Concho Belt Buckle with No 8 Turquoise Stone by Sammie Kescoli Begay, Navajo

Concho Style Belt Buckle with No 8 Turquoise Stone
by Sammie Kescoli Begay, Navajo
hand stamped heavy gauge sterling silver, Number 8 Turquoise Stone
2” high x 4” wide, 1.5” belt

Provenance: Estate of Laura Russo and Michihiro Kosuge

The Number 8 turquoise mine, located in Eureka County, Nevada, was discovered in 1925 and began mining operations in 1929. Currently, the mine is closed to turquoise extraction and is now primarily mined for gold. Historically, the Number 8 mine produced some of the largest turquoise nuggets ever found. Most of the turquoise from this mine is of the spider web variety, featuring a matrix that ranges from golden brown to black. The color spectrum of Number 8 turquoise varies from very light blue to deep blue, with some pieces displaying interesting tints of green. Like many turquoise mines, Number 8 has distinctive color and matrix patterns that are easily recognizable. Today, the darker shades of blue from Number 8 turquoise are particularly rare and highly sought after by collectors, adding to the allure and value of this unique gemstone.

Navajo silversmith Sammie Kescoli Begay produces some of the most beautiful, traditional, and deeply stamped sterling silver jewelry in Navajo Nation. Using heavy gauge ingot silver combined with gem grade turquoise, his pieces are unique in both quality and style, and created with the eye of a true perfectionist.