I've had to learn the more difficult way-by purchasing of course-that MANY people do NOT know Native American Jewelry as they think that they do-INCLUDING ME!  So here are just a few tips to try and steer you clear of items that probably Are NOT Native American. 

There are Native American Indians producing Jewelry Today.  THUS many jewelry pieces advertised as Vintage or Antique may only be 5 or 10 years old and dirty/tarnished. 

Turquoise pieces that appear crudely made and have no marks may very well be Mexican.  Most Mexican pieces have been marked, but after time markings wear down or off.  The Native American Jewelers have a finer technique that generally appears more "polished"....not polished as in shiny and clean, but polished as in finished well.  Not much of the older Native American pieces have any markings.  A larger amount of jewelry that is less than 20 years old DOES have markings.  Don't rely on markings to help you in determining if the piece is real or fake.

Typical traits

Zuni-smaller "crushed" turquoise and coral bits surrounded or inlaid into the silver. 

Navajo-larger single stones with feathers, roping, bear claws adorning their pieces. 

Hopi-more Onyx and silver work

There is A Lot of Foreign Turquoise out there today.....much of it from Tibet or China.  It is just as pretty, but does not have the level of craftsmanship that Native American Pieces have-it is what makes Native American pieces so desirable.  If you like Turquoise and 925 Sterling Silver and just want to have some of it........then the less expensive and rougher pieces from Tibet and China are your best bet,  If in doubt about a jewelry piece....ask lots of questions!!  Information can be your best friend. 

Lastly, don't rely on the information given if it just doesn't seem to add up.....steer away and find another Seller.

Hope this has helped someone-if just a little bit!