Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Traditional Silver Belt Buckle Signed

Traditional intricately stamped designs frame nuggets of "Sleeping Beauty Turquoise" from Globe, Arizona. A stunning statement of Southwest art. This sturdy buckle is hand made from nickle silver for a high shine that won't tarnish. Each nugget of turquoise has been set in individual hand made bezels of Sterling Silver and framed with Sterling Silver drops. Made in our shop. This buckle is 2" by 3", with a 1-1/2" keeper on the back. Stamped handmade and signed. Turquoise stones and hand stamped designs will vary slightly. You'll receive one from the group pictured below.

The Sleeping Beauty mine is located near Globe, Arizona. Its turquoise is noted for its solid, light blue color with no matrix. Sleeping Beauty turquoise is the favorite of the Zuni Pueblo silversmiths for use in petite point, needlepoint, and inlay jewelry. This mine is one of the largest in North America and is still operating.

There are many legends about Turquoise; The Pima consider it to bring good fortune and strength and believe that it helps overcome illness. The Zuni believe that blue turquoise was male and of the sky and green turquoise was female and of the earth. Pueblo Indians thought that its color was stolen from the sky. In Hopi legend the lizard who travels between the above and the below, excretes turquoise and that the stone can hold back floods. The Apache felt that turquoise on a gun or bow made it shoot straight. The Navajo consider it as good fortune to wear and believe it could appease the Wind Spirit.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize that it is important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC