Turquoise Trading Post

This place has cool merchandise, I have bought probably $ 1000 worth of random odds and ends. They are pricier that they should be, though it is a brick-​and-​motar store, so I can understand needing to keep the lights on.
Where it all goes downhill is the staff, and evidently the owner himself. I went in to purchase a gift for my wife’s birthday and found a really cool, if expensive, item. Long story short, the item was damaged, and when I went to exchange it (2 days later), there were no comparable items available for exchange.
They were unwilling to work with me on a more expensive item, so I asked if I could simply exchange for a cheaper item and receive a refund for the difference. I was then informed that they DO NOT OFFER REFUNDS for any reason, that they would only provide store credit. I was told by a younger gentlemen with glasses that only the owner could offer refunds, but never does. After waiting several days for the owner to come back into town. I was still told no refunds, ever, for any reason, even though I was originally looking to still spend SOME money with them. I told them I wanted a refund for the entire purchase amount at this point as I was dissatisfied with their customer service and business practices.
I was told again, no refunds for any reason. So unfortunately, due to the fact that they sold me damaged merchandise and were unwilling to work with me. I had to let them know that I would simply be taking this up with my bank to charge-​back the transaction if they were unwilling to help. Well guess what, they processed the return! Followed by a snarky «…and please don’t ever come back!» from the thin framed guy in glasses. I let them know that would certainly not be a problem. To which he responded, «buh-​by now, please leave! buh-​by!». Classy. I may have muttered some expletives on the way out after that comment, but I was pretty cordial up until that moment, never raised my voice, never uttered any profanity. Now it is this hilarious story I get to tell about being banned from a Native American jewelry store, simply for expecting them to offer basic customer service.
The funny thing too, is that the item I bought has a 60 day money back guarantee from the manufacturer, FOR ANY REASON! As a dealer, they likely could have called them up and worked something out. Instead they lost quite a bit of future business.

Stopped in today to browse for some gifts for my mother and sister and couldn’t have been more pleased with my experience! The man that helped me, whose name I didn’t catch, was incredibly sweet and patient. I was a bit overwhelmed at the sheer selection, but I never once felt rushed. He was incredibly knowledgeable and helped me to find the perfect gifts for my family within my price range! I will definitely be back soon to pick up some jewelry for myself!

Great place to go! Staffs are very helpful and friendly.

This place is so warm, welcoming, and the people that work there are charming and cool. Really relaxed. The man who showed me the turquoise rings (I didn’t catch his name, sorry! Longish dark hair/​glasses) was awesome– not too pushy, & was informative, & friendly. Oh and they offer a lay-​a-​way option so you can buy your dream ring that day. What a nice business. I’m seeing many more trips there in the future!

I recently decided that as an adult, I need to expand my collection of «real» jewelry. I always wore the costume stuff and became sad when it tarnished. I have always been drawn to silver jewelry, and heard about TTP through a friend. They were supposed to have an extensive collection of Native-​American-​made jewelry, and I was interested to see this collection.
Back in April I visited TTP, and bought the most exquisite cocktail ring with an oval Dry Creek turquoise stone. I also bought a pair of gorgeous dangly sterling silver earrings in the shape of a leaf. And a tiny turtle-​shaped pendant with inlaid opal. And some opal and silver earrings. As you can see, I found it hard to stop! I wanted to bring so many more pieces home, but I was already well over budget!
Anyway, I vowed to come to TTP every time I visited Austin. And I have. To my collection I’ve now added a 20-​inch snake chain, and a green turquoise ring, and a bright blue turquoise ring that I knew would be mine as soon as I slipped it on – it felt MADE for me! I just bought a beautiful pair of blue turquoise slab earrings and another turtle pendant for a friend’s birthday and I know she is going to love it.
Other things to know:
–Ask for Kara. She is very knowledgable and kind and she will help you pair the perfect pieces together. She models a lot of the jewelry in new and exciting ways that will show you what you can do with these individual pieces.
–Jim the owner is also very kind! He always demonstrates a genuine caring attitude toward his employees and his customers.
–Check out Lucille the cat! She often sleeps in a basket on the counter next to the register — she will give your beautiful pieces the final meow of approval!
–The shop also does layaway (and some of these pieces are quite elaborate and range into the thousands!) and shipping.
–The shop has more than women’s jewelry — it has an extensive assortment of Native American curios and knick-​knacks, men’s jewelry, clothing, and other items.
If you’re trying to find a one-​of-​a-​kind gift for someone who loves Southwestern style, Native American jewelry, or sterling silver, Turquoise Trading Post is the place for you! I guarantee that you will pick up something for yourself as well. I have never been able to walk out of here without doing it.

