Heavy gauge silver concho belt by Gary Reeves. This belt has seven large stamped silver conchos (3.5” x 3”) and a ketoh style buckle. Each concho has nine beautifully matched coral cabochons. The buckle measures 4” x 3” with six coral stones. The matched coral cabochons are ¼” x ½”.
Gary smithed silver from the age of twelve. His work, like that of his brother Sunshine, is present in the collections of the Heard Museum in Phoenix and Gary has won numerous awards for his work.
About the artist
Gary Reeves
Navajo silversmith Gary Reeves was born 1962 in Gallup, N.M. and died July 2014.
He began working in silver in 1974. He was the older brother of renowned silversmith Sunshine Reeves and the younger brother of David Reeves (now deceased), who was so instrumental in teaching the craft to both Gary and Sunshine, as well as their half-brothers Darrel and Andy Cadman.
While each artist has his own individual style, they all share an affinity for complex engraved and hand stamped geometric designs and they are all a part of recreating and popularizing the old Navajo designs of the early 20th century. They call their style Navajo Revival Style.
Gary filled his old style silver with lots of stamp patterns and used high quality pieces of
turquoise. He smithed silver from the age of twelve years old making rings and cast items. Gary says “When I entered 9th grade (1975) I was working fulltime for Loco Trader in Gallup, New Mexico. My brother Leroy was there and I was making around $200 a week.”
His work, like that of his brother Sunshine, is present in the collections of the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Gary has won numerous awards for his work.
