Materials & Quality

• What metals are used in your jewellery?

  The majority of our jewellery is crafted from sterling silver (92.5% pure silver), which is durable and suitable for everyday wear.

  Some pieces may also incorporate Gold, Brass or Copper.

• What stones are commonly used?

  Turquoise is iconic in Native American jewellery, but other stones like coral, lapis, and jet are also used.

  Our Australia jewellers also use stones such as Carnelian, Jade, Aquamarine, Petrified Wood and Obsidian.

• Does silver jewellery tarnish?

  Yes, silver can tarnish over time, but regular wear, gentle cleaning and proper storage will keep your jewellery looking its best.

  We can provide polishing cloths and additional guidance with purchases in-store.

Care & Maintenance

• How should I care for my silver jewellery?

  Clean with a soft cloth, store in a dry place, and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or water to prevent tarnishing and damage.

  We can provide polishing cloths and additional guidance with purchases in-store.

• Can jewellery be repaired if damaged?

  Most pieces can be repaired, though typically due to our small team we are only able to accept repairs of pieces made by our own jewellers - contact us for enquiries or details.

Buying & Gifting

• How much does your jewellery cost?

  Prices vary widely based on artist, materials, and rarity.

• Is your whole range visible online?

  Unfortunately no.
  As we are primarily and brick and mortar store and stock handmade individual pieces, we only upload a selection of our jewellery and artworks online.
  To see our whole range we recommend visiting in-person, otherwise you can also follow our instagram for additional insights.
  @southwesttrader

• Can I return or exchange jewellery?

  We do not accept returns though we are happy to organise exchanges for other pieces or store credit. Please see our full returns policy for details.

• Do you offer gift wrapping or certificates?

  Yes, we provide gift wrapping free of charge and can include a personalised message with your order - just let us know at checkout.

• Do you accept “buy now and pay later” or Layby?

  We are happy to arrange Layby deposits and payments for any pieces you want set aside.
  Our terms for laybys are a minimum deposit of 25% with fortnightly payments made.
  See our Layby page or contact us to lodge an enquiry and organise your first payment.
  We do not accept Afterpay or Clearpay.

• What payment methods do you accept?

  We accept all major credit cards, including Amex, PayPal and Cash.

Delivery & Service

• Do you have a physical store?

• Yes! We are primarily a brick and mortar boutique and have been based at the same Paddington address since 1993.
  Come visit our store: 36 OXFORD ST PADDINGTON, SYD, NSW, 2021

• What are your typical store hours?

• Monday ~ Saturday 10:30am - 4:30pm

• Sunday - Closed

• How long does shipping take within Sydney?

  Most orders ship within 1–2 business days and arrive in 2–3 business days to Sydney metro addresses.

• How long does shipping take outside Sydney?

  Most orders ship within 1–2 business days and arrive in 5–10 business days to domestic orders outside of Sydney.

• Do you ship internationally?

  Yes, details for international orders are visible in our checkout page.
  Packages typically ship within 1–2 business days, arrival will depend on the shipment method.
  Contact us for specific enquiries and pricing.

Authenticity & Source

• Are the Native American jewellery pieces on your website authentic?

  Yes!! All our Native American jewellery is Authentic. Our team travel to the US and visit the South West multiple times a year to buy directly from Artists. Our pieces are sourced directly from established artisans to ensure they are paid appropriately for their craft
  While we do occasionally stock vintage items from collections, the majority of our pieces are sourced directly from Artists and their families to ensure they are directly supported and paid for their craft.
  Authentic Native American jewellery is handmade by local artists, often signed or hallmarked, and uses traditional techniques and materials like sterling silver, natural turquoise, jet stone, coral and a range of different shells.

• How can I tell if a piece is authentic or handmade?

  Look for unique craftsmanship, slight imperfections (handmade hallmarks), sterling silver stamps, and artist signatures or tribal hallmarks.

• Where is your jewellery made?

  Our collection features jewellery handcrafted by Native American artists, as well as pieces by skilled Australian silversmiths, ensuring a blend of cultural authenticity and local craftsmanship.
  As we work with small scale artists and jewellers, the majority of our pieces are typically one of one and entirely handmade.

Cultural Sensitivity

• Is it appropriate for non-Native American people to wear Native American jewellery?

  Wearing authentic, ethically sourced Native American jewellery is generally seen as a way to appreciate and support artists and their communities—provided the pieces are obtained respectfully.
  Native American Tribes have been crafting and trading their traditional jewellery, pottery and weavings for centuries.

• How does buying from you support Native artists?

  We primarily purchase directly from artists and their families to ensure they receive fair compensation and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

Styles & Traditions

• What are the main styles of Native American jewellery?

  Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi are the most prominent, each with distinctive techniques: Navajo for bold silver work, Zuni for delicate stone inlay, and Hopi for intricate overlay designs.

• Do the designs have special meanings?

  Many pieces incorporate symbols from nature and tribal spirituality, such as animals, feathers, and geometric patterns, reflecting the artist’s heritage and personal expression.
  We are always happy to discuss the individual meaning of pieces.