Women Buying Their Own Jewelry

Women are no longer waiting for men to shower them with gems, according to a recent article in Newsweek magazine.

Alice Hart-Davis writes that jewelry, long considered something men buy as gifts to win the favor of women, is showing up on women's own shopping lists. Giving up on waiting for a clueless man to buy a gift of fine jewelry, women are shelling out the cash to acquire beautiful gemstones and works of jewelry art for their wardrobes. And doing so with enthusiasm and joy. They are buying to wear, for investment, as gifts to themselves or simply to take advantage of a bonus before daily expenses or, worse yet, inflation erode the purchasing power.

All be it, these tend to be women who have careers and independent financial resources. For many, the opportunity to own something of great beauty, like an authentic Native American jewelry bracelet, pendant or necklace, with no commitments attached, is spirit-lifting in addition to adding noteworthy adornment to their appearance.

In some cases, the purchase is an opportunity to show off after a promotion or pay increase. For others, it salves the worn emotions from going through a divorce. (It's true.)

For women who have become intrigued by the cultural authenticity and traditional beauty of Native American jewelry, the opportunities to buy for themselves has never been better. Online jewelry galleries such as Native-American-Jewelry.org offer stunning arrays of genuine Zuni, Navajo and other native-designed and native-created pins, pendants, bracelets and necklaces, even rings and earrings. 

The operators of these galleries range from large and impersonal to small and intimate. Since the latter have minor overhead to cover, their prices can be less expensive than pieces sold in high-cost physical stores or headquarters. As long as they guarantee authenticity and will return your purchase price if you are dissatisfied when the purchase arrives in person, online purveyors are excellent sources of these beautiful works of jewelry art.  
To make sure you get the real thing, ask the online seller to verify that the object is authentic hand-made Native American work. Ask that your order be accompanied by a descriptive Certificate of Authenticity and confirm that you have the right to return it if, for any reason, it doesn't meet your expectations when it is delivered.  You'll find superb silver and gold work, splendid turquoise cabochons, brilliant coral pieces and a wide variety of other gemstones.

Why wait for a man? They are notoriously slow to act anyway. 

Even the Esteemed Smithsonian Agrees. Turquoise getting rarer.

Why are turquoise jewelry and carvings increasing in cost.

According to the esteemed Smithsonian Magazine, it could be because turquoise is getting rarer to find and more expensive to buy.

An article in the Smithsonian by Saba Naseem (smithsonian.com) reports that high quality turquoise, the opaque mineral combining hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, is being mined out in America and otherwise becoming more difficult to find  on the raw materials market. The significance of turquoise extends back to ancient Egypt, where it was used in the funerary regalia of such commanding figures as King Tut.   

The article's author highlights a new show,“Glittering World: Navajo Jewelry of the Yazzie Family,” open in New York City's National Museum of the American Indian. The show's curator, Lois Sherr Dubin, believes, “There is no more important defining gem stone in Southwest jewelry." We at Aboriginals' Native-American-Jewelry.org agree that turquoise has a sovereign position in the world of Indian jewelry of the American Southwest.

Many Navajos believe throwing bits of turquoise into a stream will bring rain, the life-giving event for the aridity of the Southwest.  turquoise's variety of blue and green shades, with matrix of black, brown and white, are said to give special moment when given as a gift to someone. That's fortuitous for those born in December, the month that claims turquoise as its birth stone.

Many mines across the Southwestern United States contain gem-quality turquoise. But this high grade turquoise is becoming more difficult to come by than diamonds, a conclusion the author appears to support. It may be true for turquoise from American mines, which have seen production decline for a number of reasons, including government regulation on high mining costs.

On the other hand, turquoise from China is plentiful on the market. Much of this Asian turquoise, however, has been adulterated with stabilizers and color enhancers by the time it reaches the talented hands of Navajo and Zuni jewelry makers and fetish carvers.

The sacred nature of turquoise is underscored for Native people and those who connect with spiritual influences. When combined with the deep cultural traditions of Native American jewelry makers and the inherent "healing" properties of Zuni fetish carvings, turquoise takes on values that transcend the cost of its acquisition. These objects, if you are fortunate enough to own one and open enough to believe, can bring happiness and fulfillment into your life.

A primer on Six Directions of Zuni fetishes.

As one becomes fascinated by Zuni fetish carvings, it is almost inevitable that the collector will learn about the six Zuni directions and the carved animals that are associated with them.

So, how did this association come to be?

The spiritual father of all Zuni people, who was responsible for the creation and understanding of Zuni fetishes, determined that the Zuni people ("A Shiwi") were to be protected in areas surrounding their home.

The protector in the North was designated as the mountain lion.

The protector in the South was designated as the badger.

To the West, the bear was appointed as the protector.

In the East, it was the Wolf.

