Native AmHow to know authentic Native American jewelry?
If you want to buy an authentic native American turquoise necklace, you need to know how to separate the wheat from the chaff. In this regard, this article would be your ideal guide. Let’s get started.
No two pieces are the same
An authentic Native American turquoise necklace is a unique piece of artifact. It is handmade by individual artisans. This implies that no two pieces are the same. If you have decided on getting a piece from a seller, then check their inventory. If you find the same design with the same hallmark again, then something is wrong. The hallmark is the signature of the individual silversmith. Even the same artist, while creating similar pieces, will have specific identifiable differences in the jewelry. Only handmade pieces will mark such distinctions. Hence if you want authentic pieces, it has to be handmade, and no two pieces can be the same. You will always own a unique piece that will be special to you.
Always check the quality of the materials.
Only the highest-quality metals and stones are used to create the distinct designs of Native American jewelry. They still use the old techniques that are reminiscent of thousands of years of jewelry-making tradition. They ensure that little to no change is implemented in traditional techniques on creating the piece; hence the designs are very intricately done. If you look at the craftsmanship carefully, then you can easily spot a fake. The genuine pieces will be flawlessly made with no lopsided designs and wavering lines. The artists are well trained in jewelry making and have been doing it for years. Hence, there are minimal chances of making a mistake in creating something that their people have invented and developed over the years. There will be no visible glue in between the stone and metal. Such filmsical job is simply not acceptable while making turquoise heishi necklaces. Most artists don’t even use glue to set their stones in place. They simply wedge the stones in the inlay patterns or their setting with the help of sand or other materials. The stones are also well-cut and are uniform in size. Also, don’t forget to check between silver-plated and sterling silver jewelry. If you want the real deal, then it has to be sterling silver, not silver plated. The silver plating will be cheaper, but you will miss out on the real craftsmanship. Some traders also sell you the cheaper version at a higher price by faking its authenticity. You can easily tell the difference by holding a piece of magnet to the jewelry. If the sterling silver is authentic, the magnet won’t be pulling it. The silver-plated pieces have magnetized nickel in them which will be attracted towards the magnet.
Ask for the information regarding the artist.
If you are not getting an artifact or something old, then the seller should provide you with information regarding the creator of the piece of Native American jewelry. The seller should be able to provide you with the exact details of the origin of the piece of jewelry if it is new. If you are buying directly from the artist, that person should give you details regarding his/her tribe and their clan relationships possibly. Even the seller should have this basic information ready if you ask them about such information regarding the artist. Also, never get a piece of jewelry like a turquoise heishi necklace without written verification of authenticity. When you are purchasing something culturally significant, you should always get paperwork that guarantees its authenticity. Otherwise, there is something you should be doubtful about regarding the seller. Each artist uses one-of-a-kind pieces, skills, and imagination to create jewelry. The skill and time-intensive work should be appreciated with the price it demands. Hence, when you are getting Native American jewelry for a bargain or at a much cheaper rate, then it’s probably fake, or the artist has been exploited. Try to get your money’s worth of the age-old tradition of jewelry design by only fully checking the authenticity.
Now that you all know the basics about a native American turquoise necklace, it’s time to look for an authentic online seller to buy your necklace. Make sure to purchase from a seller having a good online reputation in the market. It would be better if you will not fall for low price deals as you know very well that original handmade jewelry would never cost you low.
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In this regard, New Mexico Gems would be your ideal bet as it can give you an authentic Native American turquoise necklace that too at a nominal market price.
