FAQ: Western Jewelry, Navajo Pearls & Turquoise
Cowhide & Conchos is an online western boutique specializing in western and cowgirl jewelry — Navajo pearls, sterling silver and fashion pearl necklaces, turquoise jewelry, statement earrings, concho belts, rings, and bracelets. Below are answers to the questions shoppers ask most.
About Cowhide & Conchos
What is Cowhide & Conchos?
Cowhide & Conchos is an online western boutique focused on western and cowgirl jewelry: Navajo pearl and sterling silver pearl necklaces, turquoise earrings and necklaces, and concho belts, rings, and bracelets. We carry genuine sterling silver fine jewelry, budget-friendly fashion (faux) pieces, and a curated selection of genuine Native American artist jewelry — including authentic handcrafted Navajo Pearls.
Is Cowhide & Conchos a western boutique?
Yes. We are an online western boutique. Our focus is western and Southwestern-style jewelry and accessories for women, from everyday fashion pieces to genuine sterling silver and turquoise fine jewelry.
What kinds of jewelry do you sell?
Necklaces (Navajo pearls, sterling silver pearls, fashion pearls, turquoise, squash blossom, pendants, chokers), earrings (turquoise, silver, hoop, drop, dangle, and statement styles), and concho belts, rings, and bracelets — in genuine sterling silver, fashion (faux) materials, and a curated selection of Native American artist pieces.
Navajo Pearls, Sterling Pearls & Fashion Pearls
What are Navajo pearls?
"Navajo pearls" are round sterling silver beads in a classic Southwestern style. Authentic Navajo pearls are handcrafted by Native American (Navajo) silversmiths. The same round look is also produced as machine-finished "sterling pearls" and as budget fashion (faux) versions. We carry all three — clearly labeled — so you can choose by authenticity and budget.
Do you sell authentic Navajo Pearls?
Yes. We carry genuine, handcrafted Navajo Pearls made by Native American (Navajo) silversmiths — true Native American jewelry in sterling silver, artist-made and maker's-stamped. The artist is noted on the product page, and these are distinct from our machine-made Sterling Pearls.
What is the difference between Navajo Pearls, Sterling Pearls, and fashion (faux) pearls?
Three tiers in the same round western style: (1) authentic Navajo Pearls — genuine sterling silver, handcrafted by Native American artisans and artist-stamped (true Native American jewelry); (2) Sterling Pearls — genuine sterling silver but machine-made for a smooth, polished look, not handcrafted and not Native American made; (3) fashion (faux) pearls — a metal composite or acrylic, lead- and nickel-compliant, for the look on a budget. Every product page states which it is.
Are your Sterling Pearls Navajo Pearls or Native American made?
No. Our Sterling Pearls are genuine sterling silver but machine-made for a smooth, polished finish; they are not handcrafted by Native American artisans and are not Navajo Pearls or Native American jewelry. Our authentic, artist-made Navajo Pearls are sold and labeled separately. We fully respect and support Native American artists and the importance of authentic Native American jewelry.
Do you sell affordable or budget pearl necklaces?
Yes. Alongside our genuine sterling silver pearls, we offer fashion (faux) "sterling-look" pearl necklaces that give the same round western style at a lower price. Their material varies by piece (a metal composite or an acrylic) and they are lead- and nickel-compliant.
Can I buy genuine sterling silver pearls?
Yes. We carry genuine machine-made sterling silver pearl necklaces with a smooth, polished finish, alongside our fashion (faux) versions. Look for "sterling silver" on the product page. Because they are machine-made and not crafted by Native American artisans, they are not Navajo Pearls or Native American jewelry.
What size pearls should I choose?
Smaller beads (about 4mm) give a dainty, everyday look and layer well. Larger beads (8mm, 10mm, 12mm) read as a bold statement worn solo. Many customers own both — a dainty strand for daily wear and a larger strand for events. This applies to Navajo Pearls, Sterling Pearls, and fashion pearl styles alike.
Turquoise: Real vs. Faux
Is your turquoise real?
We carry both. Our fine pieces use genuine natural stones — turquoise, variscite, and spiny oyster. Our fashion pieces use faux turquoise (typically an acrylic or resin) for an affordable look. Each product page specifies whether the stone is genuine or faux.
