Navajo George Begay Sterling Silver Overlay Belt Buckle authentic with Bear - 1-7/8" x 1-3/4" - 16.8 grams - for up to 1" belt
Hallmarked Sterling Silver Overlay Navajo Belt Buckle by George Begay
Vintage Condition. This piece has extensive patina
Easily recognizable George Begay stylistic bear surrounded by extensive stamp work.
Active since about 1992, George is well known for his sterling overlay work.
Overlay pieces are made of two layers of sterling silver. The top layer has a cutout design authentic. The solid bottom layer (background to the cutout) is usually accented for contrast. The Navajo silversmiths oxidize the bottom layer which darkens it. Hopi silversmiths oxidize and etch the background (texturize it) with hashmarks. The cutout top layer is placed over the bottom layer and the two pieces are "sweated" together, that is, heated so that they become one
The central image depicts a traditional medicine bear
Hallmarks - Sterling, and GB
Weight - 16.8 grams
Size - 1-7/8" x 1-3/4"
Belt Size - Up to 1"