I’ve been collecting Native American jewelry since a trip West in 1976; set it aside for a long time and am now retired. I volunteer at a local non-profit thrift store in the jewelry department, and have a lot of fun finding out more info and thus increasing the value of the items we get for re-sale. Unbelievable what folks consider not worth having! Seeing all the jewelry and doing research on it has rekindled my interest in my own jewelry collection, so I am now checking for marks, etc. and will certainly ask for help before long. I love the patina on old silver, and turquoise is a favorite of mine (and one of the December birthstones!).
I also collect tramp and folk art, vintage Fiesta ware and whirligigs & weather vanes!