FAQ — Native American Silver Jewelry FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
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Authentic Native American Turquoise Buckles: FAQ Guide (8)
Authenticity & Quality (4)
Care & Cleaning (3)
Custom Orders & Vintage (2)
Genuine Turquoise Bracelets FAQ (6)
Genuine Turquoise Jewelry FAQ (7)
Guide to Authentic Native American Toe Rings (2)
Handmade Silver: Authenticity in Native American Jewelry (9)
Hopi Artist Jewelry FAQ (7)
Hopi Overlay FAQ (7)
Hopi Overlay Pendants FAQ: Craftsmanship & History (7)
Kewa Jewelry Authenticity FAQ (7)
Kewa Shell Necklaces: Understanding Kewa Pueblo Craftsmanship (7)
Lapis Lazuli Bracelets FAQ (7)
Materials & Craftsmanship (3)
Native American Silver Jewelry FAQs (7)
Natural Turquoise Rings FAQ (7)
Navajo Sand Cast Sterling Silver Jewelry FAQ (8)
Navajo Turquoise Buckles FAQ (6)
Navajo and Zuni Turquoise Cluster Ring FAQ (8)
Order Management (3)
Payment & Pricing (3)
Returns & Refunds (3)
Sand Cast Jewelry FAQ (7)
Shipping & Delivery (3)
Silver Buckles FAQ – Identification, Care, and Collecting (7)
Silver Stamping in Native American Jewelry: Complete FAQ Guide (8)
Sizing & Fit (5)
Sterling Silver Overlay Earrings: Technique, Identification, and (7)
Turquoise Bracelets: An Authentic Guide to Native American Craft (9)
Turquoise Cuffs FAQ: Authenticity, Styles & Care Guide (7)
Wholesale & Appraisal (3)
Zuni Jewelry Authenticity: Identification & Lapidary FAQ (3)
Zuni Mosaic Inlay FAQ (7)
general (16)
Authenticity is established through a combination of factors: documented tribal affiliation or Indian artisan status, a recognizable artist signature or hallmark, provenance records, and compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. A .925 stamp alone does not guarantee authenticity; it must be supported by other evidence. LomaSiiva works only with verified creators, ensuring each piece meets these standards.
Artists often sign their work with a name, initials, or a tribal symbol. Hallmarks may include a tribe’s name, a registered trademark, or a certificate of authenticity. Consulting the Authentic Native American Pendants category can provide examples of proper signatures and hallmarks.
Most Native American jewelry is crafted in .925 sterling silver (92.5% pure silver). Some historic pieces use .875 (87.5%) or .800 (80%) silver, especially in older Navajo work. The hallmark typically appears as ".925", ".875", or ".800" on a clasp, pendant back, or inside a bezel.
Common settings include bezel, channel, and inlay. The stone is often hand‑set, with the metal wrapped around the edges to secure it. For a practical example, see the Navajo Natural Turquoise Adjustable Wrap Bracelet 371183569147, which demonstrates a classic bezel setting.
Store pieces separately in a soft pouch to avoid scratching. Clean with a mild silver polish or a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap, then dry thoroughly. Avoid exposure to chemicals, chlorinated water, and excessive humidity. The Bracelets category offers items designed for everyday wear that hold up well with proper care.
Value depends on metal purity, stone quality, artist reputation, rarity, and condition. Pieces by recognized artists or limited editions often command higher prices. For reference, compare similar items in the Earrings collection, noting differences in craftsmanship and provenance.
Mass‑produced items may use stamped silver findings and machine‑set stones, yet still bear a .925 stamp. Terms like "handmade" can be overstated if only a portion of the work is crafted by the artist. Reviewing the Native American Rings category helps illustrate the contrast between fully handcrafted pieces and those with commercial components. Additionally, the 12kt Gold Filled and .925 Sterling Silver Kokopelli Handmade Navajo Dangle Native American Earrings 24499 exemplify a piece where the artist’s handwork is clearly documented.
