Turquoise belts have been popular in the Southwest and their popularity is spreading. The most prominent use of turquoise in waist belts is in the buckles of leather belts and silver concho belts.

Turquoise Leather Belts

Leather belts are the workhorse belts. This style is the most common to support clothing. Often it is a leather strap with a metal buckle to fit. Southwest designs incorporate turquoise into the buckle making it the fashion focal point. Varying the size of the buckle makes the belt suitable for different occasions; a single small stone on metal is an attractive choice for formal occasions, while larger buckles are appropriate for casual occasions.

Concho Belts

Concho belts are considered by many to be the finest of American Indian jewelry and art. They were worn as a way to carry wealth, and were used as currency by American Indians. Turquoise concho belts are one of the most popular styles, with either elaborate clusters of turquoise or finely decorated silver with turquoise accents. Today, they are worn to make a bold fashion statement. They are worn over clothing, and rest low on the hips with pants or skirts, or can be worn at the waist to draw attention and define an outfit. While the concho is a playful fashion, the distinct styling makes it a smart choice for informal events.