Born in Gallup, New Mexico in 1971, Derrick Gordon is a prolific young silversmith who is the father of three daughters (the youngest born earlier in 2003). He learned to smith silver from his uncle Delbert Gordon.

This is one of four buckles that we bought from Derrick when we first landed in New Mexico after Hurricane Katrina. When we arrived, we (I) assuaged the sense of loss relating to the hurricane by going on a bender in terms of buying. So much jewelry was acquired in September that the pieces which fell through the cracks constituted their own separate "Gone Missing Collection." Now, in sifting through all the treasure, these buckles have surfaced. Each is different, though all are set with natural Fox turquoise from Nevada. We had never seen Derrick make buckles before and we've not seen him make any since. This one has four stones of Fox turquoise set on a rectangular buckle with a center cut-out for a one-inch wide belt to pass through. The buckle has a sculpted edge and is decorated with stampwork, triangular appliquées and scrollwork. Soft S-curved repoussée forms and repoussée ovals are stacked vertically on the left and right sides of the buckle.

Hallmarked "Derrick" and stamped "Sterling" on the back of the buckle.

Stones: left & right 5/16" x 5/16"; top & bottom 1/4" x 1/4"

Dimensions of buckle: 3" x 2 3/4"

Fits 1" wide belt

Belts for the buckles we sell are commonly found in westernwear stores. They are made with a snap on them so that their buckles can be removed. Add two inches to your waist size when buying a belt. A standard belt has five pre-punched holes. If you have a 30-inch waist, buy a 32" belt and the tongue of the buckle should go through the middle hole of the five. If you do not have a westernwear store near you, you'll find a selection of men's & women's belts at this link for Western Wearhouse.