Selling Native American & Turquoise Jewelry in Naples
A Navajo cuff, a Zuni inlay bracelet, a squash blossom necklace bought on a trip out West decades ago. Much of this jewelry is worth more than its silver — and how much more depends mostly on who made it. Here is what we look at, and what you can check at home.
Most of the value is in the artist
Two squash blossom necklaces can weigh the same and be worth very different amounts. A piece by a recognized artist, or from a well-known family of silversmiths, can sell for many times the value of its silver. An unsigned tourist piece is usually priced closer to its silver and stones.
So the first thing we do is look for the artist’s hallmark — usually stamped or engraved on the back — and research it before we name a number.
The styles, briefly
You do not need to know which is which — we will tell you. But the names help you describe what you have when you call.
Navajo (Diné)
Heavy sterling, stamped and hand-worked silver, and large turquoise stones: cuffs, concho belts, squash blossom necklaces, bolo ties, and rings.
Zuni
Known for fine stonework: inlay, channel inlay, and needlepoint and petit point clusters of small, matched stones set in silver.
Hopi
Overlay: two layers of silver, the top one cut out in a design over a darkened background layer.
Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo
Heishi — fine hand-rolled shell and stone beads — and mosaic inlay necklaces and earrings.
What decides the price
The artist
A hallmark we can identify matters most. Gallery receipts, trading post tags, and old paperwork help confirm who made a piece. Bring them if you have them.
The silver
Sterling has real value as metal, and that is the floor of any offer. “Nickel silver,” “German silver,” and “alpaca” look similar and have essentially none. We test it in front of you.
The turquoise
Natural turquoise is worth more than stabilized, reconstituted (“block”), or dyed stone. If a stone needs specialist analysis, we say so and arrange it.
Age and condition
Older pieces with honest wear are often the ones collectors want. Missing stones, cracks, and heavy repairs lower the price; we explain how much.
Before you bring it in
- Don’t polish it. The dark background on Hopi overlay and stamped silver is part of the design, and polishing removes metal.
- Keep sets together. A necklace with its matching earrings or bracelet is worth more as a set.
- Bring the paperwork — receipts, tags, cards, letters from the artist or gallery.
- If you decide to sell, bring a government photo ID — Florida requires it when we buy precious metals.
Native American Jewelry FAQ
Is my piece worth more than its silver?
Often, if it is signed by a known artist or is fine older work. We price it both ways — as silver and as a piece — and tell you which is higher and why.
It isn’t signed. Do you still buy it?
Yes. Unsigned pieces are priced on their silver, their stones, and the quality of the work. Many good older pieces were never signed.
How do I know if it is really Native American made?
We look at the hallmark, the construction, and the materials, and tell you honestly what we think it is. Look-alike pieces made elsewhere are common, and we will say so when we see one.
Do you also buy Mexican Taxco silver?
Yes. Maker-marked Taxco silver — William Spratling, Los Castillo, Hector Aguilar, and others — is priced as jewelry. Unmarked pieces are priced on their silver.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk into the Shirley St showroom during open hours, or call to arrange a private appointment. Home visits are available on request.
Selling a whole jewelry box? See how we buy estate jewelry in Naples and our sterling silver page.
When you are ready, we are a phone call away
Private, unhurried, and with no obligation — at the Naples showroom or at the home.