BUCKLE PROVENANCE:

This 1970’S classic chip inlay buckle came through my store by the son of the original owner. He inherited his father’s pieces that the father had collected since the 1950’s.The son was telling me that nobody in the family wanted these, nor would wear them, so that’s when he considered bringing them to me. The father etched his ID # on the back of each piece I purchased (See hallmark photo at end),which was very common for that time period.. Many times an owner would put their social security # or certain numbers that would identify the owner in case if something were to happen, they could identify it.

ABOUT “CHIP INLAY”

Navajo artisan Delvin Nelson is known for his ‘chip inlay’ jewelry that was made popular by the late Tommy Singer.. Tommy was best known for being the innovator of what was called "Chip Inlay" that began in popularity in the early 70's. Tommy came up with this when waste from the money he spent on turquoise & coral was laying on the floor from cutting. Hating to see this still 'good' material being swept up & dumped in the trash, he came up with this genius idea & that was to use these chips, by mixing them with some epoxy & filling them into his designs. This design has been emulated by other Navajo artists still to today, but it's Tommy who we give this credit to.

THE BUCKLE:

Screaming a serious southwestern vibe, this is expertly crafted in an ‘overlay’ style where Delvin started with the oxidized sterling base & then laid atop, there are 2 turquoise/coral chip inlaid “Peyote Birds” (Or Water Birds) with wings spanned high on the ‘east/west’ sides at both ends of the buckle..What I find impressive because of where they were placed in the design, is how they help to create a ‘diamond’ shape so the focus is placed directly on the fabulous cut of Morenci so it too, can be apart of the spotlight!

The buckle itself lays domed & is rich in valuable patina. The bar on the backside will fit up to a 1.50” belt.(See last 2 photos) Either man or woman can wear this & would be a proud historical piece to own!

ARTIST: Delvin Nelson
TRIBE: Navajo
CIRCA: 1970's
METAL: Sterling Silver (Acid Tested)
METAL FINISHING: Natural Developed Darkened Patina
MATERIAL: Morenci Turquoise (center) Turquoise and Italian Coral Chip Inlay
CUT: Oval
MEASUREMENTS: 3-1/4" Wide X 2-1/8" Tall
WEIGHT: 2.14 Ounces - 61 Grams
BELT SIZE: 1-1/2" Belt
STYLE: Navajo Made Chip Inlaid Peyote Bird Concho Belt Buckle
HALLMARK: ”D”
CONDITION: Very well kept condition, Stone is not cracked nor chipped, Bezel is in perfect condition, I see slight scratches (But you have to look).I will leave the finishing as I got it since you do not want to take away from it’s vintage timeline!
Comes Gift Boxed

SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT:

Anything with this kind of price tag, will have a mandatory signature confirmation requirement.(This is reflected in the shipping price) . If you're not home in the day & need it shipped where it can be signed for, please change that in your "Ship To" section before I create the shipping label***I'm sorry if this may be an inconvenience, but I do not ship expensive pieces without one. This is for your safety & mine.

PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING
I do not consider myself a 'professional photographer" but I do try my hardest to give you photos that are 'realistic" in color, just so you're not shocked, nor disappointed when you get the item. But please realize that all monitors are different, so the materials can look brighter (or duller) from one computer to the next.

To provide you with close up photos providing you with all the fine detail, pictures tend to make the item look much larger & everything is more magnified than in actuality. .So to get an accurate idea of how big this is, please pull out a tape measure or ruler & compare to my given measurements listed above.