Ernest Thomas Bilagody Sr Navajo Sterling and Stingray skin belt buckle 3" square, fits a 1.5" belt, appears unworn. 87.5 grams.
Ernest Thomas Bilagody
Navajo silversmith Ernest Thomas Bilagody (ETB) was born in Tuba City, Arizona to the Red House Big Water Clan and has been immersed in his trade for the better part of his life. His grandparents are from the Around the House Clan and the Bitter Water Clan. This craftsman was guided by his mother early on and continued those traditions into his adult years. He worked as a silversmith for over 35 years, since the mid 1970’s, until his passing in 2014.
His mother started him out with buffing the earrings she made. From there she gave him other duties, such as soldering things for her. With this beginning, Ernest started making his own jewelry, and he did not ever look back. He continued those traditions into his adult years.
Ernest worked out of his own home, and worked for various traders. Along the way he met many other silver and goldsmiths, and he always enjoyed sharing stories about the metals, turquoises and other materials they use.
Marked or unmarked as shown in pics, weight and other measurements in pics. Sorry but my jewelry is stored in a secure location and cannot be accessed for more<br>pictures, videos, or measurements until sold. If you look at<br>pictures/description your question should be answered. Thank you so much for<br>your time and consideration!<br><br>All precious metals are tested and guaranteed, any Native American jewelry<br>referred to as Silver or Sterling is guaranteed to be a minimum of 90% (coin)<br>silver and possibly higher content. Anything marked is guaranteed to be what<br>it's marked, most bracelets are photographed on a 6" wrist (non hairy), rings<br>photographed on the appropriate sized finger when possible. With bracelets if<br>the measurement is not given in the description then inside circumference is<br>shown where the metal meets the number on the the cloth tape measure.
