Unearth Rare Vintage Finds
Considered sacred, turquoise has long been a central element in Navajo religious observances. Now almost all depleted, three southwestern states (Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico) once had over 20 producing mines. Today, about 75% of what is being used to make “Native American jewelry” comes out of China, and lower grades are filled with epoxy for stabilization and/or enhanced for color and luster.
Gem-quality turquoise is rare. Less than 5% of turquoise formed has the hardness and other characteristics necessary to be cut and set into jewelry. There are only a few arid regions worldwide where conditions even allow turquoise to form. And of that, so much was destroyed when it was revealed (and ignored) by silver mining in the 19th century. Tailings laden with turquoise were literally used for road beds.
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At some point, the turquoise was finally recognized as having value and the best quality began making its way to Native American silversmiths to be beautifully showcased in their jewelry. Unfortunately, much of that jewelry, including the turquoise, was destroyed in 2010 and 2011, when the price of silver shot up to almost $50/troy ounce. It is estimated that upwards of a third of Native American jewelry was melted. Not only was the historic workmanship lost, the irreplaceable turquoise was literally hammered out of the jewelry in the rush to get the silver to refineries to be melted.
Actually, every aspect of those destroyed historical jewelry pieces is irreplaceable. Not only are the early silversmiths long gone, their tools and techniques are no longer in use. The time, skill and “medicine” they put into their pieces that were never intended for sale is not an investment that today’s Native American artisans can afford when they must compete with a market flooded with imports. Sadly, today, we are experiencing another wave in the destruction of Native American jewelry. At the first of this year, the silver market surged to double the previous high. Once again, people gave up inherited jewelry collections, and dealers as well, as the melt value of their inventory reached the prices they’d been offering.
At Boulder Vintage, we preserve every piece that comes our way. We would rather scrap gold jewelry and sterling flatware than destroy historic Native American squash blossom necklaces, rings with featherwork, tears and flowers, and heavy cuffs with old stampwork. To this day, we continue to purchase old collections as they become available, and acquire pieces that turn up at auction that fit with the quality of our inventory. Stop by soon and see some of the oldest and most amazing pieces you will ever encounter. Perhaps you will choose a piece to proudly wear on special occasions and preserve for future generations. Or try on pieces until you find one that is the perfect fit and look for your daily wear. Investing in the past is investing in the future when you preserve the historic beauty and workmanship of vintage Native American jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our pieces are handmade, vintage, antique and selected for authenticity, craftsmanship, and quality. They offer real history and individuality that mass-produced jewelry cannot match
Old Pawn refers to vintage or historic Native American jewelry that was originally worn, traded, or pawned within Native communities. These pieces are valued for their age, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.
About 90% of our collection qualifies as Old Pawn, making it a major part of what sets our jewelry selection apart.
Yes. Because each item is handmade, no two pieces are exactly alike. Variations in stones, silverwork, and design make every piece unique. Different makers, using different tools across different eras, all contributed their own distinctive craftsmanship. In each era, silversmiths worked with the tools and materials available to them, including locally mined turquoise from different sources. Every piece reflects the resourcefulness of the artist and the materials they had access to, making each one truly distinctive.
Absolutely. Our collection is ideal for shoppers looking for meaningful jewelry gifts that carry history and artistry. Each piece offers a unique blend of craftsmanship and cultural significance, making it a truly special gift. It’s perfect for those seeking something distinctive and meaningful, with the added value of a piece that appreciates over time.
Because of the age of our curated collection, most pieces are not made from sterling silver, but from coin silver, which was traditionally melted down and handcrafted by silversmiths of the era. Genuine stones were primarily turquoise, valued for its beauty, durability, and traditional appeal. Other materials commonly used include mother of pearl, coral, malachite, black coral, onyx, fossil stone, petrified wood, and even bear claws, each adding its own distinctive character to the piece.
At Boulder Vintage, we value the natural patina that develops over decades and reflects the history of each piece. We do not clean the jewelry unless requested by the customer. We strongly recommend avoiding any cleaning methods that involve dips or excessive moisture. Soaking Native American jewelry can allow moisture to seep behind the stones, which may loosen them and cause them to fall out over time.
People seeking authentic Native American jewelry are often drawn to our collection. Some visitors come in and quickly realize the pieces they currently own do not compare to the craftsmanship, history, and authenticity of what we offer. Others are searching for specific pieces to add to their collections. Over the years, we’ve also welcomed movie stars, performers, and passionate collectors who truly appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of Native American jewelry.
Find a Piece That Feels Personal, Powerful, & Truly Worth Owning
The right piece of jewelry should feel like more than an accessory. It should feel like something you connect with the moment you see it. At Boulder Vintage, our collection of vintage Native American jewelry offers that kind of experience through authentic craftsmanship, rich history, and one-of-a-kind beauty. Whether you are shopping for statement turquoise jewelry, or every day pieces you will wear daily, meaningful jewelry gifts, we invite you to visit us and explore and experience what makes these pieces so special.