Native American Jewelry – Appraisal and Investment (2024)

FAQs

Is Native American jewelry worth anything? ›

From an investment point of view, one should have been buying great old pieces made between 1870 and 1940. There are a few exceptions but generally, these pieces have continually increased in value, and in today's market can easily demand in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Only if you are in the market for high end contemporary pieces or older, more valuable pieces and you have the knowledge and experience to know the difference between trash and treasures, should you consider Native American jewelry and art as an investment.

Be Prepared to Answer Some Questions About Your Jewelry

Be sure to provide as much detail as possible to ensure accurate appraisals. Additionally, it is also important to bring with you any paperwork associated with your jewelry, such as purchase receipts or previous appraisals.

How do you know if the jewelry appraiser is trustworthy? A reputable Jewelry Appraiser will be certified by one or more national organizations and should have extensive experience appraising jewelry. Always ask questions and ask to see documentation if you're not sure.

American Indian artists use only high-quality stones and metals in their jewelry. Sometimes, spotting a fake is as easy as taking a close look at the craftsmanship. A genuine piece will have no wavering lines or lopsided designs, well-cut stones that are uniform in size, and no visible glue between the metal and stone.

​It is illegal to market art or craftwork using the name of a Native Nation if a citizen or a certified Indian artisan of that nation did not actually create the art or craftwork.

The average item takes 30 minutes to appraise. Some items are more complex and take further research and require more time. Some items are straight forward and will take less time. Multiple item appraisals typically take less time due to less set up time between each article.

Yes. In order to give you the most accurate appraisal possible, bring any documentation you have for the piece, such as a sales receipt, previous appraisals, or laboratory certificates from GIA, EGL, AGS, etc. You should also bring the jewelry itself.

We recommend taking the piece to a jeweler to be tested. They will have professional tests that will determine whether your jewelry is real as well as the purity of the metal itself. A certified appraiser will be able to provide the value of the piece as well.

An online appraisal is a rough estimate and is not recognized by insurance companies. If you are serious about selling your jewelry or need an appraisal for insurance purposes, you will need an official evaluation by a professional trained and certified by a well-known grading laboratory, like the GIA or AGS.

What credentials should a jewelry appraiser have? ›

Gemological Credentials: With no federal or state requirements for appraisers, it is crucial to ask for credentials. A Graduate Gemologist diploma (G.G.) from the GIA or its equivalent should be considered minimum gemological training.

And that's because they serve different purposes. People primarily use jewelry appraisals for insurance purposes, and therefore, they reflect the item's potential value if it meets ideal circ*mstances. The selling price is grounded in reality and reflects what the item is worth in today's market.

Its demand is greater than ever among collectors who want authentic jewelry that has actually been worn and coveted by the indigenous people who created it which is becoming scarcer and more valuable by the day.

When you wear authentic Native American jewelry, you don't risk the idea that you may be offending or culturally appropriating indigenous cultures. Native Americans will only sell pieces to shops that they feel culturally comfortable with you wearing.

Many Native American jewelry makers mark their pieces with signatures or hallmarks that indicate the artist's name, tribe, or origin. Typically, it's their initials of some kind. Maker's marks testify to the piece's authenticity and can provide valuable historical insights.

Pricing your Native American artifacts

The more rare an artifact is, the more valuable it is likely to be. Additionally, the condition of the artifact will also impact its value. Artifacts that are in excellent condition are typically more valuable than those that show signs of wear and tear.