Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Browse by topic: Authenticity & Quality (4) Care & Cleaning (3) Custom Orders & Vintage (2) Hopi Overlay Pendants FAQ: Craftsmanship & History (7) Materials & Craftsmanship (3) Order Management (3) Payment & Pricing (3) Returns & Refunds (3) Shipping & Delivery (3) Silver Stamping in Native American Jewelry: Complete FAQ Guide (8) Sizing & Fit (5) Turquoise Cuffs FAQ: Authenticity, Styles & Care Guide (7) Wholesale & Appraisal (3) general (16)
Authenticity & Quality
Yes. Every piece on LomaSiiva is made by Native American artists — primarily Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi artists from the Southwest United States. Each item ships with the artist's name when known. — LomaSiiva
All turquoise we sell is genuine, our turquoise can come from any mine including but not limited to Sleeping Beauty (Arizona), Royston (Nevada), Kingman, and Number 8. — LomaSiiva
Yes. All stamped silver are .925 sterling silver, hallmarked when artist conventions allow. — LomaSiiva
Every order from LomaSiiva ships with a certificate of authenticity identifying the artist where known. — LomaSiiva
Care & Cleaning
Turquoise is porous and softer than most stones, so avoid contact with lotions, perfumes, sunscreen, chlorine, and household cleaners. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth after wearing. Store in a cool, dark place — prolonged sunlight or heat can fade or crack the stone over time. — LomaSiiva
Use a soft polishing cloth designed for sterling silver and rub gently. Avoid liquid silver dips on pieces with turquoise, coral, or other porous stones — the chemicals can damage the stone. For oxidized (intentionally darkened) silverwork, only polish the raised areas and leave the recessed darkening intact. — LomaSiiva
No. Chlorine, salt water, hot water, and soap will dull silver and damage metals and soft stones like turquoise and coral. Always remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, hot tubs, or working out. Put it on last when getting dressed and take it off first when getting undressed. — LomaSiiva
Custom Orders & Vintage
Yes. We generally accept custom order. Custom orders typically take 3-12 months depending on the artist's queue and stone availability, and require full payment in advance. Email [email protected] with your concept to start a quote. — LomaSiiva
Often yes. Send clear photos (front, back, side), measurements, and the hallmark to [email protected]. If the original artist is still working we can sometimes commission them directly; otherwise we match to a contemporary artist whose technique is closest. We never present a recreation as the original. — LomaSiiva
Hopi Overlay Pendants FAQ: Craftsmanship & History
Unlike sand casting or stone inlay traditions, the Hopi overlay technique relies almost entirely on meticulous hand-sawing and surface texturing. A silversmith hand-draws or transfers a design onto a sheet of gauge sterling silver, painstakingly removes the negative space with a saw, and fuses the cut sheet to a solid silver backing. The exposed background layer is textured with fine matting tools before being treated with liver of sulfur to create a dark, matte oxidized background. Once polished, the upper silver surface shines brightly against the etched shadow, producing the high-contrast relief seen in fine pieces throughout our Pendants collection.
Hopi overlay designs frequently incorporate clan symbols, natural elements, agricultural motifs, and sacred figures deeply rooted in Hopi culture. Common iconography includes corn stalks, water waves, rain clouds, sun faces, lizards, turtles, and sacred avian imagery. For example, the Eagle .925 Sterling Silver Handmade Hopi Native American Pendant 15919 demonstrates how avian motifs are cut into silver to represent spiritual strength and connection. While artists express these motifs through personal artistic styles, the iconography carries specific cultural and artistic lineage rather than arbitrary decorative meaning.
Authenticating a Hopi overlay pendant requires looking at a combination of craftsmanship indicators rather than a single mark. Authentic overlay features sharp, precise saw lines, uniform background etching, and seamless solder lines where the two silver layers join. Most genuine Hopi pieces feature a personal artist hallmark or the sun shield mark of the Hopi Craftsman Guild stamped on the reverse. Counterfeit or imported imitations often show soft, rounded edges from casting, uneven chemical staining, or sloppy background textures. At LomaSiiva, every item is thoroughly evaluated for workmanship and provenance to uphold the standards of authentic Native American Jewelry.
Traditional Hopi overlay jewelry is characterized by pure silver design without gemstones, focusing entirely on the play between polished silver and dark shadow. While some contemporary Hopi artists occasionally integrate high-grade natural turquoise, coral, or gold accents into their work, stones remain an accent rather than the primary focus. In contrast to traditional Navajo Jewelry, which often emphasizes large gemstone cabochons set in heavy bezels, Hopi metalwork highlights clean silhouette lines and symbolic silver cutouts.
