Oval Concha With Turquoise Stone [R]

This sterling silver concha, which has been removed from a conch belt, is comprised of sterling silver with ribbed and scalloped decoration and a single oval turquoise stone in the center.

A concha such as this is made by taking an 18 gauge silver sheet slightly larger than the desired size of the finished product, stamping the rosette in the center by using a male and female punch and die and a very heavy hammer. After stamping, the silver is cut to the desired size using a jeweler’s saw. Several dies are then used for the succeeding rows of design. Scallops are then filed around the edge. Lastly, a bezel is soldered at the center and a stone placed in the bezel. A copper belt loop is soldered onto the back.

It appears that this concha is from the 1950s. It is in excellent condition.