How To Authenticate Turquoise Native American Jewelry


It is unfortunate that there is a lot of fake Native American turquoise jewelry out there. There is naturally going to be imitators as Native American designs and products are becoming popular. The harsh reality is that the jewelry that is made overseas in factories doesn’t even come close to the quality, beauty and craftsmanship that has made the authentic jewelry from Native Americans. The following guide will help you authenticate genuine jewelry from Native Americans before buying it.

Price

It is good to be a skeptic in the jewelry world. When you find jewelry that is too cheap, you should think twice before buying. Authentic jewelry from Native Americans is handmade and needs a great deal of effort, time and skill. With all these in mind, it is crucial that artisans are compensated for their hard work accordingly. A low price shouldn’t automatically mean that it is not genuine Native American jewelry but it should be a warning flag.

The magnet test

Native American artisans take pride in the materials they use. This may not be the universal truth but most authentic jewelry from southwest American Indians is crafted with sterling silver. It is common knowledge that silver does not magnetize. If you hold a magnet close to the piece and realize that the jewelry is responding to the magnet, it is probably a silver plated piece and this should be a red flag.

The quality of the stone

The law requires dealers to disclose whether the Native American turquoise jewelry stone is stabilized or natural. Stones that are natural are more desirable options and they will generally cost more in their unaltered state. However, stones that are stabilized are becoming common as turquoise mining is reducing in many parts of the world. Natural turquoise is a sign that you have an authentic piece of jewelry.

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