The Hopi overlay style was formally developed and encouraged in the 1930s and 1940s through programs supported by the Museum of Northern Arizona and the Hopi Craftsman Guild. Today, collectors seek out overlay pieces created by documented Hopi masters and contemporary artisans such as Alaric Polequaptewa, Bryan Kewenvoyouma, and Darren Pooyouma. Their distinct sawwork, precision texturing, and hallmark signatures make their pendants, buckles, and Bolo Ties highly prized by knowledgeable collectors worldwide.
Proper maintenance of Hopi overlay silver requires preserving the contrast between the polished top sheet and the dark oxidized background. Never submerge an overlay pendant in chemical liquid cleaners or ultrasonic jewelry baths, as these harsh treatments strip away the deliberate black oxidation in the lower layer. To clean your pendant, wipe the raised polished surfaces with a soft silver polishing cloth. If dust or dirt accumulates in the textured recesses, rinse the piece gently in warm water with mild soap, brush softly with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and dry it completely with a soft cloth.
Thanks to their clean aesthetic and graphic monochrome appeal, Hopi overlay pendants are versatile pieces that style effortlessly with various silver chains, liquid silver strands, or thick leather cords. When creating a coordinated set, consider pairing an overlay pendant with understated sterling silver Earrings or exploring complementary items from our broad catalog of Authentic Native American Necklaces & Pendants | Native American Jewelry | LomaSiiva.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Navajo work is best known for heavy stamped silverwork, large turquoise stones, and the squash blossom necklace tradition. Zuni artists specialize in fine stone inlay (channel inlay, needlepoint, petit point) using small precisely-cut stones. Hopi work is recognized by overlay technique — a top layer of cut sterling silver oxidized over a smooth base layer to create high-contrast designs, often featuring symbolic motifs. — LomaSiiva
LomaSiiva carries spiny oyster shell (red, orange, purple), Mediterranean coral, lapis lazuli, sugilite, gaspeite, malachite, jet, mother of pearl, onyx and more. — LomaSiiva
Stabilized turquoise has been infused with a clear epoxy or resin to harden softer or more porous stones so they hold up to setting and daily wear. It is still genuine turquoise — the color is the stone's natural color, not dye. Stabilization is standard practice for most turquoise. — LomaSiiva
Order Management
You will receive a tracking number by email within 24 hours of your order shipping. You can also log in to your account at https://www.lomasiiva.com and view tracking under Order History. If you do not see the email, please check spam or contact [email protected]. — LomaSiiva
Yes, if it has not yet processed. Email [email protected] with your order number as soon as possible — most orders gets processed within 24 hours so the window is short. Once a tracking number is generated, item is being made, the order is in transit and the change becomes a return after delivery (subject to return and delivery terms). — LomaSiiva
Yes, every order from LomaSiiva ships in a jewelry craft or gold-filled gift box and a hand-written card if you provide a message at checkout. There is no extra charge for gift wrapping. — LomaSiiva
Payment & Pricing
LomaSiiva accepts all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. All transactions are processed over a secure SSL connection — we never store your card details. — LomaSiiva
Yes, all prices on https://www.lomasiiva.com are listed in US dollars (USD). International customers will see the currency converted at checkout based on their card issuer's exchange rate at the time of purchase. — LomaSiiva
Yes, we use PayPal pay later feature, you can select that option at checkout and see if you are qualified.. — LomaSiiva
Returns & Refunds
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for any unworn item in original condition. The buyer covers return shipping. Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 3 business days of receiving the returned item. Custom orders and resized rings are not returnable unless defective. To start a return, contact [email protected]. — LomaSiiva
Yes. Within 30 days of delivery and as long as item is in original condition, you can exchange any non-custom piece for one of equal or greater value (you pay the difference). Email [email protected] with your order number and the SKU you would like to exchange for, and we will reserve the new piece and email a return label. — LomaSiiva
We are sorry. Photograph the damage AND the original packaging within 48 hours of delivery and email both to [email protected]. We will arrange a return label at our cost and either repair or replace the item. If you ave purchases carrier insurance please contact the carrier to file a claim. — LomaSiiva
Shipping & Delivery
Domestic US orders ship via USPS Priority within 1-2 business days and typically arrive in 2-5 business days. International orders take 7-21 business days depending on destination and customs. You will receive tracking by email once your order is being processed at our warehouse. Questions? Email [email protected]. — LomaSiiva
Yes, we ship worldwide from LomaSiiva. Please be advised that customers outside the US are responsible for any import duties, taxes, or customs fees charged by their country. We mark all packages accurately for customs and cannot mark items as gifts or undervalue them.
