FAQ
"Is this a Native American owned business?"
Aoo’, Diné niidlį́. Yes, we are enrolled members of the Diné (Navajo Nation) tribe.
"Is your name from the movie ‘Brother Bear’?"
Kotah Bear is the owner's (Kotah) childhood nickname. The name Kotah is from the Lakota (Sioux) tribe and means 'friend'. If you've met Kotah, you know his name couldn't be more perfect!
"Can you resize a ring?"
We can resize a ring for an additional $15.00. In some cases, a ring cannot be resized due to the design. If this is the case, we will let you know or advise such in the product description. If you are not sure of your size, please stop by your local jeweler to double check.
"Are the items new?"
To the best of our knowledge, all of the items we sell are new make items. Items are specified as “pawn” or "vintage" to demonstrate a prior owner and age. Please note that we cannot guarantee items specified as "vintage" as Native American handmade.
"What materials are used?"
Unless otherwise specified, our jewelry items are made using genuine turquoise, ranging from untreated stones to compressed turquoise chips, and coral, lab created or natural opal (depending on price point) and enhanced or natural lapis lazuli set into sterling silver.
The terms “silver” and “sterling silver” are used interchangeably on the site. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by mass of silver and 7.5% by mass of other metals, usually copper. On rare occasions, these other metals can interact with one's body chemistry and discolor the wearer. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925, however the 925 stamp is typically not commonly used in Native American jewelry. A stamp of the artisans initials, name, or the word ‘sterling’ is used instead. Sterling silver is utilized in jewelry making as pure silver is quite soft and unsuitable for jewelry.
Natural/precious opal (hydrated amorphous form of silica/quartz; its water content may range from 3 to 21% by weight) is typically never used in Native American jewelry. Natural/precious opal is quite scarce, expensive, and prone to breakage due to the high water content. Lab created opal is considered a true synthetic or created opal – produced in controlled laboratory conditions and with the same chemical composition as natural/precious opal but with a very low water content, enabling artists to more easily utilize this beautiful gemstone in inlay and other complex pieces. Stimulated opal is different chemically from natural or lab opal. It is made up of 80% silica and 20% resin and is an economical option to both natural/precious and lab created opal.
The other components as named in the product description and title are to the best of our knowledge genuine. We are not certified gemologists.
"What does it mean?"
There are many reoccurring themes, motifs, and designs found in authentic Native American jewelry, however with each individual piece the symbolism, interpretation, and design thereof is exclusively the creative license of the individual artisan.
"Do you offer other services?"
If you are looking for a particular style of item and we do not currently have it in stock, please contact us and we will do our best to find it for you!
Currently, we do not accept offers, do free appraisals, free research, put you in touch with the artists, or answer weight questions.
"What is your return policy?"