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 I am native to the NW and a Nomad at heart. I also chose Native to represent the many local NW makers I source from, and Nomad refers to those small businesses I source from outside of our area. I have nothing but the utmost respect toward indigenous tribes and have in no way promoted this business 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. In plain terms- just because the 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 and 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. I offer beautifully tasteful electronic gift cards with the oak tree photo that can be emailed to your recipient to redeem on the e-commerce site.
Q: Are you local?
A: Yep, I am from 7 generations of Pacific Northwesterners dating back to the 1800’s.
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 me and I will do what I can to fix it. Note that not all damages can be repaired but I will do my 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, 99.99% pure silver and 24K gold (these are very expensive and not always financially feasible for everyone). Sterling silver (silver alloyed with copper), 14K gold-filled (gold alloyed with sterling silver), brass, stainless steel and copper are the main mediums of metal for the jewelry that I make and all will eventually 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 jewelry cleaners and cleaning 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 my jewelry is nickel free, which is the metal with the highest rate of allergic sensitivity. If you have allergies to silver, copper, brass or gold, please ask me so that I can assist you in finding the right metal for you to wear. In regard to the stones, I 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. I do not carry diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds; etc. as they are considered fine or luxury gemstones and are carried by expensive jewelry dealers at high prices. I 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. I take special orders for handmade jewelry designs for brides and 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!