Regular visitors to our site know that Calvin Martinez is one of our preferred silversmiths. This is why we actively seek his work. It's not simply his exquisite workmanship which dazzles us, it's also his ability to design pieces in a wholly traditional style while inventing those very designs. The style of work that Calvin does is commonly referred to as Traditional Revival. But in Calvin's case, this does not merely equate to reviving older designs; he's got the Traditional Muse on his shoulder and invents new designs which look 75 or 100 years old.

It's always a challenge to find concha belts that are well-made, reasonably priced and have something special about them. When it comes to Calvin's belts, they are always special. In terms of concha belts, only Harry Begay matches Calvin for sublimely clean execution. Here's what most recommends this belt: The impeccable smithing and set of stones on the buckle make this an eye magnet, not its sheer size (this does not look like a professional wrestling title belt). The set of Morenci stones is perfectly matched and the conchas are just the right size and weight. This is not an inconsequential belt, but you don't have to be six feet tall (or have the body type that Italians call robusta) to wear this.

Each of the conchas is backed by an oval of leather and this makes it easier to move the conchas to adjust the size, but it also adds an element of depth to the belt because the thickness of the leather oval backing the concha raises the concha above the belt strip by about one-eighth inch. Depth and texture are key to Calvin's gift of creation and you see him employ this in various ways; from the backed leather conchas to the doming of the conchas, the stampwork and the repoussée forms on the conchas and buckle.

In terms of sizing, without removing any conchas this belt will fit a smallest size of 32". Though this will probably be worn in a tradional manner over clothing (a skirt plus a longer blouse, or shirt dress), these conchas can be made to thread through the belt loops of men's Levi's 501's (can't vouchsafe this for Wranglers, the true cowboy jeans).

Hallmarked "C.MTZ" inside an arrowhead and stamped "Sterling" inside.

8 Stones: (6) 5/8" x 3/8"; (2) 1/2" x 3/8"

Buckle: 3 1/2" x 2 7/16"

Conchas: (10) 2 5/8" x 2 1/8"

Leather belt: 1" wide

Fits waist size 32" to 36"