Native American jewelry, arts and crafts are protected under the law. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 is described as a truth-in-advertising law, intended to prevent false representations as to the authenticity of Native American arts and crafts.

It requires that any art and craft, which includes jewelry, items must be marketed truthfully, so that the purchaser is not misled. If a tribe name is used, the item in question must have been produced by a member or certified artisan of that tribe.


The law covers items produced after 1935.

While is it true that the purchaser should always exercise care in making purchases – caveat emptor is the oft-quoted legal principle – the law helps to deter fraudulent sellers from cheating consumers.

,