Identifying Native American Artists

Jewelry Discussion
1

I’m wondering if there is some type of index or catalog that would
help to identify which Native American artist would have created a
piece of jewelry. Some pieces have a full name, but most only have 1
or 2 initials. Anyone know of such a thing?

  • Wendy
2

Wendy, There is a book,“Collecting Southwestern Native American
Jewelry” by Mark Bahti, published by Media Projects Inc.in 1980. I
don’t know if there is a later edition. It has an appendix which
shows drawings of hallmarks of makers of various tribes as well as
some shop stamps. Hope this helps. Jerry in Kodiak

3

Wendy, There is a great book called “Hallmarks of the Southwest” by
Barton Wright. It is published by Schiffer. Chuck

4

Yes, Wendy. I know such a thing exists, although I haven’t seen it.
I know that Barton Wright made up such a thing some years ago,
shortly before he retired. I don’t know where to get it, but you might
write to him and see what he says.

Barton Wright 4143 W. Gelding Dr. Phoenix Az 85023

HTH
Margaret

5

Wendy, I am not the expert in this, but living in Arizona I am very
familiar with the problem of identifying authentic Native American
made jewelry. From the 1970’s to 1990’s I knew at least 5 people who
were not Native Americans that made lots of jewelry that looked
Native American. They sold this jewelry through stores in New York
City, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. They would often buy Native
American jewelry in New Mexico to mix in with their own jewelry at
these stores. I would look to the antique dealers directories to find
sources of identification of Native American made jewelry prior to
1970. Jewelry made after 1970 can usually be traced as the jeweler
is probably still alive. I would go to Tribal sources to find out
what is available in source directories. You could start at the
state Chambers of Commerce and go from there.

Gerry Galarneau
G+LW Gem Mall 1 -14 Feb, 2003 Booth 111
www.galarneausgems.com
@Gerry

6 
 I'm wondering if there is some type of index or catalog that
would help to identify which Native American artist would have
created a piece of jewelry.

Wendy; Try Barton Wright’s “Hallmarks Of The Southwest” published by
Schiffer Publishing. My copy is an older copy, he has a new edition
out I believe. Neither one has all of the hallmarks of all Native
American artists; however, many hundreds. Hope this helps, John Barton

7

Wendy, I don’t have an answer for your question but, if no one else
in Orchid answers, here are two places I would turn to:

The magazine, “Arizona Highways”, published by the Arizona Dept.
of Highways, who periodically have published collector’s
editions entirely devoted to outstanding Native American
pieces. or

The Indian Jewelers Supply Co., headquartered in Gallup, N.M. While
IJS services the general jewelry trade, it is located in an area
noted for Native American artists. They would likely know if such a
list or index exists.

Hope this helps,
Tom N