Buying American Indian jewelry
& crafts can be fun, exciting
and confusing. Whether you’re
considering a gift of American
Indian jewelry & crafts
for someone special or as
a treat for yourself, take
some time to learn the terms
used in the industry. Here’s
some information to help you
get the best quality American
Indian jewelry & crafts
for your money, whether you’re
shopping in a traditional
brick and mortar store or
online.
Whether you're drawn to the
beauty of turquoise and silver
jewelry or the earth tones
of Indian pottery, some information
about American Indian arts
and crafts can help you get
what you pay for. Unfortunately,
some unscrupulous retailers
are selling imitation American
Indian arts and crafts to
unwary consumers.
According to the Indian Arts
and Crafts Act of 1990, any
item produced after 1935 that
is marketed as "Indian,"
"Native American"
or "Alaska Native"
must have been made by a member
of a state or federally-recognized
tribe or a certified Indian
artisan. That is a non-member
Indian artisan who is certified
by the governing body of an
Indian tribe.
3 Tips for Buying Genuine
American Indian Jewelry &
Crafts
1. Buy from an established
dealer who gives a written
guarantee or written verification
of authenticity. Ask if your
item comes with a certification
tag. Not all authentic Indian
arts and crafts carry this
tag, but those that do are
certified by the Department
of the Interior (DOI) to be
genuine. This sample tag identifies
the artisan as a member of
the Oklahoma Indian Arts and
Crafts Cooperative. However,
you may see a different name
and logo appearing in the
circle on the item you buy.
2. Get a receipt that includes
information about the value
of your purchase and any verbal
representations by the salesperson.
For example, if the salesperson
tells you that the piece of
jewelry you're buying is sterling
silver and natural turquoise
and was handmade by an American
Indian artisan, make sure
this information is documented
on your receipt.
3. Before buying American
Indian arts and crafts at
powwows, annual fairs, juried
competitions, and other events,
check the event requirements
for information about the
authenticity of the products
for sale. Many events list
their requirements in newspaper
ads, promotional flyers and
printed programs. If the event
organizers don't say anything
about the authenticity of
the American Indian arts and
crafts for sale, get written
verification for any item
you buy that is sold as authentic.
For more information on jewelry
and gemstones, we cordially
invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com
to pick up your FREE copy
of “How To Buy Jewelry
And Gemstones Without Being
Ripped Off.” This concise,
informative special report
reveals almost everything
you ever wanted to know about
jewelry and gemstones, but
were afraid to ask. Get your
FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com
