Sturdiness, color and the quality of the design elements are all considered important. In the 1980s, these colorful objects became enormously popular collectibles throughout the United States. The creatures range from the prosaic cows, pigs and armadillos to fantastical made-up beasts with long tails, monstrous toothy grins, and intricately painted scaly skin. Look for pieces whose charm calls out to you. These animals are known for being whimsical, for having a particular twist of the head or expression, says Linda McAllister, a Mexican folk art specialist based in Tempe.
Personal taste is the first requirement.
If you like it, it's good. The pawning of jewelry at trading posts was once a vital part of the Navajo economic system, and today antique Navajo jewelry is known as pawn. Silversmithing is still alive and well, and many contemporary artists are adapting the traditional motifs and methods to make very modern, sophisticated pieces. Some establishments will give you a written guarantee of authenticity if asked. Diana Rico is an art and design writer whose articles have appeared in Elle Decor, The International Herald Tribune, and other publications.