Tips for Buying Vintage Native American Jewelry

Native American jewelry pieces are typically valued as collectibles, especially vintage ones. Owning a vintage piece or two can certainly add more value to your collection. Native Americans are known for their superb craftsmanship and their penchant for using only the finest materials in their jewelry, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their culture, lifestyle, events, and unique stories from every tribe. You can buy vintage Native American jewelry online, but be sure to explore these tips to make sure that you are buying authentic and high-quality pieces: 

• Buy only from an established and reputable retailer – Verify the seller's background and reputation by looking up feedback and reviews online. The best retailers are known to work with numerous Native American artists, so they are authorized to carry and sell the pieces, too.
• Choose retailers that deal directly with Native American jewelers and turquoise miners – Without the middlemen, they are able to offer Native American pieces to you at highly competitive prices. Make sure that they are established retailers that have been in the business for at least four decades. This way, you can be confident that you are buying authentic pieces from a reputable and trustworthy business.

• Look for a certificate of authenticity – Genuine vintage Native American jewelry comes with its proof of authenticity to assure collectors of the name of its artist, retail value, materials used, and the tribal affiliation.

• Take a closer look at the piece and examine signs of its authenticity – Authentic Native American jewelry typically has the signature of the silversmith, a hallmark, or both. However, take note that not all Native American artists sign their work, so the absence of those elements does not necessarily compromise authenticity. If the piece is not signed, take a look at the quality and type of materials that were used. Authentic vintage Native American jewelry is typically made of sterling silver, often utilizing gem-grade turquoise or coral