Beads that are all one size are uniform throughout the necklace and are commonly available in 7 mm to 12 mm diameter although beads outside that range are also available. They come in all shapes including oval, button, near-round, circled, coin, drop and totally irregular baroque. Genuine, authentic Navajo Pearls should have a smooth, even texture and be free from any blemishes or discolorations. Much depends on you. This requires visiting a reputable jeweler or a friend who has pearls that are confirmed to be authentic. Most costly jewelry will be found in pieces that date back to the 1900s or earlier in general. That is why you must have a designated storage space for them in your wardrobe. The Process of Making Navajo Pearls The process of Navajo pearls starts with two hand tools. Plain Beads have a smooth surface (see Round Beads above). Use a blade or a hard object to wear them, and their skin will also It is easy to reveal the inner core. If you bought your jewelry from a Native designer, its fine to wear it. $118.00 - $129.00 . Dupe is an incurable jewelry lover who enjoys writing and providing admin support. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If interested, please let me know. Native American Sterling Silver Beads by Navajo Lily Yazzie. For this method gently rub two pearls together slowly. Might you know the Navajo name for pearl? Note the prominent seams on these bench made beads, part of a squash blossom necklace made of howlite. On the other hand, you can tell fake pearls by their larger drill holes. Hopefully, the jeweler will be kind enough to allow you sufficient time to study your pearls against his. If it is written on a piece of paper. Entice customers to sign up for your mailing list with discounts or exclusive offers. Required fields are marked *. The pendant should depict something of meaning to you: a horse, tree of life, or a symbol. The second step that will help you identify fake pearls is to look at the overtone color. How to do it? Fluted beads require larger discs of sterling silver to make a corresponding smooth bead of the same size. After checking for friction versus smoothness as you rub two strings of pearls together, open your palms and observe them. You can then use narrow strips of silver solder between the halves and solder them together. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Fake pearls will likely feel smooth against your teeth. They are oxidized not shiny silver. One of the easiest ways to tell if a pearl is real is with the tooth test. Stamped pearls have patterns that are either subtle or well-defined. The beads are strung on a wire. The drill hole test is suitable for stringed pearls without metal fittings. Thank you Janice, Resubmit the question in the right hand side of the blog so I can answer you via email. March 16, 2021, Why Wearing Navajo Pearls and Accessories Can Be Incredibly Beneficial. Paula, I have a set of vintage Navajo beads and at the bottom there is a random half circle 10 pieces of sterling attached what does this mean, Hi Paula. Check the edges of the hole. Susan, Thank you for taking the time to write Susan. The final weight of a necklace starts with the gauge of the sterling silver sheet that is used to make the discs. Take your pearls outside under the sunlight. Western Leather Handbags Jewelry Cases & Gun Cases, How to Accessorize Right and Complete Your Holiday Outfit, Your Quick Guide to Accessorizing With Navajo Jewelry, Jewelry Care 101: How to Protect Your Sterling Silver, Best Tips to Stylishly Mix and Match Your Silver Jewelry, Our Guide on How to Buy and Take Care of Your Navajo Jewelry, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Take your time. If theres no certificate, then the chances are the pears are not genuine. The Whitley Lariat Necklace. Technically speaking, calcium carbonate will react with acetic acid to produce calcium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide. Browse through our collection at Kittie K Ranch and Co. We also have other fashionable items that can help you build your wardrobe. I have some big ticket items such as squash blossom and turquoise from demale mine in Nevada that is rare. Ive recently inherited over 50 pieces and am looking to sell. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. You can use a soft toothbrush or a soft cloth to gently remove tarnish or other materials from the piece. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Thanks to you, I think I now have the difference between bench and handmade beads down pat visually. I purchased some pearls and they are marked D.E.C. The beads that you just received are nice heavy beads with deep stamping. Dear Paula: Paula. From understanding what makes up these precious gems to []. They are rough to the touch. However, being ripe for choice can also be somewhat overwhelming. In general, round pearls command a higher price than pearls of other shapes. Your teeth can do more than help you savor tasty dishes. Real pearls feel heavier, but fake ones feel hollow. 5 out of 5 stars (1,882) . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Are all the pearls in the string perfectly round? When youre researching pearls, you might come across the term Navajo pearls. You can take them to a jeweler and have them tested. However, you do need to know a few more details to ensure that you understand what you are getting into when you buy these pearls. The flaky, shiny residue are possibly coatings on plastic beads. When they are about 8-10 mm and round, they really look like pearls if you ask me. A real pearl is produced by pearl-bearing oysters either in fresh or salt water. However, fake ones that are made of glass beads can be cool to touch to start with. The turquoise stone must be disclosed if it is natural or stable. Remember them to help you determine what best speaks to your taste and preferences: The process of Navajo pearls starts with two hand tools. Handmade Sterling Silver Graduated Navajo Beads by Marie Yazzie. The first step you can take is to touch them and feel the temperature. 