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