive in the world. But with so many fakes out there, how can you be sure you're buying the real thing?
Don't worry. We're here to help. Below are certain tips for shopping confidently for authentic Navajo jewelry. Follow these guidelines, and you'll be able to find the ideal piece of jewelry that you can be proud to wear.
What to Look for When Buying Authentic Native American Jewelry
When shopping for Native American jewelry, one of the most significant things to look for is authenticity. Here are a few tips to assist you buy authentic Navajo jewelry with confidence:
• Look for jewelry made by a Native American artist.
• Check to determine if the jewelry is hallmarked or stamped with a quality mark.
• Ask questions about the piece and the artist who created it.
• Be a Smart Buyer.
Look For Jewelry Made By A Native American Artist
Simply walking into a store and hoping for the best will not yield the best results in terms of authenticity. Native-owned businesses, both brick-and-mortar and online, will boldly display their tribe identity. Look for artist names and tribal connections in product descriptions to help guarantee your item was produced by a Native artisan.
Check To Determine If The Jewelry Is Hallmarked Or Stamped With A Quality Mark
American Indian artisans only employ high-quality stones and metals in their jewelry. A detailed inspection of the craftsmanship might sometimes reveal a fake item. A genuine item will have no wavy lines or asymmetrical patterns, well-cut stones of consistent size, and no apparent glue between the metal and stone.
Keep an eye out for genuine silver jewelry as opposed to silver-plated jewelry. Holding a tiny magnet to the object is a simple method to identify the difference. The magnet will not attract genuine sterling silver. Silver-plated items include magnetic nickel.
Inquire About The Artist's Background
Especially if the Native American jewelry is fresh rather than a relic, the vendor should know and be able to tell you where it came from. This includes determining the artist's tribe and potentially their clan affiliations. (If purchasing straight from the artist). When acquiring real Navajo jewelry, you should always request formal certification of authenticity.
If you want to buy real jewlery, you can switch to the website of Gonavajo. Wondering why? Well, because they take pleasure in their assortment of authentic Native American jewelry, the bulk of which is created by craftsmen. They can guarantee the authenticity of every Native American-made work they offer for sale since we have over years of expertise in buying, selling, and assessing American Indian art.
Be A Wise Purchaser
The easiest way to avoid acquiring mislabeled or fraudulent Native American Indian jewelry is to buy from a trusted merchant. An experienced trader will be able to answer inquiries about the work, the artist, and the jewelry-making traditions and peculiarities of the Pueblo or Nation.
Look At The Silver
Before polishing tools, artists would hand forge and hand hammer creations from silver ingots or blocks. This creates a folding or layering effect and might indicate the age of the item.
Investigate Tribal Styles And Techniques
Take the time to complete your study on the artists and tribes.
For example, numerous well-known Navajo jewelers have mastered micro-inlay methods, and their works are quite precious. A competent appraiser can assist you in authenticating items.
Also, be aware of repetition – an artist's designs may be similar, but no two handcrafted works will be identical.
Beware Of Fake Turquoise
If you leave your turquoise and silver cuff bracelet on the dashboard of your car, only to discover that the turquoise has melted in our hot Arizona heat. You will surely be disappointed. Then don't allow this to happen to you.
Keep in mind that many stones are treated, which isn't always a negative thing, but it's something you should be aware of because natural stones are typically more valuable.
Examine The Complete Inventory Of The Seller
Navajo jewelry is handcrafted by unique artists, so no two pieces are alike. Conduct some general research on your possible seller's inventory. Consider it a red signal if you keep seeing identical items, especially with the same hallmark (the signature of an individual silversmith).
Navajo Arts And Crafts Enterprise, including the work of individual artists and Pueblos of Nations, recognizes many hallmarks. They guarantee that all Native American Indian jewelry they carry is authentic. So, if we have to recommend a name from where you can buy authentic jewlery, you can count on Navajo Arts And Crafts Enterprise. Because, as aforesaid, the website offers authenticity along with style. Moreover, they won’t let you burn holes in your pocket to buy your favorite piece. So, what are you waiting for? Have the tinge of their culture hassle-free with Navajo Arts And Crafts Enterprise.
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