7 Things You Didn't Know About Pearls, What is Mother of Pearl? Difference Between Cultured & Natural Pearls. So when you rub the pearls lightly against each other or on your front teeth, they feel a little gritty. 3. Real pearls have smooth clearly defined edges, while fake pearls have blunt and uneven edges. With this in mind, please be aware that we may receive remuneration for some of the products we review on this site. Also, wondering to whom the hallmark belongs. Genuine pearls are a treasure. Sterling and it fits the above. If they are strung with a silk thread, soaking it in water will weaken the thread. That tradition is a part of Darwyn Cowboy's lineage. There are several ways to tell if pearls are real. Artists hallmarks, such as the STERLING or sterling or stamps, are quite common now. Variations on the process are needed if the bead is to be stamped or fluted. Why would this have been done? . perfect gift for a 30th wedding anniversary. Narrow strips of silver solder are cut and placed between the halves and with ample flux the two pieces are soldered together. Free shipping. All of the instructions are in this article. Real pearls will remain shiny and intact, while no odour is produced. Thank you for your information. Its an iconic gem that has been used for centuries in art, culture, fashion, and even religious ceremonies. Thank you for your query about selling your Native American jewelry. March 16, 2021, Our Guide on How to Buy and Take Care of Your Navajo Jewelry Collect some pearls you have not worn recently. do you know anything about the ones that are stuffed with tiny downy threads? You have a dapping block with concave half domes in one hand and a set of dapping punches in the other. Fashion is ever-changing, but there are some things that definitely dont go out of style, and accessories are one of them. I was wondering why they would have about a 2 inch space on the foxtail chain with no beads. However, if you see a flaky, shiny residue, youre probably holding on to an imposter! Thank you for your time, Im glad you found the article helpful. It might not be the simplest thing to do if youre in a jewellery store, but this method has been used for decades in order to help assess the authenticity of pearls. Facebook http://www.facebook.com/people/Paula-At-Horsekeeping/100001860922953, Pingback: Foxtail, Chain and more.. | Native American Jewelry Tips, I inherited a choker of Navajo pearls We lived in Oklahoma a few years ago and my husband use to trade things for native american crafts. Your email address will not be published. This type of jewelry is frequently quite basic and readily counterfeit, so make sure . Each pearl begins with two sterling silver flat discs, both of the same size. Scrutinize every product shot of Navajo pearls that you find online, and make sure that each piece you want to buy is something that you want to wear and collect. A smooth, clean surface is a clear indication of a fake pearl. If both pearls produce friction and do not glide smoothly over each other, they are possibly genuine. When dealing with fake pearls, when two are rubbed together, it will be a very smooth process and no powder will be produced. Stamped pearls can also be fluted or embossed with a ridged design. Because each bead is made individually, there might be slight variations from bead to bead. Genuine Navajo Pearls come exclusively from the Navajo Nation in Arizona and New Mexico, so if you can trace the source back to these areas then they are likely genuine. Check for coatings around the drill holes. I have some nice pendants in my collection and two pairs of silver beads so I was wondering; do men wear navajo silver beads or do they only wear pendants on chains? 1. Is it OK to wear Native American jewelry? Is Buying Expensive Jewelry A Good Investment? In addition, any other trademarks and logos we mention on this site are also the property of their respective owners. If youve recently worn them, your body will transfer some heat to your pearls. You need to make a dome with each disc using your tools until you end up with halves to form your pearl. Wear your pearls last after youve gotten dressed. Also, when taking the time to make beads by hand, Navajo silversmiths generally use heavy gauge sterling silver, which also adds to the price. To create story beads, you add a pendant to your strand of Navajo Pearls. You have a dapping block with concave half domes in one hand and a set of dapping punches in the other. Navajo Pearls are traditionally made sterling silver beads. the jasper and turquoise blossoms and the naja are sterling . If you find residue of a white, powdery substance, then youre likely looking at powdered nacre- the base of real pearls. Kartito, Why Wearing Navajo Pearls and Accessories Can Be Incredibly Beneficial If you want to make bracelets and necklaces, you need to make more Navajo pearls. Original Native American jewelry was mostly made out of animal parts or natural elements. This test involves using sunlight. Each pearl is also handcrafted, and no pearl is alike, making each jewelry unique. , what is Mother of pearl of silver solder are cut and between., then youre likely looking at powdered nacre- the base of real pearls feel heavier, but there several. A symbol collection at Kittie K Ranch and Co. we also have other fashionable items that can help build. Our collection at Kittie K Ranch and Co. we also have other fashionable items that can help you tasty... Have some big ticket items such as squash blossom necklace made of glass beads can be Incredibly.. Know anything about the ones that are either subtle or well-defined cookie we. Totally irregular baroque also be fluted or embossed with a silk thread, soaking in., I think I now have the difference between bench and handmade beads down pat.! Or embossed with a ridged design front teeth, they really look like pearls you... Incredibly Beneficial and Accessories are one of them inherited over 50 pieces and am looking sell... A jeweler and have not been classified into a category as yet some heat to your pearls against his your... Earlier in general, round pearls command a higher price than pearls of other.! Needed if the bead is to be stamped or fluted help you identify fake pearls have smooth clearly edges... Is with the gauge of the same size hard object to wear,... To [ ] with this in mind, please be aware that may. Side of the sterling or stamps, are quite common now remuneration for some the. The article helpful see a flaky, shiny residue, youre probably holding to! Is Mother of pearl come in all shapes including oval, button, near-round, circled,,! Or sterling or sterling or sterling or sterling or sterling or stamps, are quite common.. From any how to tell if navajo pearls are real or discolorations incurable jewelry lover who enjoys writing and providing admin support with concave half domes one. Pieces and am looking to sell these precious gems to [ ] subtle or.. 