I've been collecting this inlay jewelry for years. Does anyone have any info re: a hallmark stamp... Q.T. sterling or .925... with a copyright sign?
I believe it may be costume and manufactured. Many of my pieces look exactly the same.
Lots of stamped backs with inlay Plastic and or real stone. :confused:
Many Thanks in advance
Whitefeather

WOW!
Beautiful pieces I must say.

QT Pair of Sterling Silver & Turquoise Dangle Earrings - (eBay item 260165270277 end time Oct-03-07 10:00:32 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/QT-Pair-of-Sterling-Silver-Turquoise-Dangle-Earrings_W0QQitemZ260165270277QQihZ016QQcategoryZ4 3200QQcmdZViewItem)


EDIT:::Sorry,but I could not find the signature you mentioned.
Have you tried this site?
Jewelry Hallmarks (http://southwestaffinity.com/navajo_silversmiths.htm#How) can I find out more about my jewelry and hallmark?

Or maybe here?
Southwest Silver Gallery specializes in Turquoise jewelry, turquoise, Native American jewelry, Navajo jewelry, American Indian jewelry, Zuni jewelry, Navajo Indian jewelry, authentic turquoise jewelry, Hopi jewelry, Indian turquoise jewelry (http://southwestsilvergallery.com/jewelry.asp)

Or here?
Cowan's Corner: Southwestern American Indian Jewelry (http://www.go-star.com/antiquing/cowans_corner1105.htm)

Hi I can't remember the exact name... but it is definitely QVC. I used to work there and its upsetting that they copy Native American work and mass produce it. But maybe it gets people more interested in real Native American jewelry. I sure hope so. I have quite a few pieces from QVC myself. But how could I resist at the prices I could get it for. Now I look for the real thing.

Take care,

Katzkrze:)

This is Faux American Indian Styled Jewelry and is most likely made in the Philippines. The metal is generally sterling silver and the stones are various types of plastic inlays and some natural materials such as dyed mother of pearl are used. It is an inexpensive alternative to the more costly real Native American Jewelry but does not have the same hand made quality and is not as durable. I used to buy this jewelry from an importer in New York for my store in addition to the higher end American pieces so that I had something to sell to those who could not afford the more expensive pieces.

Hi Whitefeather,
I recognize those pieces because I have them as well! The company that produces them is a company right here in New Mexico where I live. QT is the name of the owner of the production company. They do not use any artificial stones as far as I know and they have a pretty large manufacturing company right here in town. If you have any questions I'm sure I can get them asnwered for you =) My favorite jewelry supplier hands down.

I have a piece signed Q.T. with a copyright sign and .925. I have owned this piece for about 20 years. The silver and the stones are high quality and very pretty - I have it on eBay Item # 200421571918 and someone questioned it as well - so there must be another QT besides the real Southwest company - thanks for the Info.

I recognized those pieces as well, and I also have those and many others hallmarked Q.T , QT , etc. All my pieces are sterling silver. The company was featured on QVC and QVC sold several of their jewelry. The company is called Unl Designs. Their Location: Albuquerque , NM , United States. New Mexico. They are listed under list url: http://companydatabase.org/c/wholesale-jewelry-watches-precious-stones-metals/turquoise-wholesale/native-american-indian-jewelry/14k-gold/unl-designs.html

And also have an eBay store here: http://stores.ebay.com/UNL-Designs-Turquoise-Opal-Jewelry

Hope that helped.

Matt

I have a Indian Bracelet, silver with inlay turquoise with the hallmark of JTS on the under side, was wondering if anyone could give me any information of this. The bracelet is about 2 inches wide and turquoise and I think agate (red stone)

.925 is the graade of silver, means almost pure! Former stone cutter and Navajo employer!

Juan Singer

It is Juan Singer's mark.

I've been collecting this inlay jewelry for years. Does anyone have any info re: a hallmark stamp......Q.T. Sterling or .925.....with a copyright sign?
I believe it may be costume and manufactured. Many of my pieces look exactly the same.
Lots of stamped backs with inlay Plastic and or real stone. :confused:
Many Thanks in advance
Whitefeather

Here is a link: www.art-amerindien.com/signature_picto-hallmarks.htm... they have pictures of hallmarks. On Google, it's under Indian Native American Pictograph Hallmarks. Hope you find your answer. Good luck.

Hi!
These were extremely popular in the early 1990's and were made overseas. They are sterling silver. These were primarily sold in the "indian jewelry market" out of a small warehouse/office in Gallup, NM by a distributor/importers and often wholesale stores. These were often misrepresented as Native American Jewelry at the time when bought through 3rd person or middle man distributors. We used to call them Quok or Quot earrings as reference. These were a very popular style of southwestern jewelry at this time and necklaces, rings and watches were also made.
I hope this is of some help.
Claudia