Navajo Turquoise & Bear Claw Statement Belt Buckle
This magnificent, vintage Navajo belt buckle features a LARGE, important piece of fine turquoise and is accented by an actual bear claw, in sterling silver.
The buckle is massive, measuring 4 1/2" x 3 1/2"!
The fine turquoise cabochon has attractive, red matrix veining! The polished piece of turquoise measures ≈ 87.93 x 52.78mm and weighs somewhere in the ballpark of 400 carats! Very rarely will you find a piece of turquoise of this size and quality.
The turquoise is custom hammer set in sterling silver, and is also anchored with an embellished serpent prong! The snake is detailed with various Native American symbolism, including sunrays on its head.
The piece has an actual bear claw accent, with embellished endcap. The tip of the claw is secured by a sterling silver safety loop.
Throughout the buckle, you'll find various Native American symbols that represent different things. Aside from the obvious serpent, there are feather, flower, wing, and bead symbols.
The reverse side of the buckle has a hinged loop that will accommodate up to a 2-inch-wide belt.
The piece is signed with a pictomark symbol that we have yet to identify. If you have knowledge on this maker's mark, please contact us.
Gross weight of the buckle is 248.9 grams (8.0 Troy ounces)!