Protector of the upper reaches, was logically the eagle, who could soar for endless periods while maintaining watch over the people.

The responsibility for protection in the netherworld or underground was given to the mole, who burrows through the earth unseen but senses all that threatens underfoot.

The protectors also were associated with specific colors, although that "rule" has been largely superseded by the tendency to carve animals in whatever material of whatever color is available to the Zuni carver at the time.

These protective fetish carvings are considered "healers". Another set of six directional animals is considered the "hunting" set, with two of the six healing animals being replaced by animals recognized for their prowess as hunters. Coyote takes the place of the bear and bobcat replaces the badger. These animals are considered to have special powers as predators, which they transfer to the owner of the carving.

The Six Direction sets of Zuni fetish carvers

Possibly the most impressive single 6 directions carving the writer
has ever encounter. Although, to tell the truth, it is more than one piece.
The separate mole lodges in a depression in the base.

Among the wealth of beautiful and significant Zuni fetish carvings, Six Direction sets stand out. They are created by several Zuni Pueblo carvers, in several different forms.

Jayne Quam, for example, who lives with her Zuni husband and family on the Zuni Pueblo, has created them with larger single animals, usually moles, and smaller animals of the six directions bound to the exterior with sinew. Also included in the sinew often are nuggets of turquoise, coral, shell or heishi beads. Marlo Booqua also builds on a single mole, as has Daisy Natewa.

Daisy and LaVies Natewa have also created six direction sets with the underlying animal being a badger.

On the other hand, some Zuni carvers create six directions sets carved within a single stone.  Wilfred Cheama is noteworthy in this category. Colin Weeka has also carved a single specimen with six animals

Finally, some Zuni and other carvers create six separate free-standing animals of about the same size, of the same or different materials. The antler carvings of Brian Yatsattie stand out, as do the sets of Stewart Quandelacy, Lorandina Scheche, Robert Michael Weahkie and San Felipe carver, Melvin Sandoval.


All of these examples are sourced from the NEW website of ZuniLink.com. Enjoy.

PS: The carving pictured above was done by Jeff Shetima, in onyx with meticulous inlay. It was judged Best of Category at the 2010 Gallup Inter-tribal Arts and Crafts Competition and is now in our personal collection.

Caution: As a collector of Zuni fetish carvings, you probably will become enamored of six direction sets. When that happens, you will start acquiring fetish carvings by the sixes instead of individually.

Easter Will Soon Be Here. How will you celebrate?

Soon, Easter will be here.

The Resurrection of the Christ is celebrated with colored eggs, plastic chicks, chocolate bunnies and more trivia. Something seems to be missing. 

From my perspective, what's missing  is the underlying reason for Easter: 

Recognition of the gift God gave us in the living presence of Jesus.

Here's a more appropriate way to celebrate that blessing:

We are offering all of our Native American Nativities (Nacimientos) 

at 30% off between now and Easter. 

(Yes, Nativities celebrate the arrival of Jesus, not the Resurrection. Without the birth of Christ, however, would there have been a Resurrection? Surely, the life and blessing of Christ is a seamless continuum.)

So, while your mind is on it, why not order a superb Native American pottery Nativity set at 30% less than its regular low price? 

Listed at $400 - NOW $280

Listed at $1100- NOW  $770

Listed at $575 - NOW $401.50

Listed at $300 - NOW $210

Listed at $660 - NOW $462

Rather than repeat and reprice everything on the website, we have given you a handful of examples. Visit Native-PotteryLink  and, if you find a Nativity Set not listed here, simply deduct 30% from its listed price and that is what you will pay.

Even better news. You even can order now with our no-fee lay-away plan and pay off the balance in monthly installments so your worshipful pottery Nativity set is delivered in time to be included in your Christmas Decorations.

If you would like more information about Nativities/Nacimientos, this link will take you to an article on the subject in Native People Magazine. The article features Nativity Sets created by Native American artists whose work is not currently in our inventory. The author even includes contact information in the form of galleries other than Native-PotteryLink.com and some telephone numbers. Please be forewarned that telephone numbers often change and galleries come and go. Nevertheless, we are such avid supporters of Native American artists and especially their Nativity sets that, if our collection doesn't meet your needs, we suggest you buy from some other source rather than go without.

One other thought. The article doesn't mention it, but we were the first people to recommend to Wilson Romero that he consider creating Nativity sets among his carvings. So, if you contact us, we may be able to reach out to any Pueblo or Native American potter or carver with a request for something specific. Mention it to us when you call (1-800-305-0185) and we'll be happy to talk you through details.

Happy Easter and Merry Christmas.

Tribal Artery: Buying Native American jewelry? Follow these guide...

