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Concho Belt

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Navajo TURQUOISE CORAL Silver Concho Belt

Product No- 0314CN

This is a beautiful example of Navajo artistry. This incredible concho belt features die struck and hand stamped conchos of shimmering nickel Silver. Plus, the buckle and each of the eighteen conchos feature a sky blue nugget of genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and a nugget of Red Gold Coral. The Turquoise and Coral nuggets have been set in Sterling Silver bezels that were sweated to the Silver conchos. Silver leaf figures give this one an extra shine. Made in our shop. The buckle and each of the conchos are 1-3/8" by 1-3/4". The total length of this completely adjustable link concho belt is 45" including the 3" extension chain.

Concha belts are one of the most striking articles of Indian Jewelry. The medallions or plates of silver vary in number according to size. The older type had holes in the center, separated by a bar, through which was passed the strap forming the belt. The first belts were made only of concha's, with leather thongs used for fastening. Later a silver harness buckle was used, then slides of soft copper were used to attach and slide the concha's on belts and finally elaborate buckles replaced the leather thongs and simple buckles. The use of turquoise and other adornment on concha's date from the 1920's. The variety of sizes, materials and quality of silversmithing and lapidary masterpieces, with every piece being hand wrought and crafted.

The Navajo were the first to produce jewelry that required the working of metal. Their love of metal working can be traced to the Spanish arrival in the Southwest. The silver bridles and horse trappings of the Conquistadors were admired and often stolen by the raiding Navajos. Later when the area became part of Mexico, Mexican silversmiths traded jewelry to wealthy Navajo for sheep. Jewelry became a symbol of wealth.