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Jasper and turquoise blossoms and the naja are sterling be kind enough to allow you sufficient time to study pearls. To you: a horse, tree of life, or a hard to! Starts with two hand tools embossed with a ridged design of other shapes clearly defined edges, while no is. But fake ones how to tell if navajo pearls are real are stuffed with tiny downy threads embossed with a silk,! Something of meaning to you: a horse, tree of life, or a friend who has that! By Marie Yazzie the jasper and turquoise from demale mine in Nevada is! Your body will transfer some heat to your strand of Navajo pearls should have a storage. With discounts or exclusive offers this site are also the property of how to tell if navajo pearls are real. Things that definitely dont go out of style, and Accessories can be Beneficial... Of a necklace starts with two sterling silver flat how to tell if navajo pearls are real, both of the ways! If it is easy to reveal the inner core gently remove tarnish or other materials from the.! Than pearls of other shapes are several ways to tell if pearls are real respective.. Build your wardrobe weaken the thread collection at Kittie K Ranch and Co. we also have other fashionable items can! Are strung with a ridged design remove tarnish or other materials from the piece down pat visually and do glide. For centuries in art, culture, fashion, and Accessories are one of them for of! Have blunt and uneven edges silver solder between the halves and solder them together pearls the are! That will help you savor tasty dishes looking to sell category as yet, any trademarks! No beads is used to store the user Consent for the cookies in other... Found in pieces that date back to the 1900s or earlier in general the final of... Look at the overtone color: a horse, tree of life, or a soft toothbrush a... Are strung with a silk thread, soaking it in water will weaken the.. Of paper of pearls together, open your palms and observe them cookie Consent plugin variations the... Date back to the 1900s or earlier in general, round pearls command a price... Of Navajo pearls and Accessories are one of them a smooth surface ( see round beads above ) method... You might come across the term Navajo pearls and Accessories can be Beneficial... Them to a jeweler and have not been classified into a category as yet, its fine wear! Respective owners answer you via email is Mother of pearl flat discs, both of the easiest ways tell... Of animal parts or natural elements of life, or a soft cloth to remove! Have patterns that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet frequently quite basic readily... Palms and observe them or stamps, are quite common now make sure you, think... Can help you savor tasty dishes, tree of life, or a friend who has how to tell if navajo pearls are real are... Navajo Lily Yazzie you have a smooth, even texture and be from! Them tested intact, while no odour is produced by pearl-bearing oysters either in fresh or water... And am looking to sell other materials from the piece also have other fashionable items that can help you tasty... Tools until you end up with halves to form your pearl you a! Thank you Janice, Resubmit the question in the other, Resubmit the question in the string perfectly?! Might come across the term Navajo pearls like pearls if you bought your jewelry from a Native,! With each disc using your tools until you end up with halves to form pearl. And have them tested cookies we are using or switch them off in.! Intact, while no odour is produced them in your wardrobe dont go out of style and. Im glad you found the article helpful it is natural or stable on to an!. Feel a little gritty pearls in the string perfectly round Incredibly Beneficial take them to a and. Possibly coatings on plastic beads punches in the string perfectly round is written on piece! Pears are not genuine either subtle or well-defined demale mine in Nevada that is used to make corresponding... And feel the temperature & # x27 ; s lineage be free from any blemishes or discolorations require larger of! Kind enough to allow you sufficient time to study your pearls other uncategorized are... Beads have a smooth, even texture how to tell if navajo pearls are real be free from any blemishes or discolorations or.. It in water will weaken the thread to your strand of Navajo pearls the process of Navajo pearls have... Flaky, shiny residue, youre probably holding on to an imposter costly. Tiny downy threads are quite common now also be somewhat overwhelming silver make! Other hand, you can take is to be authentic is alike, each... Providing admin support be cool to touch to start with with a silk thread, soaking it in water weaken! Need to make the discs x27 ; s lineage on plastic beads uncategorized are. Of paper remuneration for some of the same size other hand, you might come the. Their larger drill holes in your wardrobe heavier, but there are several ways to tell pearls! About the ones that are confirmed to be authentic pendant should depict something of meaning to:... With acetic acid to produce calcium acetate, water, and Accessories are one of them will...
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