Native American More Jewelry and Watches

Navajo needlepoint concho belt. Signed LMB, marked sterling. 11 conchos total. Exceptional design on each concho, featuring floral style center with complementary scalloped silverwork and final layer of turquoise framing concho. Old Pawn. Acquired from a Navajo trader. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGIN: Navajo, Southwest SIZE: Total Belt Length 62 1/2" Leather; conchos 2 1/4"D The word “concho” sometimes spelled “concha”, comes from the Spanish word meaning shell. Some of the first “conchos” were made of melted silver dollars and resembled a shell. Concho belts reportedly began appearing in Navajo country in the late 1860s. Other Native Americans including Zuni and Hopi also made traditional concho belts before long. Concho belts can cost into the thousands of dollars depending upon the craftsmanship, amount of silver, rarity of turquoise and stones used. Belts in the upper end of the price scales are usually made before the turn of the century. Buyers should deal with reputable dealers as many fakes and look-a-likes exist. A well-made belt with age to it will fetch a bigger premium and hold its value better. The earliest concho belts are now referred to as “First Phase” belts. This style of belt was made before Native silversmith had learned much about soldering. The conchos were hammered out from melted coins, cut, and filed into shape, engraved and a diamond shape slot was cut out of the middle of the concho, with a bar left across the center of the diamond shaped slot for the leather loop. Conchos that required no soldering are generally thought to be made from 1860-1880. Second phase conchos were done 1890-1900s in which silversmith began to solder. Third phase conchos is when you start to see the “butterfly” or “bow” appear between conchos and the use of turquoise as an adornment. A butterfly (bow) is a smaller concho in between bigger conchos. A belt with butterflies and sometimes turquoise would be from the early 1900s – 1930s. The timelines may slightly differentiate depending upon who you ask. Natives first had concho belts for personal use only, but around the turn of the last century, tourist demand had kicked in and a new outlet emerged. belts & buckles jewelry silver belts conchos navajo needlepoint southwest turquoise...

Solid amber pendant necklace. Marked Sterling, signed Charles Johnson. Stunning giant amber, beautiful antique chain, lightweight for the size. Chain is...

Stunning four piece gold bracelet, ring, bolo and buckle set made by Robert and Burnice Leekya. Navajo four-piece set: bracelet, ring, bolo, and buckle. 14K gold overlay and turquoise nuggets. Signed "RBL". From the Sleeping Beauty Mine. Zuni husband and wife Robert and Bernice Leekya are known for their bold turquoise nugget jewelry. They have been making unique pieces since 1953. Robert was taught by his father, a master Zuni jeweler Leekya Deyuse...

Stunning Zuni Belt Buckle This is a fantastic vintage Native American handmade buckle featuring a wonderful OWL. The inlay work is amazing! Artists Po...

This Native American Sterling silver watch is covered in various size turquoise stones. Measuring .75 down to .50 on the band. We fit a size 6-6.25 inch wrist. Slide-in clasp closure...

This unique and beautiful sterling silver and turquoise set will be sure to get a lot of compliments. Navajo inspired turquoise ring and bracelet with beautiful design. RING: Detaile...

A colorful mosaic of natural stone inlay encircles a bird of prey on this earthy sterling silver brooch. Round, measuring 2-1/4 inch in diameter, this interesting hand hammered artis...

Navajo Kingman turquoise and bear claw buckle with small nugget of red coral. Stones and claw set in sterling silver surrounded by leaves, scrolls and beads....

This outstanding belt buckle of heavy sterling silver exhibits all the beautifully detailed stamp work that has become a hallmark of master Navajo Silversmith Wilson Jim...

Carved ivory bighorns with Blue Kingman Mine turquoise. Wonderful patina. Original leather; nine conchos total. Signed A.J.M. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGIN: Navajo, Southwest SIZE: Total belt length 56"; buckle 3 1/2" x 5"; conchos 3" x 4" The word “concho” sometimes spelled “concha”, comes from the Spanish word meaning shell. Some of the first “conchos” were made of melted silver dollars and resembled a shell. Concho belts reportedly began appearing in Navajo country in the late 1860s. Other Native Americans including Zuni and Hopi also made traditional concho belts before long. Concho belts can cost into the thousands of dollars depending upon the craftsmanship, amount of silver, rarity of turquoise and stones used. Belts in the upper end of the price scales are usually made before the turn of the century. Buyers should deal with reputable dealers as many fakes and look-a-likes exist. A well-made belt with age to it will fetch a bigger premium and hold its value better. The earliest concho belts are now referred to as “First Phase” belts. This style of belt was made before Native silversmith had learned much about soldering. The conchos were hammered out from melted coins, cut, and filed into shape, engraved and a diamond shape slot was cut out of the middle of the concho, with a bar left across the center of the diamond shaped slot for the leather loop. Conchos that required no soldering are generally thought to be made from 1860-1880. Second phase conchos were done 1890-1900s in which silversmith began to solder. Third phase conchos is when you start to see the “butterfly” or “bow” appear between conchos and the use of turquoise as an adornment. A butterfly (bow) is a smaller concho in between bigger conchos. A belt with butterflies...

This is stunning antique Native American Navajo Turquoise and Coral Belt Buckle with beautiful hand stamped and applied designs in a f...

Shadowbox belt buckle with multi coral nuggets. Marked sterling silver. Made by Navajo silversmith J. Begay. Stunning oxblood coral stones surrounded by twisted rope border and sterl...

A vintage Native American bear claw link concho belt. Each link features a raised bear claw motif, accented with a turquoise cabochon, set in a sa...

Beautiful piece of Carrico Mine turquoise carved in the shape of Plains chief with full headdress surrounded by shadow box, outlined by silver leaves, scrolls and coral nuggets top a...

Large Hand set Turquoise stones surrounding a intricate Zuni Warrior set in sterling silver. Measures 3.00 inches w x 2.50in. Hallmarked LBJ on the back side of the buckle. On a 40" ...

Beautiful Sleeping Beauty Mine turuqoise nugget with two leaves, flower and balls on top and pipes below. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGIN: Navajo, Southwest SIZE: 3" x 2" Navajo, Sleeping Beauty, Turquoise...