| Buying American Indian jewelry & crafts can be | | | | authenticity. Ask if your item comes with a |
| fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you're | | | | certification tag. Not all authentic Indian arts and |
| considering a gift of American Indian jewelry & | | | | crafts carry this tag, but those that do are |
| crafts for someone special or as a treat for | | | | certified by the Department of the Interior (DOI) |
| yourself, take some time to learn the terms used | | | | to be genuine. This sample tag identifies the |
| in the industry. Here's some information to help | | | | artisan as a member of the Oklahoma Indian Arts |
| you get the best quality American Indian jewelry | | | | and Crafts Cooperative. However, you may see a |
| & crafts for your money, whether you're | | | | different name and logo appearing in the circle on |
| shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or | | | | the item you buy. |
| online. | | | | 2. Get a receipt that includes information about |
| Whether you're drawn to the beauty of turquoise | | | | the value of your purchase and any verbal |
| and silver jewelry or the earth tones of Indian | | | | representations by the salesperson. For example, |
| pottery, some information about American Indian | | | | if the salesperson tells you that the piece of |
| arts and crafts can help you get what you pay | | | | jewelry you're buying is sterling silver and natural |
| for. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous retailers are | | | | turquoise and was handmade by an American |
| selling imitation American Indian arts and crafts to | | | | Indian artisan, make sure this information is |
| unwary consumers. | | | | documented on your receipt. |
| According to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of | | | | 3. Before buying American Indian arts and crafts |
| 1990, any item produced after 1935 that is | | | | at powwows, annual fairs, juried competitions, and |
| marketed as "Indian," "Native American" or | | | | other events, check the event requirements for |
| "Alaska Native" must have been made by a | | | | information about the authenticity of the products |
| member of a state or federally-recognized tribe | | | | for sale. Many events list their requirements in |
| or a certified Indian artisan. That is a non-member | | | | newspaper ads, promotional flyers and printed |
| Indian artisan who is certified by the governing | | | | programs. If the event organizers don't say |
| body of an Indian tribe. | | | | anything about the authenticity of the American |
| 3 Tips for Buying Genuine American Indian | | | | Indian arts and crafts for sale, get written |
| Jewelry & Crafts | | | | verification for any item you buy that is sold as |
| 1. Buy from an established dealer who gives a | | | | authentic. |
| written guarantee or written verification of | | | | |