Jewelry

[AliJoi5]

Hello all - I'm late to the party here, but I just wanted to mention that I can relate to both sides of the discussion here.  I have no problem with these so-called "knock offs," as long as there is full disclosure and the price is adjusted accordingly.  But naturally, I'm not down with anything that's deceptive or misleading.  Like everyone else, I want to know exactly what I'm buying and where and how it's made.  And that is why you must deal with reputable dealers and do your research with regard to artists who have signed a piece you're interested in.  There is a lot of trust involved in that process.  I'll see certain artists' names attributed to a particular piece, and I know that the piece is an authentic, handmade Native American product, and that the quality is going to be top notch.  But I also rely on that artist's good name and reputation as a guarantee with regard to the stones used in those pieces... that they are in fact from a certain mine and are untreated.  Sometimes we can tell just by looking at the stones, but sometimes we have to go on the artist's and dealer's word.  Anyway, I wholeheartedly agree with @surfk's below statement.  Well said!

"If manufacturers want to produce and sell things as 'Santa Fe-style' or 'American Native-inspired,' that's something else. The items should be sold as such. And consumers should know that's what they're buying and its not the authentic deal.

"And the PRICE ought to reflect that massive difference.

"After all, a lovely 'Santa Fe-style' piece might sell for $100. But if it were authentic, it might cost $1000 or more. Its that extra $900 profit the fakers are looking to make on each item. Its all about any sort of forgeries - greed."

[surfk]

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@Justice4all wrote:

I saw the original The David in Florence and its copy in the piazza in Florence.  The knockoff ain't no The David.  I believe native Americans deserve their due.  There is something about being them that is unique and their best work imbued with their precious spirits.  Phillipinos, Chinese, Thai have their own beautiful traditions that need appreciation.

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I know what you mean. Ever since I bought a "Mona Lisa" sweatshirt when I was on vacation years ago, I have always felt that they can really remove the one at the Louvre. I mean, I'm satisfied. (And mine's even better than the original as its a poly-blend). lol

[tedEbear]

Reminds of my Son going to the Bahamas on his honeymoon.  Bought a great hat as a souvenir, later read that it was made in HuntingtonBeach,Ca.  We all lived about 10miles from HB!-----------tedEbear

[kerk]

I had to chuckle at the Gurnee, Il Pyramid House. That reminded me of my trip to Moab, UT. We signed for a dinner and boat ride that was also a light show. The light show consisted of a small train running along the river flashing colored lights on the walls of the canyon. However, what was really funny was that the host told everyone that you didn't have to go to Egypt to see the light show in Luxor - this was much better! It made me laugh because there was no comparison to the light show at the Temple of Karnack to this light show on a river.