Native American Jewelry Hallmarks and Copyrights

Posted by Four Corners USA OnLine on 11th Mar 2014

I recently read an article (more like a conversation) where the use of a Copyright symbol was discussed in reference to Authentic Native American Jewelry Hallmarks and Makers Marks. I found the conversation particularly interesting as I believe there is much confusion about the use of Hallmarks and Copyrights.

This most recent posting was truly referencing the use of a Copyright symbol by Native American Silversmiths with one person looking to validate their product and the other person making a comment that they did not believe Native American Indians would use a Copyright symbol on their jewelry and therefore it must be manufactured.

Here we will share several reasons (from our experience and there could be many more) why Native American made Jewelry may carry a Copyright symbol as well as the most prevalent (and often misunderstood) commercial Copyright for Southwest Silver Jewelry.

Native American Jewelry and Copyright

For many years now, American Indian Jewelry Makers have resisted having their Hallmarks published as fraudulent imitations of their designs and styles have infiltrated the market place. As a result, it is not uncommon to see well-known contemporary day Silversmiths to place a Copyright symbol on their creations but don't expect consistency as you may see it on one piece but not another. In addition to the Copyright symbol, the Hallmark of a specific Artist may vary as well and a prime example of that comes to mind with pieces we have had made from Jane Francisco.

Another reason a Copyright Symbol may be found on Authentic Native American made jewelry would be the Silversmith was commissioned by a Designer as is evidenced in our line of Contemporary Inlay Jewelry. Love the work of this designer and have for years. Great use of color with every single piece in a collection being slightly different and he commissions the best of the best to execute his designs as evidenced in this ring by Robert Vandever. The symbol is a 'rule of thumb' and although most of the pieces will have the Copyright several could be missing it.

Commercial Southwest Jewelry and Copyright

Several months ago we were contacted by someone looking to sell various pieces of Native American Jewelry and although he did not have any history or information on the pieces one stood out very distinctly. It was a Cuff Bracelet that was manufactured by Relios back in the early 2000's (approximately). Dina Huntinghorse was commissioned by Relios (the commercial division of Carolyn Pollack Jewelry) along with various other Native American Jewelry Designers notably Roderick Tenorio for which we carried his Morning Star Collection (back in the day).

So this may be the most misunderstood 'Copyright' symbol for Native American and Southwestern Jewelry. Although this seller did not know the Silversmith, he was indeed very surprised to learn it was not Native American made. DH was stamped but it was also combined with the ' Relios' Copyright which is signifying the Designer as well as the manufacturer.

I had to chuckle a bit last year when I came across a listing for a 'Vintage Native American Ring' that had the Maker's Mark of 'R with a Crescent Moon' and stamped .925 (a ring we also carry)....hmm, I never realized how long it had been since we were an Authorized Dealer for Relios until I saw 'vintage'...ouch. So below is a Multi Stone Inlay Pendant by Relios manufactured in Albuquerque, New Mexico and there is the 'Crescent Moon'.

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