How to Identify Handmade Native American Jewelry

Jewelry enthusiasts can tell you the struggles that they have had when looking for the best items to buy. It is clear that the sale of counterfeited pieces is not coming to an end any time soon unless there are better measures in place. However, before that, below are some better ways that people can use to tell if handmade Native American jewelry is authentic or not.

Check the Seller’s Inventory

Individual designers handcraft handmade American jewelry, which should tell you that each piece should be different. With handmade Native American jewelry bracelets, rings, or necklaces, no piece can resemble another. Therefore, when looking for where to buy them, make sure to go through the entire inventory of your chosen dealer and avoid them if you start seeing the same pieces repeatedly.

Carefully Check the Quality of the Materials

It would also be advisable to scan and feel the pieces carefully to confirm if their material is of original quality. As you feel them, you can tell if the items are original ones, as the authentic ones will spot a high-quality stone or metal feel. Taking a close look and feeling them more, in this case, should make it easier to spot counterfeits.

While at it, be sure that you can tell between silver- and sterling silver-plated jewelry. Usually, the plating is done for them to resemble original pieces, but you can tell if they are genuine or not by checking for any signs of coating. To do this, you can use a magnet against the jewelry items and avoid them if they start to magnetize. Authentic and original silver cannot magnetize, meaning the magnet will not pull the items unless they are made of nickel.

Ask for Details about the Artists

If you find jewelry pieces that are rather new than what you know of, ask for more information about the designers. The information will give you more details about the origin of the items before you buy them. It will also be easier to know the origin, the artist’s tribe, and if the dealer buys directly from them.

Talk to a reliable dealer if you must get original jewelry. Better yet, ask a jewelry authenticator to help you. Most importantly, do proper homework and due diligence, and you might be lucky to find original Native American bracelets, rings, or necklaces.