Ever Seen a Solid Gold Concho Belt?

Posted by Jim Olson & Bobbi Jeen Olson on Apr 19th 2025

Every now and then, something comes into the store and across the auction block that makes you stop and look twice. And this one? It’s a real head-turner.

Crafted by none other than Sunshine Reeves, one of the most respected names in Native American silversmithing, this concho belt doesn’t just shine. It a marquee piece.

Born in Twin Lakes, New Mexico in 1966, Reeves learned the trade from his brothers at the age of 24. He didn’t just follow in their footsteps, he found a level of success all his own. Over the years, his work has landed in museums, galleries, and private collections across the world, from Japan and Korea to Europe and beyond. He’s also no stranger to awards, taking home Best of Show at the 1997 Santa Fe Indian Market.

Which brings us to this belt.

It’s not silver. It’s 21.75 ounces of solid 14K gold.

Eight full conchos, each one deep-stamped with signature detail, plus a matching buckle. The scalloped edges catch the light just right, and once we flip it over, there’s hand-stamped Sunface backs. Nothing about this was rushed.

Gold concho belts don’t show up every day. They’re rare to begin with. And seeing one made this well, by someone with Reeves’ legacy? That’s about as uncommon as it gets. Hence the $40k-$70k estimate.

We recently had the pleasure of visiting with master silversmith Sunshine Reeves regarding the belt, as it is featured in our May 7th Advanced Collectors Auction. And let us tell you what a treat it was.

Sunshine shared that this belt was made over 20 years ago as a custom order, with the client supplying all the gold for the project. Crafted from solid 14k gold and weighing in at 21.75 ounces, it’s a true rarity in the world of Native American jewelry.

The belt holds a special place in Sunshine’s heart, too. It’s the only time he’s ever done a surface design on the back slides. With a grin and a wink, he told us, “That design? That’s my smiling face.”

Creating this piece wasn’t easy. Gold hardens fast, which made getting his deep stamp work just right a challenge. Sunshine explained how he had to reheat the metal several times—eventually remaking some of his own stamps to finish the job. That level of craftsmanship and care shows in every detail.

When we asked if he’d ever make another like it, Sunshine just smiled and said, “Probably not… it’s one of a kind and probably worth a quarter million!”

So if you’ve never seen a solid gold concho belt before, now you have.

And yes, it’s even better in person. To be sold in our May 7th Advanced Collectors Auction.