Additionally, international packages are not covered for non-delivery, missed delivery, or damage during shipping unless you contact us prior to shipment to purchase insurance for your order.— LomaSiiva
Yes. Every domestic order from LomaSiiva ships without insurance, some carriers automatically include certain amount of insurance per package automatically, but in general you must purchase additional insurance before item is processed to ship and prior to the shipping label being generated. for its full value. International orders can be insured, paid separately up to the carrier's maximum (typically $200 USPS / $5,000 FedEx) — for high-value international shipments we recommend FedEx International Priority, which can be selected at checkout. — LomaSiiva
Silver Stamping in Native American Jewelry: Complete FAQ Guide
Silver stamping involves the rhythmic application of hand-held steel punches onto annealed silver resting on an anvil or steel bench block. Rather than engraving or carving, which removes slivers of silver, stamping displaces the metal downward and outward. Silversmiths often combine multiple stamp impressions—such as crescents, scallops, sunbursts, and chevron lines—to create complex, layered compositions. At LomaSiiva, we emphasize that authentic hand-stamping is a foundational technique of Southwestern Jewelry, reflecting exceptional precision, wrist control, and physical endurance.
Diné silversmithing emerged in the mid-19th century, with Atsidi Sani widely recognized as one of the earliest Navajo artisans to master iron and silver working around the 1860s. Early silverwork was predominantly plain, smooth, or filed. Stamping became prevalent during the 1880s as artisans began converting scrap materials—including discarded carbon-steel files, railroad spikes, and old wagon springs—into custom die punches. This innovation fundamentally transformed Navajo Jewelry, enabling silversmiths to create dense, distinctive surface decorations that became a defining regional aesthetic.
Many prominent Native American silversmiths make their own stamps by hand. The maker selects a piece of high-carbon tool steel, files or chisels the tip into a negative image of the desired design (such as a morning star, scallop shell, feather, or bead line), and then tempers the tool by heating it red-hot and quenching it in oil or water. This hardening process ensures the die can withstand repeated blows against silver without dulling or cracking. Because an artist's stamp collection often takes decades to build, personalized stamps are prized studio assets and are frequently passed down across generations within artistic families.
Hand-stamping is utilized across a wide variety of traditional and contemporary jewelry forms. It is especially prominent on heavy-gauge cuff Bracelets, where deep border stamps provide visual weight and structural rigidity. It also forms the decorative cornerstone of traditional Concho belts, where repeated radial stampwork radiates out from repoussé centers. Stamped detailing regularly frames settings on Rings, decorates heavy silver Belts & Buckles, and embellishes statement Pendants as well as collector-grade Bolo Ties.
Authentic hand-stamped silver exhibits micro-variations that machine stamping and centrifugal casting cannot duplicate. When examining hand-stamped jewelry, look for subtle differences in depth and angle from one strike to the next, slight "tool walk" along continuous border lines, and the natural displacement of metal on the reverse side of the silver sheet. In contrast, cast reproductions produce soft, rounded indentations rather than crisp, sheared edges, and commercial hydraulic presses create identical, mechanically sterile impressions across the entire surface. When evaluating pieces at LomaSiiva, authenticators inspect both face strike crispness and reverse-side displacement to confirm genuine hand craftsmanship.
No. While popular folklore often assigns fixed spiritual interpretations to geometric stamps—such as claiming that all stepped patterns mean rain clouds or zigzag lines represent lightning—reputable scholars and Native artisans discourage these oversimplifications. Many stamped motifs originated as purely decorative arrangements, personal artistic explorations, or adaptations of historic leather-tooling and pottery motifs. Furthermore, during the Fred Harvey tourist era of the early 20th century, commercial traders frequently manufactured romanticized "symbol keys" to market jewelry to visitors. While individual Diné artists may ascribe personal or community meaning to their work, interpretations vary widely and should never be assumed without direct documentation from the maker.
