Dean Kirk owned and operated the trading post at Manuelito, NM. He also owned and operated the Lone Mountain turquoise mine in Nevada, where each summer he and several Navajos would mine the turquoise, weather permitting. Dean wanted to bring a new style of Navajo, Hopi and Zuni jewelry to the public and hired Navajo bench smiths to create his vision. He taught them how to cut stones and set, both cabs and inlay. He combined Navajo, Hopi overlay and Zuni inlay all together in many of his pieces. He then distributed this work to the many trading post in both Arizona and New Mexico. If you’ll look, I bet you have a piece of their jewelry in your collection.

This classic Dean Kirk designed buckle offers the best of this new style of jewelry that began in the early 50’s. The buckle has a overlay Deer design with beautiful Blue Gem inlaid turquoise. There is some wear on the face of the buckle. It measures 3" long by 2" tall and fairly heavy. Not hallmarked. A bit of history here!