JSW1022 Turquoise Buckle

Sterling silver and turquoise buckle by Navajo silversmith Delbert Gordon. The 3” x 2 1/2” hand stamped buckle with silver overlay has three rectangular Easter Blue turquoise stones. Made for a 1 1/4" belt.

The Easter Blue mine is located northwest of Tonopah, Nevada a few miles from the Royston district. Turquoise from this claim has also been called Blue Mountain and Blue Gem. Compared to some of the other deposits in Nevada, the Easter Blue was never considered a large producer and changed hands a number of times. It was discovered in 1907 and the first material found was a fine blue color, usually occurring in thin veins. Later the mine produced a blue green turquoise with a light to dark brown matrix.

Delbert Gordon began silversmithing in high school at the age of 17. He was inspired by his uncle, T.K. Whitman. Although he considers himself an artist first, he quickly realized he had a talent for silversmithing as well. He draws and fabricates his own designs, and has established his reputation as one of the best traditional style artists. He does beautiful stamp work in plain silver, and often incorporates stones into his designs.