Native American jewelry remains a popular collecting category these days. It is a broad subject but here is a an overview to get you started.
Most pieces of NatAm jewelry are crafted of sterling silver and set with semi-precious stones associated with the American southwest. Turquoise is especially common in such pieces but you will also see jasper, onyx, coral, and many others as well. Within turquoise there are many different types, ranging to the pure greenish blue to "matrix turquoise", which is polished matrix with embedded streaks and pockets of turquoise. Finely crushed turquoise is also commonly seen. The Zuni and Navajo peoples arguably have the deepest tradition of jewelry making but Hopi and other tribes crafted wonderful pieces as well (and continue to do so today). Identification can sometimes be a challenge, however. Many NatAm silversmiths used only their initials or, in some cases, a single symbol such as rising sun mark. Information is rather fragmentary on the internet and often times you will have the most success in ID'ing your pieces by turning to physical reference books. Also, be aware that often times a piece may not be marked "sterling" even though it is (Native American makers are, I believe, exempt from US Federal assay marking requirements). Because many people brought back pieces from western trips and vacations, nice examples of NatAm jewelry can turn up almost anywhere. Personally, I have made some of my best finds going through the cases of flea market dealers and resale stores since often times, they haven't taken the time to research a piece and identify a prominent maker. The Jackie Singer bracelet shown above, for example, is only marked "J S". Singer was a prominent Navajo maker and the piece is 60 grams of sterling silver, even though it is not marked as sterling. Value will naturally be guided by several factors. These include the maker, the level of craftsmanship, the amount of silver used, condition, and age. In general, older is better and a prominent maker will always be more desirable than a lesser-known silversmith. Sadly, fakes abound so be alert for "too good to be true" deals. In the meantime, happy hunting!
Heather carneal
5/18/2022 01:32:51 pm
Hello, I have inherited a Native American turquoise n silver bracelet, that is hand stamped FJ from the Frances Jones Navajo 2 collection so I believe, but I was wondering if you could perhaps tell me more about it and it’s value?? I have pictures if you’d like them. 5/18/2022 08:24:51 pm
Hello, thank you for the comment. If you would, please contact me via my email which is bryan@bhrappraisals.com. It is harder to interact here in the blog comments section. Thanks! Bryan Roberts
Lemuel Gines
6/17/2022 04:56:42 pm
Hi Bryan my name is Lenny, I been buying and selling on yard sales and flea markets for a long time I am not doing it any more do to age and health reasons any way about 25 years ago I purchase an amassing looking pendant and decided not to sale it till i find out more about it. i believe to be silver whit five black and red stones in the center on the shape like a cross it measure 5 inches tall by 4 inches wide and the number 134 inscribe 3 times on the top part and back and front top any info you can give me will be appreciated I live here in Dade city Fl . 7/17/2022 06:19:39 pm
Hi Lenny, this sounds like an interesting piece. Not sure what the 134 number would signify... it certainly isn't silver content, which of course is 925. My suggestion is to look for a reputable jeweler in your area who also deals in estate pieces. They may be able to give you some insights on it. Probably makes sense first to check their Google reviews to make sure it is someone honest who knows their stuff. Good luck with the piece and thank you for reaching out to me!
Karen Ranieri
7/17/2022 04:17:59 pm
Good afternoon, I have a bracelet that was supposedly considered by Yeffi Kimball for a Smithsonian show. It is a wide silver cuff with large unfinished chunks of turquoise and coral. I would like to have it appraised near me in the Boston area. 7/17/2022 06:27:14 pm
Hi Karen, thank you for reaching out to me. I would suggest reaching out to Skinner Auctions in Marlborough. They are a venerable auction house that will assuredly have someone on staff that can properly evaluate your piece.
Martha Steele
11/4/2022 06:24:30 pm
I have about 15 pieces of Native American jewelry that I acquired over the last 50+ years. Some I bought at the Navajo school where I taught and some I inherited. Can you tell me of a reliable and knowledgeable appraiser of Native American jewelry near me. I live 100 miles from Atlanta, GA, and 100 miles from Charlotte, NC. Also, I have family just outside of Houston, TX, that I visit fairly often. Thanks for any recommendations.
JM Anton
12/16/2022 01:32:19 pm
Hello, 12/19/2022 09:48:27 pm
My suggestion would be to look for a reputable jeweler in your area who also handles estate pieces. If you can find someone with some Native American expertise, even better. The quality of the stones will have a bearing on the value as will the weight of the silver. Determining the maker may be helpful as well, since some of the NatAm makers are very collectible.
JM Anton
12/20/2022 11:21:51 am
Thanks for the advice!
Sharla Singleton
1/21/2023 01:02:52 pm
I have a turqoise slab that I would like appraised, do you do that? 1/25/2023 06:56:26 pm
Hi Sharla, this is probably a piece that should be examined by a gemologist. Turquoise can have a fair number of nuances and specimens from certain mines bring much more money than others. Also consider showing it to someone who makes high-quality jewelry since they will likely be familiar with the various grades of turquoise as well.
Tracy Runstrom
1/31/2023 06:03:56 pm
I have a beautiful silver and turquoise bracelet with no Hallmark do you know of anyone in Michigan or maybe I could send pictures to you 2/7/2023 08:11:25 pm
Hi Tracy, my suggestion would be to look for a reputable jeweler in your area who also handles estate pieces. If you can find someone with some Native American expertise, even better. Suffice to say, the quality of the stones and metalwork will have a bearing on the value. Being unmarked will impact the value, unfortunately. If you throw Google Lens on the bracelet, you will probably be able to get a least a rough idea as to value.
Renee
2/2/2023 11:21:03 pm
Hi Bryan, 2/7/2023 07:55:21 pm
Hi Renee, this sounds like an unusual piece in that "plata" is typically a term one sees on Mexican pieces. It basically means "silver" and the 925 is of course indicates the fineness of the silver. My suggestion would be to look for a reputable jeweler in your area who also handles estate pieces. The quality of the stones and metalwork will have a bearing on value but this is something that is best determined by close-up evaluation. Being unsigned will naturally lessen the value although it is not uncommon at all for these pieces to be unmarked. Why, I don't know. Comments are closed.
|
AuthorBryan H. Roberts is a professional appraiser in Sarasota, FL. He is a member of the Florida State Guardianship Association and currently serves on the board of the local FSGA chapter. He is a past president of the Sarasota County Aging Network, a non-profit that provides grants to other non-profits benefiting seniors in need and is also a board member of PEL, an area non-profit whose resale store profits support programs and scholarships for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. He is certified in the latest Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Equivalent Archives
February 2023
Categories |