Sterling Silver concho belt with Fox Turquoise. The belt consists of eleven hand stamped conchos with 11 Fox Turquoise cabochons of various colors in each concho. The buckle compliments the conchos. Each concho is 2” x 2 ½” and the buckle is 3” x 2”. Each concho is connected with a silver ring. The hallmark for Raymond Beard (“R BRD”) is stamped on the back of each piece. The 1 1/2" belt is 39” with 4” of silver rings as fasteners.
The Fox Turquoise mine, located near Lander County was discovered in the early 1900’s. The Fox mine, once known as the Cortez, has been one Nevada’s largest producing mines for about a century. The Fox mine is still producing today. Turquoise from this mine is very hard and runs from shades of green to an aqua blue.
About the artist
Raymond Beard
Raymond Beard is a native Navajo, who started working silver in 1978. He works in several traditional styles, including Zuni needlepoint cluster and inlay, Black Hills styles and the traditional Navajo silver styles he learned from his family.
When we asked Raymond if he has a favorite piece, he said he is most proud of a large concho belt he made with a crow dancer in the middle, and clusters of stone surrounding it.
Today, Raymond works out of Gallup, N.M.
