It’s been a hot minute since I’ve sat down to write a blog post, and I knew the longer I waited, the more compelling it would need to be to break the silence…
I’ve wanted to shed some light onto this for quite some time, but have really struggled with how to address without coming off negatively.
After getting back to basics with our customers recently in Kansas City, Lubbock, Las Vegas and finally Denver, I SO LOVE that our tribe is truly a quality over quantity customer that appreciates the art.
Let me begin with this: I’m not here to insult, or make accusations toward any business or business owner. However- in a world with so much business being done via websites and social media, it’s disheartening to see the volume of online boutiques who are misrepresenting the art of Native American jewelry.
Again, after months of pondering the most professional way to create awareness of this, 
this is merely a Heritage Style blog post, and only my opinion. There’s no Turquoise police and truth be told, I am 100% aware this this probably isn’t going change how consumers make their buying decison (or how anyone is going to do business for that matter).
Unfortunately I really think many of these boutique owners that are selling man-made Turquoise aren’t even educated enough in their trade to know they are selling a lesser product than they are claiming. There’s a plethora of woman jumping on the bandwagon to make a quick buck. I’ve seen the words “authentic”, “genuine” and “handmade” thrown around more loosely by the day. In todays market, there is really good imitation!
My 5 takeaways:
- Just because something says “authentic”, doesn’t mean it is. We’ve all heard it, “don’t believe everything you read on the internet- especially Instagram”. A piece can be made by an “artist”, and not have an authentic stone or made
with true Sterling silver. - Just because a piece is “stamped” doesn’t mean there is a genuine stone(s) in the
piece. Moreover, that’s also no guarantee that the stamp is an actual Native American artist and that he/she set the stone after the silverwork was done. - Much like 2, just because a piece is genuine Sterling Silver, doesn’t mean there is a genuine stone in the Sterling.
- If the price-point is too good to be true, it probably is.
- Handmade Native American jewelry is exactly that. Handmade, and an art and legacy for the artists.
Turquoise jewelry is “on trend” right now, and we all want to own the good stuff. May I suggest, whether you’re on a college-kid budget or in a position to really invest, please consider the longevity of a genuine piece of art versus a trendy knock-off. Whether you trust in Heritage Style or another boutique, consider how knowledgable they are in their trade as you build upon your future family heirlooms.
OK, off my soapbox now. Happy Monday ladies!
XOXO, Kelli
