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GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THE INDUSTRY: HANDMADE- Means that the item is entirely made from raw materials and fabricated by hand. Even if the item is made from Block/Plastic HANDCRAFTED- Means that the item is made by assembling pre-made parts and pieces that are of Natural Materials or Stabilized Materials or Block (Plastic). MACHINE MADE- Is an item that is made by the stamping, casting, die cutting or other mechanical means, injecting castings with metals or plastic to make an item. No hand work is involved. NATURAL MATERIALS- Materials that have not been stabilized, color enhanced or have any alterations to its natural state, other than being cut, shaped and polished to be finished and placed into a setting. STABILIZED MATERIALS- Natural low grade materials that are injected with resins, epoxies and/or dyes to enhance the base materials. MAN-MADE MATERIALS/BLOCK- Items that are grown in a laboratory such as man made opals, pearls, rubies, diamonds, etc. Also Block is manufactured from epoxies, resins and dyes. Sometimes a crushed stone filler is added, but basically is PLASTIC. Plastic usually feels warmer than stone. STERLING SILVER-.925- 92.5% Silver & 7.5% other metals. Sterling polishes to a brighter shine than Nickel Silver. NICKEL SILVER/GERMAN SILVER- Consists of a combination of Nickel and Zinc. There is no silver present. Nickel polishes to a greyer finish than Sterling Silver. KARAT MARKING FOR GOLD- Karat is a measure of the fineness of gold. 24k gold is fine gold. One karat is 1/24 (.0417). Thus 14 karat is 12/24 fine gold and the balance (10/24) is alloy. CABS and INSERTS- Settings that are pre-made in different shapes and sizes which are available at supply houses where materials are sold. These items may be made of real materials and/or plastic. GOLD FILLED- Is a 1/20 ratio of gold to base metal. 1/20 12k gold means 1/20 or 5% of the total weight is 12k gold. Items are usually marked 1/20 12kGF. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS Becoming an educated buyer and purchasing authentic arts and crafts helps to preserve the integrity and commitment of today's Native American artists. The popularity of American Indian arts and crafts has also brought merchandise into the market that is legitimately represented as "American-Indian inspired" or influenced. This should not be confused with authentic American Indian arts and crafts. The following tips will help you to ensure that the arts and crafts that you purchase are truly Authentic. -Become educated, by reading books, magazines and other publications about the areas that interest you; and by speaking to knowledgeable dealers and artists -Purchase from established dealers and Indian Arts and Crafts Association Members -Ask questions. A knowledgeable and helpful staff is a good sign of a reputable business. -Avoid stores with perpetual sales or unethical discounting offers. In general, genuine Indian arts and crafts are more expensive than the import southwest style or domestic fakes. However, a higher price in itself is no guarentee that an item is authentic. -Ask for a certificate of authenticity or a written record on a business card, letterhead or receipt. The information should include the item description, materials used, tribal affiliation of the artist, and artist name when possible. -Look for Native American artists' "hallmark" on the product -Look for well crafted items with clear and even images. -If a deal seems to good to be true, it probably is! More tips can be found in our publications. ©2008 Council for Indigenous Arts and Culture |