What is the difference between real and faux turquoise?
Genuine turquoise is a natural stone with unique matrix patterning, more weight, and higher value — ideal for a keepsake. Faux turquoise is usually an acrylic or resin (sometimes dyed howlite): lighter, far less expensive, and ideal for trend pieces. Neither is "wrong" — it depends on your budget and how you'll wear it.
What are variscite and spiny oyster?
Variscite is a natural green-to-teal stone often used as a turquoise alternative; spiny oyster is a natural orange-to-red shell prized in Southwestern jewelry. We use both in our genuine-stone pieces, frequently paired with sterling silver pearls.
How can I tell if turquoise is real?
Genuine turquoise usually has irregular natural matrix (veining), a cooler feel, and some heft; uniform color and very light weight often signal a faux stone. Most reliably, check the product description — we label genuine vs. faux on every listing.
Do you carry turquoise necklaces for women?
Yes — from dainty turquoise necklaces for everyday layering to chunky, statement turquoise pieces for a bold western look, in both genuine-stone and faux-turquoise options.
Fashion (Faux) Jewelry Materials
What are your fashion (faux) jewelry pieces made of?
Our fashion (faux) pieces are designed to give the western look affordably, so the material content varies by piece — typically a metal composite for the metal components and an acrylic (or resin) for faux pearls and stones. Our fashion (faux) pieces are lead- and nickel-compliant. The specific materials are listed on each product page.
Are your earrings nickel-free or hypoallergenic?
Our fashion (faux) pieces are lead- and nickel-compliant, which is better for sensitive ears, though their exact material varies by piece (a metal composite or acrylic). For the most sensitive skin, our genuine sterling silver earrings are the safest choice. Materials are listed on each product page.
Western Earrings
What western earrings do you carry?
Turquoise earrings, silver and sterling silver western earrings, hoops, drop and dangle styles, concho earrings, and bold statement earrings — in both genuine sterling silver and fashion (faux) materials.
What is the difference between statement and everyday western earrings?
Everyday western earrings are smaller and lighter (studs, small hoops, short drops) for all-day comfort. Statement earrings are larger dangles and drops meant to stand out at events, rodeos, and nights out. Many shoppers keep a few of each.
Do you have sterling silver western earrings?
Yes. We carry genuine sterling silver western earrings, plus silver-tone fashion earrings (a metal composite, lead- and nickel-compliant) that offer the look for less.
Necklaces, Pendants & Squash Blossoms
What is a squash blossom necklace?
A squash blossom is a classic Southwestern necklace featuring a crescent "naja" pendant surrounded by blossom-shaped beads, traditionally in silver and turquoise. We carry squash blossom necklaces in fashion (faux) turquoise and, at times, genuine-stone versions.
Do you sell faux, white, or turquoise squash blossom necklaces?
Yes — we offer squash blossom necklaces in faux turquoise, white/white-buffalo looks, and classic turquoise. Availability rotates, so check the necklaces collection for current styles.
What is the difference between a western choker and a necklace?
A choker sits higher and closer to the neck (typically 12–14 inches) for a fitted look, while a standard necklace hangs lower (16 inches and up). Chokers layer beautifully over a longer pearl or pendant necklace.
How do I layer western necklaces?
Start with a choker or short strand, add a mid-length pearl or turquoise piece, and finish with a longer pendant. Mixing bead sizes and one turquoise focal point creates the stacked western look without tangling.
Concho Belts, Rings & Bracelets
What is a concho belt and how do I size it?
A concho belt is a western belt decorated with conchos (ornamental silver-tone medallions), often with a turquoise-accented buckle. To size it, measure a belt you already wear (buckle tip to the hole you use) rather than your pant size, and check each product's length range on its page.
What are concho rings?
Concho rings are western rings featuring a concho-style medallion or turquoise accent. They pair naturally with concho belts and turquoise jewelry for a coordinated Southwestern look.
Do you carry concho bracelets?
Yes — western bracelets with concho medallions and turquoise accents, in both genuine sterling silver and fashion (faux) materials, designed to stack with our pearl and turquoise styles.
