Beautiful Vintage Native American Turquoise Sterling Silver Concho Belt

Description

This is a stunningly beautiful signed vintage sterling silver and turquoise Navajo belt from Santa Fe, New Mexico. This belt is part of my private collection. This item was purchased while visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico. Please note the huge slab turquoise in each of the ten stations on this exquisite belt is believed to be Bisbee turquoise. As you can see from the pictures, the smallest stone is the buckle is approx. 2 1/2 inches x 2 1/4 inches bezel to bezel, the largest stone being approx. 3 1/4 inches x 2 1/4 inches bezel to bezel. Please look at the pictures with the tape measures for reference. Bisbee turquoise is one of the most beautiful types of turquoise that has ever been taken out of the ground in North America. Its striking blue-color ranges are spectacular and the chocolate matrix that the turquoise is found in emphasizes its beauty. The Bisbee mine was originally opened in the mid-1870s, and by 1975 when it was closed, it had become the largest and richest mine the world had ever known. This mine gave copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc (it also produced malachite, azurite, and of course turquoise). Bisbee turquoise is some of the finest Arizona turquoise and there is no turquoise on earth that is comparable to it. It has its own unique characteristics. Markings on the piece; artist hallmark and "STERLING". Holes allow the belt to be approx. 36-43 inches in length (belt is approx. 53in total length). Vintage leather of belt is approx. 1 3/4 inches wide. All measurements are approximations, please measure your waist or hips to determine your size. Please allow for some variation in color, we attempt to capture the actual color of the stones that our cameras, lighting, and monitors will allow. Shipped with UPS only, shipping cost includes full insurance. Shipping only to the 48 contiguous states in the United States of America.