The people here are very friendly. I bought a dream catcher a couple of months ago, and it is very well made. I still hangs on my wall.

I like going here because the strip mall itself is kind of a cultural emporium. You’ve got your Catholic Gift Shop, your comics (Dragon Lair), your Japanese grocer, imports, and pirated DVDs, your wig store, and, of course, Turquoise Trading Post. Turquoise Trading Post has a black cat that sleeps curled up in a woven basket on the counter. I believe said feline also has a business card available upon request. Last time I was there, the staff thanked me for «visiting our beautiful city»; funny because I live here, but was profiled somehow as a foreigner. Could it be I wasn’t wearing moccasins?
The Turquoise Trading Post is my current favorite go-​to for gifts that fall into the category «wood arts». I mean that in every sense: T-​shirts depicting animals which reside in the woods; countless carvings and crafts made out of cherry, oak, pine, etc; jewelry and adornments made from wood. Obviously, there is a plethora of turquoise, mostly in wearable form. Lots of petrified wood and Native American relics for sale and on display. I noticed a few «We don’t call 9−1−1» gun-​pride magnets, and there’s plenty else here to associate the place with rural culture in general, with cowboy culture specifically, all with an overall affinity for Native American religion and art. It’s such an interesting place; in addition to all that, you have the added dimension of New Age chakra adherents and energy healers, coupled with the spendy energy of young hipsters eager to co-​opt the aesthetics of any culture not their own. Plus, don’t forget there is a cat with a business card. It is truly the dive bar of precious rocks boutiques, with much more diverse a consumer crowd than say, Nature’s Treasures (giggle).
All that aside, at least for their wooden goods, I would say their pricing couldn’t be more fair. I purchased a beautiful, stained, hand-​painted small wooden box and a petrified wood, laser-​cut Christmas tree ornament for $ 25 dollars, which is nothing compared to prices I’ve seen at similar special interest/​Country Western stores. I’ve seen those little boxes start at $ 30 in places in rural North Dakota. And it’s true that North Dakotans love their wooden boxes, but so do Texans, I’d wager, and $ 25 for two carefully-​created items is a straight-​up steal. As I’m not a collector/​aficionado/​Native American/​pranic healer/​cowboy/​sorority sister, I can’t really speak to much of the Turquoise selection, for which this institution is probably most revered, but I can say it was very large. At least half the inventory in this store appears to be Turquoise jewelry/​belt buckles/​decorative adornments.
The staff is very nice! I’ve been told punny jokes on more than one occasion. And they gift wrapped my purchases for free!

I love this store because they have an amazing collection of both new and rare vintage Southwest Jewelry. They rival all the store on the Santa Fe plaza!
I just got lucky and happened upon it one day and was amazed by how big it is and how many Native American treasures lie within. Totally great place to buy gifts and the staff is super friendly. They even fixed an antique turquoise ring for me free of charge! Awesome place, deceptively discreet on the outside. Oh, and before I forget, they have cool moccasins, the Minnetonka brand moccasins that are super stylin’.

This place is incredible! It’s inexplicable that every single discerning fashionista in Austin isn’t swarming this place all weekend long, but honestly, that’s good news for you. It’s a best-​kept-​secret only locals know kind of place, and it will be my spot from now on.
They have a massive, mind-​blowing collection of jewelry, both new and vintage. The owner is incredibly knowledgable about the history and design of all of his pieces, so you’re also getting a mini history lesson with each of your purchases. They also have plenty of trendy and highly sought after items like Pendelton blankets and pillows, and Minnetonka shoes, all at very reasonable prices, plus you’re supporting a local business.
I love this place. It’s in an innocuous location, but you should make a special trip. It’s huge and filled with amazing stuff — jewelry, baskets, blankets, shoes, statues, dreamcatchers, and wall décor. Not to be missed.

Excellent prices; wide choices
Authentic American Indian jewelry
Hand made items
Perfect place for gifts for both men and women

I will drive so out of my way to go to this place. Last year, I bought all my Christmas presents for every female in my life at this store. Such beautiful jewelry!!! You can actually find some very reasonable priced turquoise at this place, as well as extremely expensive pieces.
It’s in a shopping center, so it’s never hard to find parking. It’s a quiet place to browse and shop, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. They will stay with you the entire time trying to help you find the perfect piece of jewelry.
They have Minnetonka Mocassins and Pendelton blankets, pillows, bags, dishes, etc. In addition, they have a ton of accessories for the home including variations of woodwork and crosses.
If you’re into the Southwestern décor and jewelry… please do yourself a favor and go to Turquoise Trading Post. You will definitely NOT regret it!

