Imports: Hallmarks/Identification

One sad reality of the Native American jewelry world is there is a dark side involving imports. This type of jewelry is made by Non Indigenous people, mainly overseas, intended to fool buyers. Unscrupulous sellers will then turn around to try and make a profit off these very inexpensive knock offs.

This type of jewelry hurts the true Native American artists by taking money away from them and their family. By supporting the import trade we are harming the artists we hold dear to our heart. Of course there are accidents and learning curves - but if we can avoid purchasing this jewelry - we are all better off. Here are some known import hallmarks to watch for when out buying jewelry. This list is always evolving but these are the worst known offenders currently. 

Imported "Native American" style rings

1. The Leaf from the Philippines:

   
   

   They make a variety of copies from inlay to chandelier Turquoise earrings. 

2. S* (S Star)/Silver Expressions from the Philippines 

   
   
   
   
   

   

   

   (The colorful cluster cuff is the front/S* hallmark on the back) 

All examples from their Ebay store:

3.Turquoise Network from the Philippines/Sold on QVC:

They use composite stones which is another clue if their items aren't marked for Philippines!

** be careful as some of their older jewelry is not marked ‘Philippines’ but has the very specific T font

(this is on the back of a ‘coral’ cluster)

These Buffalo can be purchased on Amazon !

4. Ronnie and Ramil Glodove from the Philippines

Very talented couple that does inlay and often sold incorrectly as Native American as they copy artists from the Southwest. They mark with “RRG” or “RG” or “RR” 

(Front and Back of buckle) 

(Note the use of the term “handcrafted!”)