To Buy or Not to Buy:

A basic picture guidebook to recognizing the authenticity of Pre-Columbian burial artifacts.

A basic picture guidebook to recognizing the authenticity of Pre-Columbian burial artifacts. Appraisals are used most often to confirm the authenticity and current value of items. Getting an appraisal can help owners get an idea of how much they should insure items for. Appraisals help both sellers and buyers by providing information on an item's history, origin, and condition and therefore a justification for an item's price. If you require such information for Pre-Columbian artifacts, an appraisal could be exactly what you need. Appraisals are a wise investment. But, in my opinion, spending money on an appraisal for fakes, reproductions, or even low value authentic items is not always a wise use of money. This book will go a long way toward helping you distinguish whether your piece is authentic-looking enough for you to invest in an appraisal, and whether to buy the piece that’s caught your eye.

John Jordan’s accomplishments include diversified experience with a wide range of Mexican art cultures, Pre-Columbian, and present day art expression. He has coordinated large purchases, packed, transported, and guaranteed deliveries for various collections. He’s owned and operated galleries, and his educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and the first Master of Fine Arts Degree majoring in Ceramics and Ceramic Chemistry, also from the University of California, Los Angeles. Credentials include: Assistant Professor of Art at University of Northern Iowa. Assistant Professor of Art at San Diego State University. Associate Professor at United States International University, Point Loma, California. Associate Professor of Ceramic Art at California State College at Fullerton, California. Owner and operator of gallery and private dealership. Exchange curator for Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, responsible for authentication and exchange between Museo De National and Banco De Republico of Bogota, Colombia with the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. Appraisal and restoration of clay and stone pieces, specializing in large stone Pre-Columbian and Oriental sculpture. Authenticator and broker for Leonard Kaplan collection of Pre-Columbian sculpture and art in Laguna Beach, California. Author “In my many years of appraisal experience, I have seen many a dream or hope dissolved when someone said, “It is a reproduction.” The purpose of my appraisal service is to appraise and establish the authenticity of objects submitted to me”, says Mr. Jordan. In addition to world-class appraisals, John Jordan offers restoration and repair services for Pre-Columbian pottery, ceramics and relics, and for artifacts and pieces from various other cultures and ages. His appraising expertise lies primarily in Mexican Pre-Columbian art and artifacts, and includes ceramics, sculpture, relics, beads, and pottery. He also provides purchase and sales consulting, including auction-related assistance and advice. Educational services are available too, and art commissions are welcome as well.