Native American Sterling Silver Overlaid Link Concho Belt.

Concho belts are one of the most striking articles of Native American jewelry. This belt was made out of a very heavy gauge of Sterling Silver. It weighs close to a pound, solid Sterling Silver. Traditional petroglyph, bird, corn stalk, and turtle designs decorate the conchos. Each piece is crafted and finished by hand. Seventeen concho's in all. If you like that Southwest, Santa Fe style, you'll love this great work of wearable Native American art. Silver on Silver, you can't go wrong with that. Made in our shop. The total length of this completely adjustable belt is 49". Each Concho is 1-1/2" in diameter.

Overlay is created by "sweating" or soldering two pieces of silver together. The top piece contains a design element which is meticulously hand cut out of silver. The bottom piece is oxidized and often textured with stamping to produce a contrasting background. Once together the work is carefully filed, buffed, and polished to produce this fine finish.

Concho belts are one of the most striking articles of Indian Jewelry. Silver Concho belts connected only with silver links and no leather are one of the oldest types of Concho belts. Originally this design was worn from the hip down the side of the leg, not around the waist. They were worn as decorations during the dances and the silver conchos would jingle and bounce alongside the dancer. Later, a white trader converted the design into a belt which became very popular for its simplicity and adjustability.