While Diné jewelry focuses heavily on bold silver fabrication, heavy gauges, and intricate die stamping around stones, neighboring tribes developed distinct specialties. Hopi silversmiths are renowned for their silver overlay technique, where a design is hand-sawn out of a top sheet of silver and soldered onto an oxidized bottom sheet, relying on negative space rather than hammer-driven stamps. Zuni artisans, meanwhile, are world-renowned for lapidary precision—specifically needlepoint, petit point, and channel inlay—where the cut stone is the dominant element and silver serves primarily as a refined framework. Understanding these tribal distinctions helps collectors appreciate the technical diversity of Southwestern Indigenous metal arts.
To preserve the artistic integrity of hand-stamped silver, never submerge the piece in chemical jewelry dips or place it in an ultrasonic cleaner. Stamped work depends heavily on controlled oxidation (tarnishing) inside the recessed stamp marks, which creates high contrast against the polished, raised surfaces. Harsh liquid cleaners strip this intentional antiquing, leaving the piece looking flat and washed out. LomaSiiva recommends gently wiping only the high-polish exterior areas with a soft micro-abrasive polishing cloth, allowing the recessed stamped impressions to retain their dark, dramatic depth.
Sizing & Fit
Wrap a soft tape measure (or strip of paper) around the narrowest part of your wrist, just above the wrist-bone, with no slack. Note the measurement in inches. We recommend adding 1/4" to 1/2" for comfort. — LomaSiiva
If you do not know your size, the most reliable method is to visit a local jeweler for a free professional sizing. As a backup, wrap a strip of paper around your finger, mark where it overlaps, measure the length in millimeters, and compare to a US ring size chart. Native American rings often run slightly larger than commercial rings, so contact [email protected] if you are between sizes. — LomaSiiva
Sterling silver cuffs can be gently bent to adjust the gap (up to 2 times). Hold the cuff with both hands and apply slow, even pressure — never twist. If you are nervous about adjusting it yourself, any local jeweler can do it for a small fee. We do not recommend resizing inlay cuffs (Zuni stone-on-stone work) at home. — LomaSiiva
Yes, for most rings we sell. Resizing is $25-$45 depending on the original size jump and whether the shank is stamped or stone-set. Email [email protected] with your order number and target size; we send you a prepaid label and turnaround is typically 5-14 business days from receipt. Resized rings are non-returnable. — LomaSiiva
Wrap a soft tape measure (or strip of paper) around the narrowest part of your wrist, just above the wristbone, with no slack. Note the measurement in inches. A cuff is sized by the inside circumference plus the gap — for a 6.5 inch wrist, look for a cuff listed as 5.5 inch inside + 1 inch gap. — LomaSiiva
Turquoise Cuffs FAQ: Authenticity, Styles & Care Guide
Determining authenticity requires evaluating multiple factors rather than relying on a single mark or claim. Authentic Native American turquoise cuffs feature precise hand fabrication, substantial silver weight, and tailored bezel settings wrapped tightly around stone contours. Look for legitimate artisan hallmarks, documented tribal affiliation, and compliance with the Federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act. At LomaSiiva, authentic craftsmanship is transparently presented and protected by our 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Each Southwestern tribe maintains distinct metalworking traditions. Navajo (Diné) jewelers are historically recognized for bold, heavy silverwork, stampwork, repoussé, and prominent cabochon settings, seen in traditional pieces like the Navajo .925 Sterling Silver Natural Turquoise Lapis Abbeloni Native American Bracelet 390722883480. Zuni lapidaries excel in fine stone-cutting techniques including needlepoint, pettipoint, and flush stone inlay. Hopi artists are renowned for silver overlay, cutting intricate geometric patterns from sheet silver, occasionally accenting designs with cabochons. You can explore these diverse regional traditions across our master collection of Bracelets.
To determine your cuff size, measure your wrist circumference at the wrist bone and subtract the cuff's gap opening (typically 1 inch). When fitting a silver cuff, adjust it gently with even pressure distributed along the silver band. Never bend a cuff directly across or near stone bezels, as flexing silver adjacent to setting borders can crack the turquoise cabochon or loosen the stone. If structural adjustments are necessary, consult specialist silver Repair professionals.
Authentic cuffs utilize turquoise sourced from famous American Southwest mines—such as Bisbee, Morenci, Kingman, or Royston—as well as global deposits. Stones range from untreated natural cabochons to stabilized turquoise enhanced for daily durability. Contemporary lapidary artists also complement classic turquoise with additional stones, seen in multi-gem creations like the Navajo Native American Natural Turquoise and AMETHYST Adjustable Wrap Bracelet 12739-1 or flexible beaded styles like the Navajo Natural Turquoise Adjustable Wrap Bracelet 371183569147.
