Featured Is This Turquoise

I recently acquired a gorgeous sterling and turquoise ring that was stamped with the Mexican Taxco mark AND Navajo. Very, very odd. I understand what you are saying though about identifying the pieces properly. And I know the laws of regarding Native American jewelry as we all should. Yet the world is selling genuine Native American jewelry safely somehow without having been there from the beginning of the pieces. You can also apply that to just about anything else made in the world though since we're not there when it's made, everything is being copied in China, and even if we were there it would be advised to have an unbiased witness in the event of trouble. Much to think about there. My son-in-law is an attorney, next time I see him I'll bring this up and get his thoughts on it though his field is family law.

 

You can't mention this without giving us a photo!
Pretty please?

 

Haha, that I can do, give me some time, it will be later today. Sorry about that!

 

Never mind, I had these on my computer. The bear stamp has "Navajo" inside. The coral is created, and the design is definitely a hybrid.

 

It's pretty!
I think some Mexican jeweler was just using the 'Navajo' word to confuse buyers and sell more stuff. Of course Navajo is a Spanish word. They really call themselves Diné.
https://www.crowcanyon.org/EducationProducts/peoples_mesa_verde/post_pueblo_navajo_name.asp

 

It is a beauty, but both the style and the mark are Mexican, in spite of the Art Nouveau style leaves/feathers which the Navajo use so much.
The mark is for a post-1980 Taxco maker whose name starts with R. The bear mark is probably for a range of jewellery.

I have never seen a Navajo maker's mark with the word Navajo in it, and I am sure I never will.

 

Yes, that whole stamped mess was weird, and I agree with what you say. It never occurred to me that it might be a collection or range of jewelry though. The only time I've seen "Navajo" used is on carvings, art, and pottery.

 

There are several here............... http://www.art-amerindien.com/hallmarks/m-american-indian-jewelry-marks.htm

 

You're right. I have never seen those though. And it doesn't take away from the fact that it is a Taxco mark.

 

Without question that ring was made to confuse but is probably legal as it has the correct Mexican stamps and as already stated, the term Navajo is not their word but the Dine know that it is the name that they’re identified by virtually all who collect their jewelry and rugs and would never change it because of their Anglo driven business. Dine rugs, anyone?

Meanwhile anyone with NA knowledge would take one look at that ring and know that it was not USA made. Pretty though.

 

The design on the shank has that North African look that was also made popular in Mexico by Matl. I don't know if Matilde Poulat used this particular design too though.

 

I don’t know either (I only occasionally follow the snake pieces) but if so those elements weren’t used with traditional Navajo leaf work in a traditionally inspired setting.

 

I agree that anything can and probably is copied but the bottom line is that the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 is very specific about definite attribution requirements for selling. People cheat all day long and get away with it but some do get nailed and fined which is hardly worth the price as the fines are high. And, a seller’s account can be impacted as well.

IMO chancing selling any NA item (I believe post 1935 but around there) without attribution is just silly as all who collect this world know to troll ”Southwestern” listings whether it be for rings or rugs. The good stuff brings legit prices without breaking the law.

I’m not saying that the turquoise ring isn’t Navajo-IMO it certainly is and is very nice but if listed on an internet venue it could be correctly reported if listed as Navajo so why chance it?