Navajo Sterling Silver Golden Hills Turquoise Cuff Bracelet

How do I clean and care for genuine Native American Jewelry to keep it looking its best?

Sterling silver naturally darkens over time, and many pieces are finished with a light patina to enhance their character. To gently remove any tarnish or patina, use a soft polishing cloth—never solvents, commercial cleaners, or steam. Keep jewelry completely dry: remove rings before washing hands, using hand sanitizer, or applying lotions, and avoid any liquid contact (water, oils, perfumes). Moisture can expand the sawdust setting in Native American inlay work, loosening or displacing stones. Also avoid heat and harsh chemicals (chlorine, ammonia, household cleaners). For storage, keep each piece in a cool, dry place—ideally inside an airtight anti-tarnish bag or a soft cloth pouch—and store items separately to prevent scratching.

Learn More: Native American Jewelry Care Guide

What does the “STERLING” or “925” stamp mean on Native silver jewelry?

A “STERLING” or “925” stamp tells you that the maker crafted the piece from 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% alloy for extra strength, ensuring you get genuine, durable sterling silver often used in Native jewelry.

Learn More: A Guide to Sterling Silver Native American Jewelry

How to Tell If Your Turquoise Jewelry Is Real?

Distinguishing real turquoise from imitations involves both visual cues and simple tests. Genuine turquoise often shows a natural web-like matrix and can have slight color variations, whereas dyed howlite or plastic imitations may look too uniformly colored. Check the hardness with care: real turquoise resists a light scratch, while softer imitations may mark easily. You can also hold the piece under a magnifier—natural stone has tiny pits and texture, while resin looks smooth. When in doubt, buy from a reputable seller who provides authenticity guarantees or certificates.

Learn More: How to Tell If Your Turquoise Jewelry Is Real?

What is Golden Hills Turquoise in Native American jewelry?

Golden Hills Turquoise is a rare and highly sought-after variety of turquoise known for its light lavender-blue color with warm golden or brown matrix patterns. Mined only in Kazakhstan, it has a unique pastel tone that stands out from traditional turquoise. Native American artisans prize Golden Hills Turquoise for its unusual color and natural beauty, often setting it in sterling silver to highlight its soft, striking hues. Because of its rarity and distinct appearance, it's considered a premium stone in handcrafted Southwestern jewelry.