John Charley Inlay Turquoise Buckle

Zuni jewelers are best known for their channel inlay work, but contemporary Navajo jewelers also use the technique and add their own special flair.

This small dress buckle is by Navajo jeweler John Charley known for his contemporary inlay designs. 

Using just two materials - turquoise and silver - Charley has created a distinctive buckle. He hand cut the turquoise into various geometric shapes and set them in into silver channels. The stones are seamlessly set so that they provide one larger rectangle of turquoise design. Other decorative elements in the silver buckle are file work and rope work.

All of this happens on just a 2" x 1 1/4" canvas, so it's perfect for those who want a unique but understated buckle to wear with your narrow belt. Buckle fits up to a 1" belt strap. Signed on the reverse. From a New York City collection.