Navajo Old Style Buckle By Anglo Tom Dewitt

ca. 1990

.5" H x 3" L x 2.25" W

Hand Crafted from Sterling Silver and 1 Large Turquoise Stone with Bar that can Hold up to a 1.25" W Leather

Tom Dewitt Hallmark

Excellent Condition

Anglo Santa Fe artist Tom Dewitt (American, b.1947-2021) is known for creating “old style” silver pieces. He is inspired by silverwork from the 1880’s-1940’s. Tom’s work regularly is mistaken for being much older than it is.

Tom has been creating retro-style jewelry for over four decades and his work is represented in galleries around the country.

Tom DeWitt (full name: Thomas O'Dell DeWitt) was a renowned Anglo (non-Native American) silversmith based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, celebrated for his meticulous reproductions of "old style" Southwestern jewelry. His work emulates the techniques and aesthetics of traditional Navajo silverwork from the late 1880s to the 1940s, including stamped patterns, heavy-gauge sterling silver, and occasional accents like turquoise cabochons. DeWitt, who passed away in June 2024 after a 52-year career producing over 20,000 pieces, often humorously called his creations "old pawn while you wait" for their authentic, aged appearance—indistinguishable from antiques to the point where one of his concho belts was displayed in the Smithsonian as a 1920s Navajo piece. He drew inspiration from Zuni Pueblo artistry and Native American silversmithing traditions while innovating with antique and custom stamps.