About Us
Welcome to my trading post! My name is Jessica. I am a San Francisco native with a deep passion and fondness for the American Southwest. I still live in San Francisco with my partner, our mischief of rats, and a quirky senior dog.
Having grown up with parents who are antique dealers I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by items of the past. My heart was always drawn to the Native American pieces – the history surrounding the rugs, baskets, and pottery – but especially the jewelry! I started collecting pieces when I was a teenager and have yet to stop. I bring to you pieces of that collection and from personal turquoise treasure hunts. All of the pieces are handpicked by me, with careful consideration, and with hopes that you find a piece that speaks to you.
About Our Jewelry
Understanding Native American Silver & Hallmarks
Prior to 1965, the exact silver content varied widely in vintage Native American jewelry. This is because American Indians generally made jewelry using coin silver. Coin silver was one of the following individual coins melted down, or any combination of the following coins and metal
melted down together:
US Coins: 90% silver
Mexican coins: 95% silver
Sterling Silver sheets/wire: 92.5% silver
Coin silver jewelry, therefore, is generally not marked and can probably be dated as pre-1965. As such, it is older and sometimes more valuable than jewelry made with sterling silver. It wasn’t until the 1950’s and 1960’s that sterling silver sheets and wire were being used and the Sterling mark and/or the 925 mark started to be stamped on jewelry. And it should be noted, that even though jewelry is in fact sterling, it may not be marked as such. Native American jewelry, no matter when it was made, is inconsistent in regards to marks.
Hallmarks are identifying marks that signify the jewelry artist. They can be as simple as the artist’s initials and/or the use of symbols. The wide use of hallmarks began after 1950 but was sometimes used in earlier pieces of jewelry too.
Together, metal marks (or the lack of) and hallmarks can help date and identify a piece of Native American jewelry. Other factors such as workmanship, style, materials, tools, etc. can also help identify a piece.
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Where Is the Jewelry From?
Many of the pieces are from my personal collection. I have been purchasing turquoise for many years - from estate sales, other collectors, and other authorized dealers. I am guided by years of experience and with the help of antique appraisers when I take in pieces. My main goal is to share vintage jewelry that is Native American made.
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I do have a section of jewelry that does not fall under that category. While they are considered vintage, they are not Native American made, so therefore they have their own special place in the Trading Post. These items are either made in Mexico or to be what I find representative of the American Southwest. Whether that be a symbol, a style, or just an overall ‘vibe’ I get from the piece.
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Why Does the Jewelry Look Dull?
I prefer to not polish the jewelry because to me the patina on the jewelry is actually very important. Metal jewelry develops a sheen called patina as it ages. Patina is caused by the oxidation of the metal when exposed to the air. This takes years to form! Therefore , a piece of jewelry's natural patina can be an indicator of age and/or history and can add value - both literally and aesthetically.
There are a few pieces in the Trading Post that are polished. I purchased those with that knowledge and decided the piece was worth having in my collection.