History of Navajo Concha (Concho) Belts

The concha belt is among the most striking products of the Navajo silversmith’s art. Conchas (shells) as they were known in New Mexico, were large, oval or circular, silver brooch-like ornaments. Some of the Mexican bridles had silver conchas on the head stalls. Old Mexican bridle conchas used floral and geometric patterns. Hence the decorative [...]

Discover Gaspeite-A Rare Green Beauty

Gaspeite is a rare semi-precious gemstone that has the most strikingly beautiful chartreuse to apple green color.  If you have never seen it, then you haven’t been shopping in places that sell Native American made jewelry.  Navajo silversmiths began using in their jewelry only a few years ago. Gaspeite is found in only two places [...]

What Is The Real White Buffalo Turquoise?

Don’t Be Fooled By The Impostors! Many stones are called “white buffalo turquoise” and there is a lot of confusion as to what truly is a white turquoise. There is a widely quoted source that comes from the Miami Valley Mineral and Gem Club in their newsletter of January, 2002 Vol 48 #1. It relates [...]

Navajo Jewelry Museum Piece

Massive old pawn Navajo mans turquoise bracelet! The size and beauty of this old piece is really out of the ordinary.  You could never find turquoise this size in the mines today. We are very fortunate to have this bracelet in our collection of old pawn jewelry.  Old pawn is the most highly collected of [...]