Navajo Pearls refer to a type of handmade silver bead that has become iconic in Native American jewelry, especially among the Navajo people. The history of these beads is intertwined with the evolution of silverworking in the American Southwest, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. (More history here)

Our decision to carry machine-made beads is not one that we made lightly. First and foremost, we always strive to be completely transparent about where and how our items are made. For this reason, we specifically list whether items are machine-made or handmade. The shift to using machine-made beads came about due to the difficulty of finding artists willing or able to make beads by hand.

Making beads by hand is a complex, labor-intensive process that is not easily mastered. It requires years of training and skill to create each bead with precision and consistency. Unfortunately, many of our artists lack the interest, or simply do not possess the necessary skill set to craft beads by hand, making it difficult to source authentic handmade beads. (For more info on the process click here)

The need for a consistent source of Navajo pearls in a variety of sizes goes beyond simply fulfilling consumer demand or addressing price points. Without access to these beads, many artists are unable to complete statement pieces like squash blossom necklaces, which rely on Navajo pearls as a central component. Navajo pearls are also essential for pendants, as they provide the ideal medium for showcasing these pieces.

Ultimately, we felt that utilizing machine-made pearls would ensure our artists can continue to create beautiful, finished statement pieces without being hindered by the lack of handmade bead options. Additionally, the ability to produce more beads—especially smaller ones that are currently on trend—has opened up new creative possibilities for artists, allowing them to expand their designs for pendants and other jewelry without being limited by the lack of handmade beads. This, in turn, has helped create a larger market for pendants & other pieces that require Navajo pearls, providing both artists and customers with more options and greater flexibility in their jewelry choices.

While we do carry machine-made beads, we believe it is still crucial that these beads are strung by Native American artists. Although we are utilizing machine-made pearls, we fully understand and respect the deep cultural significance of Navajo pearls within Native traditions. We are committed to ensuring that Native American artists remain at the heart of the jewelry we sell. We are not, and will never be, in a position to cut out the contributions of these talented artists. Their creativity and craftsmanship continue to honor the traditions of their ancestors, and it is our priority to make sure they benefit from the work they produce. By involving Native artists in the creation and stringing process, we uphold both the cultural integrity of the jewelry and the economic support that these artisans rely on to continue their craft, while also adapting to the challenges of sourcing beads to complement our artists' creations.

It’s also important to note that not every seller claiming to offer "handcrafted" Navajo pearls is being entirely truthful. Nor are all “machine-made” pearls on the market produced in the U.S. or strung by Native artists. Unfortunately, the growing popularity of Native jewelry has led to an influx of imported knock-offs and a rising number of individuals who misrepresent their products in order to make more sales. This results in Native American artists not benefiting from jewelry that is not only a reflection of their creativity but also culturally significant to their communities.

By making informed shopping decisions, you can help ensure that the economic and cultural value of Native-style jewelry stays within the community that has created it, supporting artisans who continue to honor and share their heritage through their craft.

When it comes to buying machine-made beads the integrity and honesty of the seller are crucial. Sellers who genuinely care about supporting Native American artisans and communities will be transparent about the origin of the jewelry and its craftsmanship. Unfortunately, there are cases where jewelry is falsely marketed as Native-made, which can undermine the authenticity and cultural significance of the pieces.

 

There are a number of ways to distinguish machine-made beads from those made by hand.

1. Surface Texture: Handmade beads often have slight variations in texture, as they are individually worked by an artisan. You might notice subtle tool marks or small imperfections that reflect the human touch. Machine-made beads tend to have a more uniform, smooth surface, as they are produced in bulk with precise machinery.

2. Weight: Handmade beads can sometimes feel slightly heavier due to the denser nature of the silver used or the way they are formed, while machine-made beads may feel lighter or more hollow.

3. Shape: Although machine-made beads can be precise in shape, they often lack the slight irregularities that come with handcrafting. Handmade beads may have tiny variations in diameter, height, or thickness, making each bead unique.

4. Soldering Marks: When it comes to beads that are formed in halves (like Navajo pearls), machine-made beads often have very clean, nearly invisible soldering marks, while handmade beads may have more visible or slightly uneven soldering, a telltale sign of craftsmanship.

5. Bead Hole Shape: The hole in handmade beads may be slightly irregular, reflecting the artisan’s handcrafting process. In contrast, machine-made beads tend to have a perfectly uniform hole, as they are drilled or punched with machinery.

By paying attention to these details, one can often tell whether a bead is handmade or machine-made. While machine-made beads may be more uniform, handmade beads carry the artistry and unique imperfections that make each piece distinct and special.

If you come across a situation where jewelry is being misrepresented or falsely attributed to Native American artisans, reporting it is an important step.

1. Protecting Artists: Authentic Native American artisans often rely on the sale of their handmade jewelry for their livelihoods. When imitation or mass-produced pieces are sold as Native-made, it hurts both the artists' income and their cultural heritage.

2. Preserving Cultural Integrity: Authentic Native American jewelry carries deep cultural significance, and when it's misrepresented, it undermines the cultural meaning behind the work.

3. Preventing Fraud: Fraudulent labeling of goods as Native American-made not only deceives consumers but also violates federal law. Reporting such practices helps prevent others from being misled and ensures that those who break the law face appropriate consequence

1. Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC enforces laws related to misleading advertising, including misrepresentations of Native American-made goods. Under the **Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA)**, it is illegal to sell items as Native American-made if they are not produced by a member of a recognized Native American tribe. If you believe a seller is misrepresenting their goods, you can file a complaint with the FT

- You can file a complaint on the FTC's website ([www.ftc.gov/complaint] (Click Here) or call their Consumer Response Center at 1-877-382-4357.

2. Contact the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB)
The IACB is a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and they are responsible for enforcing the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. If you believe someone is falsely labeling non-Native goods as Native-made, you can contact the IACB to file a complaint.

- You can reach the Indian Arts and Crafts Board at 202-208-3773 or email them at **IACB@ios.doi.gov**.
- The IACB also works with law enforcement agencies to investigate cases of fraud.

3. Notify Local or National Native American Organizations
Many Native American organizations and trade associations (e.g., the **Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA)** or **Native American Arts Foundation**) have resources or platforms to report fraudulent activity. Reporting through these organizations helps protect both the artisans and consumers.

4. Spread Awareness
If you're aware of a seller misrepresenting their goods, share your experience to raise awareness. Sometimes, educating other consumers can help prevent others from falling into the same trap. Social media platforms, consumer review sites, and even Native American art forums or blogs can be powerful tools for spreading awareness.