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Tufa Cast Silver Belt Buckle

Navajo

View Full Size Image of Tufa Cast Silver Belt Buckle, Jewelry by Navajo

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Savvy Price $325.00: Gallery Price $395.00; Add to Cart Add to my Bridal Registry

Title: Tufa Cast Silver Belt Buckle
Artist: Navajo
Medium: Sterling silver
Troy ounces: 1.75
Size: 3 1/8" in length X 2 1/8" width at corners
Signed: "ITC" is the maker's mark
Date of creation: Circa 1970's
Condition: Excellent
Design: Bar and "tooth" buckle
Provenance: From an estate in Phoenix, KE.; Quick Inquiry Email Friend

About The Tufa Cast Silver Belt Buckle

Tufa cast sterling silver is done by pouring molten silver into a carved design or depression done in tufa stone. Tufa is a very soft, chalk-like material that only a few pieces can be produced using the same carving, as heat eventually cracks the stone. Each silver item must then be individually hand finished using files, sandpaper and a polishing wheel. This is a very time consuming and exhausting process--made all the more difficult with enclosed openings, like the ones in this handsome piece.

For your convenience we would be happy to supply a belt of your choice in the appropriate size and if you wish, antiqued to suit your buckle from $100 - $250.

About Navajo

The Navajo were the first of the Native Americans of the Southwest to learn silversmithing from the Spanish. Most Navajo jewelry emphasizes silver, with turquoise stones used as an accent. Some pieces are cast in sand or tufa molds, while others are hammered, using a male stamp and a female die.

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