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Flat lay of natural turquoise stones, silver tools, and desert-toned materials arranged on a warm neutral background.

How to Spot Authentic Turquoise & Sterling Silver Jewelry: Wildflower’s Guide

November 05, 20252 min read
A flat lay of genuine turquoise and sterling silver jewelry on a warm linen background, paired with natural props like desert stone or cactus bloom. Soft morning light, warm tones.

It’s a wild world out there—especially when it comes to turquoise jewelry. From dyed stones to plated metals and mass-produced “Southwest” styles, it can be tough to know what’s real.
At Wildflower, transparency is everything. Here’s how to spot the difference—so you can shop with confidence and wear with pride.

Why Authenticity Matters

Authentic turquoise and sterling silver are more than materials—they’re a promise.
Heirloom jewelry is about provenance, artistry, and value that lasts. That’s why we document every piece, from mine to maker.

👉 Learn about our stones

Real vs. Fake: Turquoise

Natural turquoise: mined, cut, and polished—never dyed or treated beyond what’s necessary for integrity.
Common imitations: dyed howlite, magnesite, or even plastic. Watch for uniform color, a lightweight feel, or suspiciously low prices—these are telltale red flags.

At Wildflower, we can tell you exactly where each stone comes from—whether it’s King’s Manassa, White Buffalo, or one of our trusted partners.
👉
Shop King’s Manassa and White Buffalo collections

Macro comparison of natural turquoise next to dyed howlite under neutral light.

Sterling Silver Standards

Every Wildflower piece is solid .925 sterling silver—never plated, never mystery metal.

Here’s what to look for:

  • .925 or “STERLING” hallmark stamped on the jewelry

  • Avoid “silver tone” or “nickel silver”—these aren’t real silver and can irritate skin

  • Maker’s mark: we include both the artist’s hallmark and the silver standard on every piece

👉 See our hallmarks up close

Close-up of a hallmark and maker’s stamp on a silver cuff or ring.

The Wildflower Difference

Every piece we curate is artist-made, stone-first, and fully documented.
No mass production. No cultural shortcuts. Just honest, Southwest-inspired design you can feel good about wearing.

Each piece includes:

  • A maker’s hallmark

  • A story card sharing the stone and artist’s origin

  • A guarantee of authenticity

Behind-the-scenes photo of an artist’s hands polishing silver or setting a turquoise cabochon.

Questions to Ask Any Seller

Before you buy, ask:

  • Where was the turquoise sourced?

  • Is the silver solid or plated?

  • Who made this piece—and where?

If they can’t answer, think twice.

Wildflower

When you choose Wildflower, you’re choosing jewelry with a story, a standard, and a soul.
It’s the kind of authenticity you can see—and feel—every time you wear it.

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Kimberly Cordova

Kimberly Cordova is the founder and creative force behind Wildflower, where timeless design meets authentic storytelling. Drawing from her roots in leadership and her love for meaningful journeys, Kimberly brings a unique perspective to the art of jewelry curation. Each Wildflower piece reflects her passion for craftsmanship, heritage, and the stories that connect us through real stones and real silver.

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