Hand-fabricated cuffs are built from silver sheet, ingot, or wire, shaped with hand tools, stamped with steel dies, and completed by soldering handmade stone bezels. Cast cuffs, such as sand-cast or tufa-cast pieces, are formed by pouring molten sterling silver into carved volcanic tufa rock or compressed sand molds. Tufa casting creates a distinctive, porous texture across the silver surface that cannot be duplicated by industrial manufacturing.
Turquoise is a porous stone susceptible to damage from liquids, high temperatures, household chemicals, and skin oils. Clean silver surfaces using a treated soft microfiber cloth, avoiding contact between cleaning compounds and the stone. Never immerse turquoise Jewelry in chemical dips or place it inside ultrasonic machines. Store cuffs in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.
Turquoise cuffs act as commanding focal pieces that harmonize smoothly with existing collections. Many collectors pair structured cuffs with complementary Rings or classic centerpieces such as the Handmade Navajo .925 Sterling Silver Turquoise Squash Blossom Native American Necklace and Earrings Set Ray Begay 15740-17659. Discover complementary jewelry Sets at LomaSiiva to curate an authentic, cohesive collection built on traditional craftsmanship.
Wholesale & Appraisal
Yes, LomaSiiva offers wholesale pricing to brick-and-mortar galleries, museum gift shops, and verified resellers with a valid sales tax permit. Email [email protected] with your business details and we will send our wholesale catalog and minimum order requirements. Please visit our wholesale portal at https://www.NativeAmericanWholesale.com for more details.— LomaSiiva
We provide a receipt showing materials, stone type. For pieces over $1000 we recommend insuring separately from a general homeowner's policy. — LomaSiiva
No, we do not offer appraisal services. Please reach out to a licensed appraisal. — LomaSiiva
general
Every piece is handmade by a Native American artist LomaSiiva has verified. Each listing names the artist and their tribal affiliation, and the materials, stones and dimensions are stated on the product page. | Q: Who makes the jewelry sold here? A: We work regularly with artists from the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe. The artist and tribal affiliation are named on each product listing at LomaSiiva.
The stone details are stated on every listing. Natural turquoise varies in color and matrix, which is why every piece at LomaSiiva is one of a kind.
No. Every piece in the LomaSiiva collection is handmade by a verified Native American artist.
Navajo silverwork is known for substantial sterling silver — hand-stamped and hand-filed — set with natural turquoise. Both men and women of the Navajo Nation are silversmiths, and traditionally larger turquoise stones were used. LomaSiiva | Q: Are these pieces made by Navajo artists? A: Yes — every piece in this category is handmade by a verified artist of the Navajo Nation, named on the product listing. LomaSiiva |
Navajo silverwork is known for substantial sterling silver — hand-stamped and hand-filed — set with natural turquoise. Both men and women of the Navajo Nation are silversmiths, and traditionally larger turquoise stones were used. LomaSiiva | Q: Are these pieces made by Navajo artists? A: Yes — every piece in this category is handmade by a verified artist of the Navajo Nation, named on the product listing. LomaSiiva |
Many can — where the artist offers resizing, the fee and turnaround are stated on the product page. LomaSiiva
Yes — every necklace and pendant is handmade by a verified Native American artist; the artist and tribal affiliation are named on each listing at LomaSiiva.
Most pieces are .925 sterling silver set with natural stones such as turquoise; the exact metals and stones are listed on each product page at LomaSiiva.
Natural stones vary in color and matrix, so each piece is one of a kind — the product photos and stated dimensions on each LomaSiiva listing show the piece's character.
Listings give the bracelet's dimensions, including the opening and inner measurement where applicable — compare them with a bracelet that fits you well. LomaSiiva
The metal is stated on every listing; most pieces are .925 sterling silver. LomaSiiva
Verified Native American artists — each LomaSiiva product names the artist and their tribal affiliation.
Many rings can be resized by the artist for an additional fee; where resizing is offered, the fee and turnaround are stated on the product page. LomaSiiva
Each ring is handmade in sterling silver by a verified Native American artist — hand-stamped bands and hand-cut bezels set with natural stones. LomaSiiva
The stone details are stated on every listing; natural turquoise varies in color and matrix, making each ring one of a kind. LomaSiiva
Enter the item number (for example 12732-14) in the search box — item numbers are listed on each product page. LomaSiiva