This is a wonderful little gem in the Alandale area. I dropped by one day on my way to Dragon’s Lair and I’m glad I did. They have all kinds of native American jewelry made from unique precious and semiprecious materials that you won’t see at Kay Jewelers such as spiny oyster shell. They have beautiful pottery as well. My house has more than a few choice pieces from here. Prices are reasonable and the owner is kind and friendly. Lucille, the store cat, always seems to be sleeping in a bowl as you walk in.

My favorite place to shop in Austin. Period. So many cool things in here. If you like Native American styling you have to visit. The prices make much of the art prohibitive for me at this point, but its fun to look. We have some cool geode wind chimes and moose moccasins from here.
I don’t often shop, but when I do, I choose the Turquoise Trading Post.

Love this store! The sales associate who helped me was friendly, knowledgeable, and very patient with me while I searched for the perfect earring for my wedding. Love their cat Lucile who sleeps in a basket on the counter, so sweet.

We have been coming here for a few years now. The whole staff knows us and we know them, so it makes for a really homey atmosphere, and they are this way with all of the customers, so the service is top notch. Plus the music puts you in a trance! I love the sweet black kitty who is always snoozing in a giant wooden bowl and the selection of everything from stunning jewelry to unique housewares all handmade by Native Americans, which makes me giddy (and broke). I own quite a few things from here and always receive compliments on everything. A fantastic place to buy something for the person that has everything else.

I’ve been going to the Turquoise Trading Post for years and always have the best of experiences there. Recently, I had to take in my belt buckle (purchased from the trading post) in for a repair. Somehow I managed to loose a stone from the belt buckle and they replaced the turquoise stone without charge. That’s what’s I call standing behind one’s work.

So the first thing i LOVE about this store is Lucille, the big fat black cat that snoozes on the jewelry cases. The more important thing is that assuming I was more fiscally responsible, it would be possible to walk in here with some kind of visa black card and come out looking like a fully bedecked Native American princess.
It appears tiny from the outside but rest assured, when you walk in it’s a magical wonderland of turquoise and silver and head dresses and art and stretched drums and masks and various things for anyone who loves the southwest. A perfect spot for unique gifts for the holidaze.
The kicker is that the staff is SO nice and knowledgeable. Had a great conversation with the lady that worked there about native american things you can do in Austin. It’s really a neat shop sandwiched between a series of super random things like an asian market and a comic book store. Worth a Saturday shopping stroll.

I like the staff and the store’s inventory. Have shopped there for gifts a few times a year for past several years. I give them a 3 star rating, b/​c what’s up w/​their website? Maybe it’s under construction?

I agree with the previous review. The Turquoise Trading Post is top notch. It’s certainly the most authentic place I’ve found for Indian jewelry in Austin.
I lived near here for three years and never went in because the storefront was so unassuming. (Still is, in fact.) (I suppose one could say that was lucky? I.e. Maybe I saved some money?)
I finally went in a few months back and bada bing! This is the place.
I’ve had nothing but kind and generous service when I’ve gone. The owner is sweet, smart and resourceful.
There is lots of jewelry and not all of it is expensive, like the first write up said. But, if you have champagne taste (ahem) and turquoise or Indian jewelry is your thing, have no fear: there will be product to match your taste. :)

You will «Oooh» and «Ahhh» your way through Turquoise Trading Post. Head north on Burnet Road (or take Mopac to 2222, then left on Burnet) to find this gorgeous store full of Native American jewelry, art, clothing, literature and keepsakes.
Turquoise offers some of the most exquisite and authentic American Indian jewelry I’ve ever seen. If you can’t tell from the piece, you can tell from the price. Real turquoise necklaces for $ 225. Intricately designed rings and bracelets for $ 300. If you know a man or woman with a turquoise thirst, I would recommend this place above all others.
If you do manage do break out of the love-​trance coma that the jewelry creates, check out the rest of the store. The remainder of the space is dedicated to handmade luxuries (jewelry and gift boxes, pottery, leather goods) and Native American-​inspired retail (t-​shirts, literature).
If for no other reason, pay a visit to Turquoise to see their one-​of-​a-​kind carved boxes. They come in varying shapes and sizes and have velvet-​lined drawers for jewelry or keepsakes. Awesome.
The jewelry will cost you, but the rest of the goods are moderately priced. Great gift store.
Turquoise Trading Post is Top Notch.