Featured Nakai Navajo Belt Buckle

Are all Nakai items sterling? This is only marked Nakai. This is on a hand made leather belt which is also signed.

 

I believe Nakai is a Navajo family name.

 

Thanks Bronwen.

 

I can’t imagine that it isn’t sterling and Navajo chip work. Started in the 60s with the Singer family. Tommy developed the technique but all the brothers did it and so did everyone else. I have a William Singer (Tommy’s brother) chip squash. Your buckle is very nice.

 

I’d be surprised if it’s not sterling. Do you have acids to test it?

 

Reader, thanks.

Patty. I do have a testing kit. Can't get an accurate result from rubbing the buckle on the stone. Not going to put acid on the buckle.

 

Reader, I did sell this but the buyer returned it saying he had it tested at work and it tested as nickel which I doubt. He originally wanted to buy it at a cheaper price. Buyers remorse I think. It polishes like sterling.

 

Don’t blame you. I hate when I find those discolorations or gouges! I find using the 18k acid works better than the sterling.

 

There are a number of Nakai buckles on the net listed as nickel silver,those which are silver are marked sterling.More than 1 Nakai making jewelry.

 

https://www.rubylane.com/item/568322-rl13257/Navajo-Nakai-Nickel-Silver-Belt-Buckle





~Cheryl

 

Thanks Holly

Patty will the 18k acid work on the stone?

 

Thanks Cheryl

 

Not sure what you mean about the stone. It’s just more obvious to me on the scratch test when using the 18k. Shines bright white if sterling.

 

I would imagine that since it is marked (Nakai), they wouldn't be shy in marking it sterling if it were sterling.
It is beautiful either way, but it is a matter of value, of course.

Nickel silver polishes nicely and can look deceptively like silver, which is why there is nickel silver jewellery.

 

Thank you Any!

 

I use an ice cube for a quick sterling silver test.

 

Please take it to someone and get it tested. Looking at the back I’m now questioning my original opinion. As others said it’s nice either way but the value obviously changes if it’s not silver.