FAQs – Native Nomad

Q: Why is your business named Native Nomad and is the term “Native” in reference to “Native American”?
A: Native Nomad was chosen because we are native to the PNW and Nomads at heart. We also chose Native to represent the many local PNW makers we support and and Nomad refers to those small businesses we source from outside of our area. We have nothing but the utmost respect toward indigenous tribes and have in no way promoted ourselves as “Native American”, which is a term that the United States Government bequeathed upon the First Nations who have lived on these lands for millennia, before Europeans migrated here. In plain terms- just because the U.S. government gave hundreds of unique and different indigenous cultural nations a common term to use in our American vernacular and lawmaking codes, does not mean that the people of these diverse nations consider that term appropriate or representative of their own culture or identity. We have reached out to family & friends who are members of various tribes to gain their personal perspectives, and most of them have expressed to us that they prefer to be referred to by their nation, so we honor that request. We are more interested in relationships, dialogue and listening to indigenous perspectives than we are in labeling groups in broad terms.
Q: Do you sell gift cards? A: Yes. We offer beautifully tasteful electronic gift cards with our oak tree photo that can be emailed to your recipient to redeem on our e-commerce site.
Q: Are you locals yourselves? A: Yep. We have lived in Oregon & Washington State for over 30 years.
Q: I purchased a jewelry item and it broke, can I return it?
A: If you have done your utmost to care for your jewelry (meaning you have hung up long, dangling earrings & necklaces, put your rings & bracelets in a jewelry box or similar container when not being worn, not slept in/bathed/showered wearing your jewelry, cleaned it with the appropriate cleaners) and it has still shown a defect in craftsmanship somehow, please feel free to send it to us and we will do what we can to fix it. Note that not all damages can be repaired but we will do our best to make it right.
Q: Why is the metal on my jewelry tarnishing and are your stones gemstones? A: The only naturally occurring metals popular in jewelry making that do not tarnish are platinum, titanium and pure gold (these are very expensive and not always financially feasible for everyone). Silver, gold-filled, brass, stainless steel and copper are our main mediums of metal for the jewelry that we make and all will have some form of tarnish or verdigris. This is considered desirable for some people who like more of a natural, vintage, aged or rugged appearance to their jewelry. Not to worry, if you like it shiny, there are cleaners and jewelry cloths that wipe that tarnish right off. It’s merely a little oxidation (when oxygen reacts with the metal) but it doesn’t mean it’s not quality jewelry. However, all of our jewelry is hypoallergenic and nickel free. If you have allergies to silver, copper, brass or gold, please ask us so that we can assist you in finding the right metal for you to wear. In regard to our stones, we source high grade natural gemstones from reputable sources here in the Western U.S. The grade of a gemstone is primarily decided by its hardness (its breaking point) and clarity. Diamonds are the hardest gemstones and therefore will not break and are more expensive. A stone that is softer will generally be less expensive but this does not mean it is not valuable at all, just less valuable than others. We do not carry diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds; etc. as they are considered fine or luxury gemstones and are carried by expensive jewelry dealers. We do carry lovely and affordable gemstones like moonstone, lapis lazuli, labradorite, agates, jaspers, turquoise, amazonite, tiger eye, chalcedony, amethyst, rose quartz, apatite…
Q: Do you do custom orders?
A: Yes. We take special orders for our handmade jewelry designs for brides and her attendants, proms, special occasions, theater productions or as a unique gift. Jewelry is usually completed within a week or two, depending upon complexity and order volumes at the time. Please reach out to sara@nativenomadinc.com to get started on your design!