Fashion Jewelry vs. Fine Jewelry — Which Should You Buy?
Should I buy fashion jewelry or fine jewelry?
It depends on how you'll wear it. Choose fashion jewelry (faux stones and pearls, metal-composite or acrylic materials — lead- and nickel-compliant) for trend-driven pieces, event looks, and building a wardrobe on a budget. Choose fine jewelry (sterling silver, genuine stones, or a Native American artist piece) for everyday staples, sensitive skin, keepsakes, and gifts you want to last. Many customers do both.
When does fine jewelry make more sense?
Fine jewelry is the better choice when you'll wear a piece often, have sensitive skin, want it to last for years or become an heirloom, or are marking a milestone or gift. Sterling silver, genuine stones, and Native American artist pieces hold value, resist wear, and are gentler on skin.
When does fashion jewelry make more sense?
Fashion jewelry makes sense for trend pieces you may only wear a season or two, for matching a specific outfit or event, for younger wearers, and any time budget matters. It lets you own many looks for the price of one fine piece, and our fashion pieces are lead- and nickel-compliant.
Is faux turquoise or faux pearl jewelry worth it?
Yes, for the right purpose. Pros: a fraction of the cost, lightweight, lead- and nickel-compliant, and you can own many styles. Cons: the material (a metal composite or acrylic) won't hold value like sterling silver, and the finish can wear over time. Great for the western look affordably; choose fine if you want one piece to keep forever.
Which lasts longer, fashion or fine jewelry?
Fine jewelry lasts longer. Sterling silver and genuine stones can be worn daily for years and re-polished, while fashion pieces (metal composite or acrylic) gradually show wear. With gentle care, fashion jewelry still lasts well for occasional wear.
What is the best choice for a gift?
For a milestone or a gift meant to last, choose fine jewelry — a sterling silver pearl strand, a genuine turquoise piece, an authentic Navajo Pearl necklace, or another Native American artist piece. For a fun, on-trend gift at a friendly price, a fashion turquoise or pearl set is a great pick. Necklaces and earrings are the most forgiving gifts for size and taste.
Authenticity & Native American Jewelry
Do you sell authentic Native American or Navajo jewelry?
Yes — we carry a curated selection of genuine Native American artist jewelry, including authentic handcrafted Navajo Pearls: pieces handcrafted by Native American artisans, typically in sterling silver with natural stones and carrying the artist's hallmark. These are clearly labeled as artist pieces on the product page. This is separate from our machine-made Sterling Pearls and fashion jewelry, which are not handcrafted by Native American artisans and are not Native American jewelry.
Do you carry pieces by a specific Native American artist?
Our Native American artist selection rotates as pieces come in and sell, and we note the artist on the product page where known. If you're looking for work by a particular Native American silversmith, contact us and we'll tell you what's currently available or coming in.
How can I tell if a piece on your site is genuine Native American made?
Our genuine Native American pieces are clearly labeled as artist jewelry, are handcrafted by Native artisans, and typically carry an artist hallmark or stamp with the maker noted. Our Sterling Pearls and fashion pieces are machine-made and are not Native American made. If a listing isn't labeled as a Native American artist piece, it's western-style jewelry.
What is the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, and why does it matter?
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act is a U.S. law that makes it illegal to market a product as Native American made when it isn't. That's why we label carefully: our Native American artist pieces (including authentic Navajo Pearls) are genuinely Native-made and identified as such, while our machine-made Sterling Pearls and fashion jewelry are western-style pieces and are not called Navajo Pearls or Native American jewelry. This protects our customers and Native American artists alike.
Jewelry Care
How do I care for sterling silver jewelry and prevent tarnish?
Store sterling silver in a dry spot or anti-tarnish pouch, keep it away from lotion, perfume, and water, and wipe it with a soft polishing cloth after wear. Tarnish is normal on real silver and polishes right off — it's actually a sign the piece is genuine sterling.
How do I care for fashion (faux) western jewelry?
Keep fashion (faux) pieces away from water, perfume, and lotion, take them off before showering or swimming, and store them separately so they don't scratch. Gentle handling keeps the metal-composite and acrylic finishes looking new for as long as possible.
