Learn How To Buy Estate Native American Indian Jewelry
Estate American Indian Jewelry is fashionable, collectable, and
beautiful! However, buying American Indian jewelry can be
confusing. But if you learn the terms used in Native Jewelry
you'll be a much smarter shopper and you'll get the best quality
jewelry you can afford. Whether you are shopping online where
there are some great deals or in a traditional brick and mortar
store it pays to know what you are looking for.
You will find yourself drawn to the beauty of turquoise or
coral silver jewelry. There's a reason - It's devine! You can
purchase new or old American Indian Jewelry but the estate
native jewelry that was designed before it was a commercially
practiced trait can have special appeal. But whether you are
buying new or used there are few unscrupulous sellers that you
need to watch out for.
In 1990 the Indian Arts and Crafts Act was passed which states
that any item produced after 1935 that is marketed as "Alaska
Native" "Indian," or "Native American" must have been made by a
member of a state or federally-recognized tribe or a certified
Indian artisan. That is a non-member Indian artisan who is
certified by the governing body of an Indian tribe.
You should always buy from an established dealer who will give
you written verification of the authenticity. Ask if the jewelry
piece comes with certification. Not all authentic Native
American Jewelry carries this certification but those registered
with the Government do.
You should also obtain a receipt which has the value of your
purchase and any representation or information presented
verbally. For example, if you are told that the ring is genuine
Native American jewelry - natural turquoise set in sterling
silver have this information written on your receipt as well.
If you are attending a powwow, Native American fair, or a trade
fair where Native jewelry is for sale be sure to with the
organizers as to the requirements for entering the event to find
out if the artists must be infact registered artists. If
purchasing online be sure to contact the website and ask the
same question.
Now there's not anything wrong with buying Native Jewelry that
is not from a registered artist as long as you know this and you
are paying an appropriate price. There are many beautiful
authentic and non authentic pieces on the market. But the golden
rule is that it is illegal to advertise Native American Jewelry
as authentic unless it is made by a registered artist.