White Buffalo Trading Company’s Turquoise: Collectible, Wearable Art More Valuable Than Diamonds

Spend some time at White Buffalo Trading Company if you’re looking for Native American jewelry and art. The local, woman-owned store specializes in turquoise and other fine jewelry, fetishes and Indigenous art. The shop has become a fixture in the KC metro area with over 20 years in Johnson County and 15 years at its convenient Overland Park location at 13328 Metcalf Avenue.

Pamela Minick, owner and manager, has more than 20 years of experience in this market and has developed relationships with artists, master jewelers and retailers across the United States to help her clients find the perfect piece of wearable art. “I have the largest selection of high-quality Native American jewelry in this area with a mix of contemporary and vintage items,” Pam said. “A client said to me that my shop, White Buffalo Trading Company, is a brand now and it’s known for not just what I carry but the reputation of the quality of the jewelry and the honesty of the business, which is really exciting.”

Turquoise: Rare, Unique, Valuable, Collectible
Smithsonian Magazine asked, “Why is Turquoise Becoming Rarer and More Valuable Than Diamonds?” Pam clarified, “The value of turquoise comes from the quality and rarity of the stones. Another thing is if the stone is one natural piece and the firmness of the stone.” In the United States, “many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed and,” according to Smithsonian, “most of today’s turquoise is recovered as a byproduct of copper mining.” With limited amounts of new high-quality turquoise available, its rarity is increasing its value.

If you’re a fan of this December gemstone, visit White Buffalo Trading Company to speak with Pam and her experienced staff to invest in a piece of wearable art for yourself or someone you love. If you fall in love with an item but don’t have the funds to buy it immediately, “I offer layaway for any item in the store,” Pam said. “A customer can put down a 10 percent deposit and pay monthly toward the balance.” Stop by and speak with Pam for more details.

Trends, Services, Sales, Stones
“The Yellowstone television series has improved turquoise’s popularity and people aren’t just looking for traditional Native American-styled jewelry. Whether it’s vintage or contemporary, people of all ages are into this wearable art. This includes inlay jewelry, one or more stones in a piece, large, elaborately designed squash blossoms to smaller pieces. Customers do ask for a certain turquoise mine if they are collecting,” Pam shared. “In addition to green or blue turquoise items, I’m finding a lot of interest in bold statement pieces that are all sterling, such as a big, chunky cuff that is deeply incised or stamped with a pattern. All-silver jewelry without stones is really popular.” In addition to selling jewelry, fetishes, pottery and other Native American artwork, White Buffalo Trading Company offers services to repair your jewelry or have rings resized. “I buff silver jewelry, making something that’s 40 years old look brand new. I also do a lot of jewelry repair including resetting stones,” Pam said. “We offer ring sizing and send it out to Albuquerque to a master silversmith.”

White Buffalo Trading Company’s Facebook page highlights weekly and flash sales and focuses on a special stone such as red and pink corals, green malachite, purple charoite, pink mussel and conch shells, black onyx, blue lapis lazuli and spiny oyster shell in colors ranging from pale yellow to oranges and even dark purple, in addition to their wide variety of turquoise jewelry. Pam also carries Navajo pearls that “are crazy popular. They are handmade. The artists make one side of the bead, make the other side of the bead and solder it together and then file it down so smoothly that you can’t tell it was two pieces before they made it.” Navajo pearls are strung into necklaces and earrings.

Local Native American Art and Jewelry Haven
White Buffalo’s inventory includes traditional and contemporary pieces in stones important to Native American cultures and Pam carries other items from the Southwest. “I have unusual things like a lamp made out of a tree, a Navajo rug done in three different metals, copper art, wood-carved Native American faces and pottery,” said Pam. “I also have a ton of beads because we do classes.” If you’re interested in learning Native American beadwork, schedule a one-on-one session with Pam.

When you visit, you’ll hear Native American music playing and be treated to a feast for the eyes. As you exit the shop, you’ll find a basket of sage, sacred to many Native American tribes and believed to aid in purification. Pam said, “Many customers purchase a bundle of sage. It’s very popular.”

Experience the best collection of Native American art and jewelry in the KC metro and don’t forget to buy a bundle of sage on your way out!

Call 913-789-8858 or visit White Buffalo Trading Company’s Facebook page to learn more.