Hallmarks and how to find information about my Native American indian jewelry   

• What is a hallmark?

• Why use a hallmark?

• How can I find out more about my Native American Indian jewelry and hallmark?

• A brief list of Silversmith hallmarks you will find on indian jewelry

What is a hallmark?

A hallmark is a stamped or carved marking on the back of jewelry or other craftable items that helps you to identify it's maker and/or silver or gold content.  Indian Jewelry adapted this system in the 50s when its popularity spiked. Native American jewelry hallmarks were usually just the initials of the artist at this time. This is a rather simplified definition, but the purpose of this article is to help those seeking information about jewelry hallmarks to find information about who designed their particular piece of jewelry. Top

Why use a hallmark?

Hallmarks are a way of identifying the maker, time period things were made in, metal content and other related information.  Hallmarks alone do not provide positive proof that you have a highly sought after designer's work represented by the hallmark it bears.  These marks are easily copied and duplicated and can represent multiple people when just initials are used. Most highend native american jewelry makers are using full name and sometimes even tribe affiliation in there native american jewelry hallmark. Old indian jewelry hallmarks will have the initials of the artist.

Having a certain native american jewelry hallmark doesn't guarantee authenticity or that it is definitely handcrafted by any one person.  Hallmarks are but one way of identifying an item and who designed it. Also, some authentic pieces can be in circulation that never received a hallmark.  The maker may just have forgotten to mark it or may have made pieces they didn't see the need to mark.  

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How can I find out more about my jewelry and hallmark?

First, if you  purchase your Native American jewelry from us there is a list of our known silversmith hallmark's below.  We are not experts in this field, but we will direct you to people and sources that are. DO NOT EMAIL US ABOUT HALLMARKS. No matter if your interest in hallmarks is just for fun and personal knowledge or for an expert appraisal, you should be able to find the information in the following sources:  

If your just looking for information for fun and not for insurance purposes try these:  

	American Indian Jewelers #1, 1200 Artists Biographies, by Dr. Gregory & Angie Yan Schaaf. -  It's a great book and we highly recommend it.  It has all their bios, photographs and hallmark information. Dr. Schaaf organization is The Center for Indigenous Arts and Cultures.
	The Beauty of Hopi Jewelry by Theda Bassman, et al. Available through Amazon.com. Around $12.00
	Hallmarks of the Southwest (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by Barton Wright, available through Amazon.com around $45.00
	North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment by Lois Sherr Dubin (Author) Available through Amazon.com. Around $20.00
	Treasures of the Hopi by Theda Bassman, et al, around $10.50, available through Amazon.com.
	Turquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide by Joe Dan Lowry, Joe P. Lowry Around $10.00, available through Amazon.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Native American Jewelry silversmith hallmarks you will find on our sterling silver southwestern jewelry

You will find the hallmarks stamped on the back of your Native American jewelry.  If you have purchased somSe of our Native American Indian made jewelry and do not find the hallmark in this list, please contact us for more information.  We have listed Many Tribes and artists Hallmarks. Please let us know if you are an artist and do not see your name, or you know of others we should include. Top

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