Tribal Artery: Buying Native American jewelry? Follow these guide...: Many people love  Native American jewelry , whether it be older, or vintage, items or contemporary work by such meteoric new artists as Coli...

Buying Native American jewelry? Follow these guidelines.

Many people love Native American jewelry, whether it be older, or vintage, items or contemporary work by such meteoric new artists as Colin Coonsis (Zuni).

Other contemporary favorites include Calvin Begay (Navajo),Artie Yellowhorse (Navajo), 
Rolanda Haloo (Zuni), Michael Kirk (Isleta), Charlene Reano (Kewa), Tommy Jackson (Navajo) and Debra Gasper (Zuni).

                       

Works signed by any of the above artists are fairly sure to be authentic Native American jewelry collectibles. But other jewelry, when acquired directly from the artist or through a reputable dealer may not be signed. This does not per se make them false or fake. It just increases the risk. Solution? Be certain to get a certificate of authenticity from the seller, complete with an address and contact number in case there is a problem. This does not guarantee the piece is authentic Native American, but it does give you a place to turn if the authenticity of the piece is challenged.

Such challenges are not unusual. The Native American jewelry trade is very competitive. Some dealers will do anything to undercut a competing dealer's reputation and credibility. At the same time, there is a moderately heavy traffic in seriously fraudulent jewelry, as made by non-Indians and often as imported from other countries. There has been a reduction in the latter as a result of the Federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act that requires imports to be labeled as to country of origin. Nevertheless, fakers are very ingenious and there is money to be made from naive buyers. 

Years ago, there was a village in the Philippines named "Zuni". Jewelry made there by Philippine nationals, designed to sneak under the radar as Native American, would be labeled "Made in Zuni"  It just wasn't the Zuni in New Mexico, USA.

What to look for? As stated above, a signature or known hallmark is a good indicator of the artist's Native American credentials. Lacking that, ask the seller who the artist was. If the seller does not have a Certificate of Authenticity, at least have him or her write the artist's name legibly on a piece of paper. That gives you documentary evidence of what was claimed to have been sold to you.

Check the descriptions. Hand-made and hand-crafted are not the same thing. The former means made from scratch. The latter can be assembled by a Native from preformed parts. Also beware of terms such as Indian-style, Native-style and Southwestern. These a common dodges that dealers who may also sell higher-end, true Native American jewelry use to disguise that a lesser quality, lower cost item isn't actually made by a Native American.

When looking at materials be sure the silver is marked sterling or .925 unless it is an older piece with its principle value as an "antique".

One does not see much gold these days simply because of its cost. The artist must purchase the gold, requiring a substantial investment. Most Native American artists don't have that kind of money to sit on while they wait for a finished product and a sale.

One of the most commonly used gemstones is turquoise.  There a several grades of turquoise. Describing them is beyond the scope of this article, but sources of this information are available on line. Another popular material is coral, although coral is becoming rare due to the endangered reefs from which is harvested. Some Indian jewelry artists use red shell for the crimson color coral once commonly imparted. It can be a dazzling material, at a fraction of the cost of real coral. 

Other rarer, more expensive materials include lapis lazuli, often abbreviated to "lapis", sugilite, malachite, gaspeite, mother of pearl, jet and opal. Most opal these days is man-made, also known disparagingly as "fauxpal", lab opal or created opal.

Natural gem-quality opal, most of which comes from overseas, is difficult to find, hard to mine and prohibitively expensive for American Indian artists. Fauxpal opal is just as attractive and much more affordable. (For many years, however, authorities would not allow man-made opal to be offered at Native American jewelry sale events. The rules have been relaxed and now most shows only require full disclosure as to the nature of the material.)

Another material sometimes found in Native American jewelry, especially from the Northwest, is fossil ivory. This material was harvest by Pacific artists years, often generations ago. It is not elephant ivory. It comes originally from walrus tusks left over after beasts were taken for food. A problem with fossil ivory, and one reason you won't find it on websites like eBay, is that trade in elephant ivory is discouraged and marine mammal parts may not be exported. 

In summary, Native American jewelry is a fascinating subject made more so by its complexity. If you are looking for that "trophy" piece of Native American jewelry, expect to pay for it. If you find something that looks like the real thing at a bargain price, it probably is not. If you love it anyway, go ahead buy it. After all there is a big market in counterfeit Rolex watches. Just don't be deluded that you have something that is what it pretends to be.

Perhaps most important in assuring you are not cheated is to know your seller. Dealers usually have years of experience and scores of satisfied customers. Check them out online. Look for websites demonstrating English as a first language. Look over their testimonials or referrals. If considering a very expensive piece, ask the dealer if you can check with an existing customer. Any reputable dealer will be happy to help you confirm its reputation and best practices.

In the end, genuine Native American jewelry is such a pleasure to own, it is worth the effort to satisfy yourself before buying.