Old Pawn Turquoise Coral Geronimo Belt Buckle Sterling by Zuni Leekya 0002

Old Pawn Turquoise Coral Geronimo Belt Buckle

This Old Pawn Turquoise Coral Geronimo Belt Buckle was handmade by Zuni Robert and Bernice Leekya. An exceptional, heavy gauge Sterling accessory, it's a wonderful offering of a large, Kingman nugget and three big pieces of gorgeous, branch Mediterranean Coral. All of these gems display exceptional color....and these are the absolute best! If that's not enough, a hand etched, scrimshaw style medallion features the Apache leader of the Chiricahua, Geronimo....wow! Influenced by Navajo handwork, the Sterling design includes an assortment of varying sized drops framed in twist wire and is finished with a hammered frame. It's about 3-7/8" by 2-7/8" and has a 1-1/2" keeper. In excellent, used condition with original patina, it's initial hallmarked and stamped Sterling. A substantial piece of Southwest jewelry that is nothing like you've ever seen before, this Old Pawn Turquoise Coral Geronimo Belt Buckle is an Native American classic!

NOTE: This comes with the original patina, but can be buffed to a new high shine, making it non-returnable.

The Leekyas are known for their heavy stone work and this husband and wife team have been making award winning pieces like this since 1953. Robert (1934-2019) was one of the first Zuni to make nugget jewelry like this. Along with Bernice (1930's- ?), they are referenced in Wright's "Hallmarks of the Southwest", Schaaf's "American Indian Jewelry II", Nahohai's, "Zuni: A Village of Silversmiths" and Bassman's "Zuni Jewelry", among many others.