Native American Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Sterling Silver Navajo Belt Buckle.

Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise ( The Tiffany of Turquoise ) set on a Sterling Silver hand cut traditional Navajo scallop design with a flair of hand stamped details in traditional Navajo patterns. This is a true work of art. Made by Navajo jewelry artist Joey McCray. This Turquoise belt buckle is about 3-1/2' wide by 3" tall. Signed by the artist and stamped Sterling. The keeper on the back will accommodate a 1-1/2" belt.

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 it's 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