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Burton's Gems and Opals

"Leo G. Harvey" Navajo Inlay Belt Buckle | Sterling Silver | Vintage c.1970's

"Leo G. Harvey" Navajo Inlay Belt Buckle | Sterling Silver | Vintage c.1970's

Regular price $1,195.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $1,195.00 USD
Sale Sold
Shipping calculated at checkout.

A Bit About The Piece:

Navajo artisan belt buckle featuring stone inlay of a humming bird and petit point turquoise.

Details, details...

The Stones: Turquoise, Jet, Mother of Pearl, Coral, Sugilite

  • 41 pieces of turquoise
    • 34 petit point cabochon cuts (outside decoration)
    • average petit point measurements: 9.3mm x 3.8mm
    • 7 inlay pieces
    • origin: Sleeping Beauty Mine, Arizona
    • natural color
    • likely stabilized
  • 2 polished jet inlay pieces (bird's wings and tail feathers)
  • 2 polished mother of pearl inlay piece (bird's body)
  • 3 polished coral inlay pieces (bird's body and flower bulbs)
  • 1 polished sugilite inlay piece (flower)
    • bird height, from tail to tip of wings: 27.43mm (~1.1")

      The Piece: Handmade Petit Point and Inlaid-Set Belt Buckle

      • .925 sterling silver, solid
      • white brass fittings
      • height of piece: 66.73mm (~2.6")
      • width of piece: 76.56mm (~3")
      • thickness of piece: 6.85mm (not including the fittings)
      • weight of piece: 50.23 grams
      • belt loop dimensions: 40.83mm long x 11.8mm deep
      • back of piece is stamped "LH" for Navajo artist, Leo G. Harvey
      • circa 1970's
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      About Turquoise

      What once was regarded a common byproduct of copper mining is now realized to be a rather scarce gem. Typically found in or near copper mines around the world, turquoise from each locality differs in color, quality, character, and rarity. Certain mines are known for producing highly valuable material in very limited quantity. Inclusions of other copper-bearing minerals such as azurite, malachite, and chrysocolla are not uncommon.

      Turquoise ranks 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Because this is often not suitable for everyday wear, most turquoise on the market is hardened (or "stabilized") with electricity and/or polymer. Stabilization is viewed as an accepted, regular practice in the lapidary industry and is not to be confused with "dying" material. Dyed (or artificially colored) material is not viewed as favorably among dealers and collectors.  It is very important to be careful when cleaning your turquoise jewelry. Turquoise is a porous stone that can absorb any harsh chemical used. Avoid putting your turquoise jewelry in chemical jewelry cleaners, and be sure to focus only on cleaning the metal around your stone.

      Shipping, Handling, & Inventory

      Your order will be processed and shipped within 4 business days. All shipments are insured by the United States Postal Service, and most orders of $500 or more will require signature confirmation upon delivery.

      While we work hard to present our online customers with accurate inventory availability, we reserve the right to cancel and refund a sale if the item is sold somewhere else first.

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      Item: "Leo G. Harvey" Navajo Inlay Belt Buckle | Sterling Silver | Vintage c.1970's