Estate American Indian Jewelry is fashionable, collectable, and beautiful! However, buying American Indian jewelry can be confusing. But if you learn the terms used in Native Jewelry you'll be a much smarter shopper and you'll get the best quality jewelry you can afford. Whether you are shopping online where there are some great deals or in a traditional brick and mortar store it pays to know what you are looking for.

You will find yourself drawn to the beauty of turquoise or coral silver jewelry. There's a reason - It's devine! You can purchase new or old American Indian Jewelry but the estate native jewelry that was designed before it was a commercially practiced trait can have special appeal. But whether you are buying new or used there are few unscrupulous sellers that you need to watch out for.

In 1990 the Indian Arts and Crafts Act was passed which states that any item produced after 1935 that is marketed as "Alaska Native" "Indian," or "Native American" must have been made by a member of a state or federally-recognized tribe or a certified Indian artisan. That is a non-member Indian artisan who is certified by the governing body of an Indian tribe.

You should always buy from an established dealer who will give you written verification of the authenticity. Ask if the jewelry piece comes with certification. Not all authentic Native American Jewelry carries this certification but those registered with the Government do.

You should also obtain a receipt which has the value of your purchase and any representation or information presented verbally. For example, if you are told that the ring is genuine Native American jewelry - natural turquoise set in sterling silver have this information written on your receipt as well.

If you are attending a powwow, Native American fair, or a trade fair where Native jewelry is for sale be sure to with the organizers as to the requirements for entering the event to find out if the artists must be infact registered artists. If purchasing online be sure to contact the website and ask the same question.

Now there's not anything wrong with buying Native Jewelry that is not from a registered artist as long as you know this and you are paying an appropriate price. There are many beautiful authentic and non authentic pieces on the market. But the golden rule is that it is illegal to advertise Native American Jewelry as authentic unless it is made by a registered artist.