Description
In the mid 1800s, Navajo silversmiths started to use sand casting as one of their silversmithing techniques. Today, silversmiths still use this technique by carving a design in tufa stone (a porous limestone) and then placing another stone against it. The two pieces are fastened together and molten silver is poured in. Once it has cooled, the artist takes the piece out and finishes it. Gary Custer made this stunning concho belt in this manner. The belt has a buckle and twelve conchos . Made out of sterling silver, set with Sonoran Gold Turquoise stones, and backed with copper findings, allowing the conchos to be moved. Holes are not punched in the belt, so the buyer can choose where to move the conchos and set the holes. Signed.
Weight-626 grams
Length-49 1/2″
Leather Width- 11/16″
Buckle Size-2 15/16″ x 2 15/16″
Concho Size-1 1/2″ x 2 7/8″
Artist card included
The Navajos began working with silver in the 19th century, and began making things like buckles, bridles, buttons, rings, canteens, hollow beads, earrings, crescent-shaped pendants (called “najas”), bracelets, crosses, powder chargers, tobacco canteens, and conchos (for belts). Their silversmithing skills has evolved and changed throughout the years, and in about 1880 Navajo silversmiths started to set turquoise in their silver work. Traditionally, Navajo artists worked with jewelry techniques like repousee and stamp work, but today they explored in other Native American jewelry making techniques like Zuni inlay work and Hopi overlay work.
Additional information
| Weight | 30 lbs |
|---|
Returns and Exchanges
There are a few important things to keep in mind when returning a product you purchased.You can return unwanted items by post within 7 working days of receipt of your goods.- You have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.
- Only items that have been purchased directly from Us.
- Please ensure that the item you are returning is repackaged with all elements.
Ship your item back to Us
Firstly Print and return this Returns Form to: Po Box 33114 Santa Fe, NM 87594 Please remember to ensure that the item you are returning is repackaged with all elements. For more information, view our full Returns and Exchanges information.Related Products
Quick View
NAVAJO STERLING SILVER BEAR PENDANT BY ROBERT GENE
Navajo silversmith Robert Gene created this marvelous bear pendant through the overlay technique. Hopi overlay is constructed from two layers of sterling silver. A design is cut out with a jeweler’s saw by hand. This top design layer is then silver soldered to another sheet, the bottom layer, of silver. ...
Quick View
INLAY EARRINGS BY JASON BOBELU ZUNI NATIVE AMERICAN
Beautifully crafted out of sterling silver with turquoise, purple spiny oyster, jet, and mother of pearl shell inlay by Zuni jeweler Jason Bobelu. Exquisite design that will make a statement. Weighs 15 grams. Signed 1 1/8” wide x 1 3/8” long 2″ long (including ear wire) Artist card included Zuni...
Quick View
NAVAJO STERLING SILVER & TURQUOISE BRACELET BY GARY CUSTER
In the mid 1800s, Navajo silversmiths started to use sand casting as one of their silversmithing techniques. Today, silversmiths still use this technique by carving a design in tufa stone (a porous limestone) and then placing another stone against it. The two pieces are fastened together and molten silver is...
Quick View
JET & RED LINE OBSIDIAN CUFFLINKS BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI
Magnificent cufflinks that feature Jet and Red Line Obsidian inlaid in a sterling silver setting. Hand made with high quality craftsmanship that is a great representation of the traditional inlay work. Hand made by Zuni jewelers Nancy and Sheldon Westika. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and...
Quick View
TURQUOISE & JET & RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI
Amazing inlay work! Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika made this stunning ring. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with Kingman Turquoise and Jet. Zuni artists are known for their lapidary work. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known for their fine...
Quick View
TURQUOISE & HENNA LIMESTONE EARRINGS BY NANCY AND SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI
Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created these stunning earrings. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with Henna Limestone and Turquoise. Zuni artists are known for their lapidary work. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known for their fine inlay work. Weighs...
Quick View
ZUNI JET & TURQUOISE RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA
Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created this striking ring. Hand made out of sterling silver and inlaid with turquoise and jet. Great design. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known for their fine inlay work. Signed. Weighs 6 grams. Size 9. 1/2”...
Quick View
NATIVE AMERICAN ZUNI TURQUOISE & JET RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA
Amazing inlay work! Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created this magnificent ring. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with Kingman Turquoise and Jet. Zuni artists are known for their lapidary work. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known for their fine...
Quick View
TURQUOISE & MOTHER OF PEARL RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI
Amazing inlay work! Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created this stunning ring. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with Kingman Turquoise and Mother of Pearl Shell. Zuni artists are known for their lapidary work. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known...
Quick View
NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI SILVER & TURQUOISE RING
Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created this stunning ring. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with natural turquoise. Zuni artists are known for their lapidary work. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known for their fine inlay work. Signed. Weighs 4...