Large Statement 4.5 Inches White Buffalo Turquoise Concho Belt Buckle Signed

Stone:
unisex belt buckle - belt buckle hand casted by Raymond Beard with a one piece natural white buffalo stone. It will fit a belt up to one and a half inch wide.

There are various kinds of "white turquoise" out on the market, because usually turquoise mines product different colors of turquoise from deep blue to light blue, to white chalky turquoise. Usually the white turquoise from a turquoise mine is considered chalk turquoise, and miners would not consider them valuable stones. In recent years, the owner of the Royston mine has discovered a new mine near Tonopah, NV and he named it the "white buffalo". This stone has a really high hardness, and he brought it to the Southwestern jewelers. Soon after, the white buffalo became one of the most popular stones in Southwest Silver Jewelry. The reason why the white buffalo is sometimes referred to as white turquoise, is because it cuts and polishes just like turquoise and it is found near turquoise veins, however it is not turquoise. This is just like many people call variscite turquoise, but variscite is in fact not turquoise. White buffalo is popular due to its distinctive clean appearance of color pale white and pitch black matrix. Two mines that look very similar to the white buffalo are the Dry Creek and Sacred Buffalo mine.

Artist:
Ernest was born in Kayenta, Chilchinbeto, Arizona. He currently lives in Breadsprings, New Mexico with his wife Readda, and their twins Ernest Jr. and Faith. Back in 1975 he took silversmithing classes at Monument Valley High School. He used to watch his brother in law and his father making jewelry, and they used to give him scrap silver to work with. His jewelry making career took off when he brought some distinguished pieces to the Navajo Nation Fair and the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial. He was awarded with multiple ribbons there and decided to pursue jewelry making full time. Today, he is one of the most respected Navajo silversmiths. His custom deep stamping work is different from all others.

My Philosophy:
I choose every piece of jewelry based on the value of the stone. Unlike most of the Turquoise on the market, the stone has to be high quality (not stabilized, not color treated and not reconstituted).
I also love jewelry with unique character and great craftsmanship. What this means is that you are getting jewelry that is a showstopper and not to mention a great investment.

Measurements:
3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches

Stone Measurements:
2 x 2-3/4

Weight:
87 grams

Suggested Retail Price:
$1500

Photography:
I take all photos under natural light (without photoshop) to make sure the jewelries look as realistic as possible.

Shipping:
I will ship it out to you nicely packaged within 1 business day via USPS. All packages are insured.

Return Policy:
I want you to enjoy your Toqos jewelry. In case you are not satisfied with your item, you can return it within 14 days. All I ask for is that you send it back in perfect condition within that time frame.
Kindly note that I unfortunately cannot process international returns & exchanges at this time: all international sales are final.

Contact Me:
If you're unsure about caring of your jewelry, wonder if it's right for you or have any other questions.
Don't hesitate - just message me.

NewåÊ-åÊ100% Navajo Handmade