Native American handmade sterling silver overlay buckle, created by world famous Navajo silversmith Thomas Singer. Tommy is considered to be one of the greatest contemporary Indian jewelry silversmiths of our time. His Native American Indian jewelry work is coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Tommy incorporates many traditional sandpainting and rug designs of the Navajo People into his jewelry.
The buckle sports a large genuine Sleeping Beauty turquoise stone, measuring about 3/4" by 1/2". The stone is a bright sky-blue color with black matrix and has been tumble polished to a smooth but not "flat" finish.
The turquoise stone is set in a deep flat bezel in the middle of a contemporary overlaid ketoh design against an oxidized (darkened) and reticulated (textured) background.
The buckle measures 3 inches by 1-3/4 inches. It fits a belt up to 1 inch wide and weighs 43.2 grams. Brand new and in perfect condition. Gift Box and Certificate of Authenticity included. Hallmarked Tc SINGER in script and Sterling. The buckle is a genuine Tommy Singer creation.
About Thomas Singer: Tommy began creating jewelry full-time at the age of 21. His early works were done in the Silver overlay technique. His work soon began to feature Turquoise stones. While working with scrap turquoise chips, Tommy pioneered the technique of Chip inlay used by thousands of artists to this day. For many years, Tommy and his brothers created Jewelry using the Chip inlay style. In recent years, Tommy has returned to his roots by creating Exquisite Silver Overlaid Jewelry with intricate designs.
ABout Silver Overlay Jewelry: Overlay is a process of soldering one piece of silver, from which a design has been cut, over another piece of silver. The top layer is a handmade, hand cut overlay created from a sheet of sterling that is then bonded to the base layer of sterling. The base layer background is usually oxidized, which turns the silver surface black, and is often scratched or stamped. The oxidation brings out a contrast between the two pieces and makes the individual designs more visible. This technique remains characteristic of the Hopi Indians, although several well regarded Navajo silversmiths use it too. Tommy Singer, the Becenti brothers and Everett & Mary Teller are examples of Navajo artists who do overlay work with distinctive and recognizable styles.
