Native American SW Indian Jewelry Collection 2024-07-14 Auction - 400 Price Results - Billy The Kid Auction House in NM (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.

Authentic Native American jewelry does not have wavering lines. There is no visible glue between the metal and the stone, and stones used in Native American jewelry are accurately cut. Native American artists use high-quality, naturally occurring materials such as precious gemstones and metals in their jewelry.

Look at the Appearance

Authentic Native American jewelry is often handmade and exhibits the artist's unique touch. Look for irregularities and imperfections that are indicative of hand craftsmanship. Machine-made jewelry tends to be perfectly symmetrical, with uniform semi-precious stones and clear, unwavering lines.

Authentic Native American jewelry tells a story and connects people of different backgrounds through beautiful, wearable art. Wearing authentic Native-designed jewelry is a way to appreciate Native culture—not appropriate! Native artists will only sell items that it's okay for you—whether you're Native or not—to wear.

​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.

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.

There are two main types of Inlay, stone-to-stone inlay and channel inlay. When the stones are shaped and worked to sit directly next to each other this is considered stone-to-stone inlay. The inlaid stonework is sometimes worked in-between metal channels that separate the stones from each other.

To tell if Navajo pearls are real, first look at the clasp. Genuine pieces produced by Navajo artisans will usually feature an open-hook clasp. Also, examine the sterling silver beads that make up the necklace carefully. Because artisans craft each one by hand, no two beads will be identical.

Hold a strong magnet on your piece of jewelry. If the magnet sticks, this is an immediate indication of a fake material being used. Most simulated gold and silver is made of brass, copper, or other base metals commonly known as “pot metal." These are not attracted to a magnet, so this test won't work on them.

When 925 is stamped on Jewellery it usually means the metal material is silver alloy. Sterling silver is usually 92.5 per cent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper, but other metal(s) are sometimes used in place of copper, for example nickel.

What is Pawn Native American jewelry? ›

Old Pawn jewelry gets its name from its history. Starting in the early 1900s, pawning jewelry was a common practice between Native Americans and traders. Native Americans pawned jewelry in times of need, meaning most pieces were family heirlooms containing valuable turquoise and silver.

If your jewelry has lots of silver and large unshaped stones, there's a good chance it's a Navajo piece. If it has smaller expertly cut stones, clusters of stones, or stone inlay, then there's a good chance it might be a Zuni piece.

Native American Cultures and Clothing: Native American Is Not a Costume. Dressing up as a Native American is never appropriate. For years, classrooms across the country have included special days where students "dress up" as Native Americans for different celebrations and lesson activities.

Lois Sherr Dubin writes, "[i]n the absence of written languages, adornment became an important element of Indian communication, conveying many levels of information." Later, jewelry and personal adornment "... signaled resistance to assimilation. It remains a major statement of tribal and individual identity."

Throughout the years, jewelry has been a part of the Native American culture. They use it for trade as well as pieces of adornment. Originally, though, the tribes of the Native Americans do not use the traditional way of wearing rings in their weddings.

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.

Today, most Native American jewelry, hollowware and flatware is identified by artist's initials, names or symbols that are stamped or etched onto their creations. However, that has not always been the case. In the 1920s only a few Native Americans marked their work with their initial(s), name or personal symbol.

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.