GUIDE TO BUYING Authentic
Native American Jewelry
The Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and Gallup Native Arts Market provides the perfect setting to make purchases of authentic Native American jewelry. These two venues will allow you access to the artists and dealers who are at the heart of promoting Gallup’s number one industry. August is a perfect time to be in Gallup, New Mexico, to learn about and purchase our coveted silver and stones. Be sure to keep a look out for authentic material and pieces. Often knockoffs are created with some shortcuts. These shortcuts include placing imitation materials into a piece of jewelry and then representing the piece as having been made with the genuine thing. Common materials that are used are plastic colored blocks that will look like turquoise, coral, and the many other colorful stones found in our local art. Also, inexpensive nickel silver (which has no silver content) will many times have the sterling stamp to represent it as the more collectible and expensive sterling silver. Some business owners will import manufactured pieces of jewelry that have been made to look like the handmade pieces being created locally by Native American artists. The reason is, these manufactured pieces are less expensive, and it doesn’t require the business to establish a working relationship with the artists that is fair and beneficial to both. For almost 100 years, the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial has been promoting Native American culture and arts. It is an honor to win a blueribbon in the judged art show and the lists of accomplished artists who have had their art judged here is extensive and impressive. Artists and local dealers take their best pieces to the Ceremonial for the chance to win a ribbon. These pieces are then looked over by artists, collectors, and dealers that understand the importance of being authentic. Once the items have been judged, they are put on display for sale in the Ceremonial Arts Exhibit Hall. Not only are you shopping a piece that has been judged by a group of very knowledgeable judges, it also represents a chance to own a ribbon winner. This is the second year we have had the Gallup Native Arts Market, and it gives you a chance to personally meet the artist who made the piece you are looking at. You now have the opportunity to ask any question you want and remember that old saying there are no stupid questions. Ask them how the piece was made, what materials were used, and anything else you can think of. Here is your chance to learn from someone who has first-hand experience in the creating process. When you walk away with your piece of purchased jewelry from an artist at the Gallup Native Arts Market, you will feel a greater closeness to your new piece of jewelry. Native American art is Gallup’s most important industry. Many of the Trading Posts here have been operated by generations of the same family. Depending on the size of the operation, you have a very good chance that all the employees know the artists who fill their cases with art. That is because these establishments buy directly from the artists. You should be able to ask the same questions here as you would directly to the creating artist. Also, these stores buy daily, all year long, and can have very impressive collections that provide you the opportunity to compare artists, techniques, and styles. Remember, Gallup, New Mexico is the source of authentic Native American art. Of course, the popularity of this art style brings the unscrupulous. However, using a little due diligence by asking questions, shopping around, and realizing if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t, you will have a great experience. August 2018
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