If you’re not familiar with them, conchos are decorative metal pieces commonly featured in Western and Native American fashion. You’ll often see them on belts, hats, bags, and even worn as jewelry. As a professional concho maker, I deeply appreciate this craft, and I would like to share some insights with you all.

First and foremost, creating conchos isn’t just about shaping metal into a specific design. It’s a process that requires skill, patience, and creativity. The first step is to select the right type of metal. Most conchos are brass, copper, or silver. Each metal has its unique properties and requires different techniques to work with. For example, brass is a softer metal that shapes easily, while silver’s greater malleability demands more precision during the forming process.

After selecting the metal, you cut it into the desired shape using tools like saws, shears, dies, or even laser cutters. The key here is to have a steady hand and a good eye for detail. Any mistake at this stage can ruin the entire piece. I use dies and stamps from Brandvik Tools and K2 Stamps because of their superior quality and diverse designs.

After the initial shaping, you heat and hammer the metal to add texture and depth. This is where the creativity comes into play. As a concho maker, I often draw inspiration from nature, traditional designs, and my imagination. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this craft so exciting.

Finishing the Conchos

Once the design is completed, the concho is then polished and finished. This involves using different techniques, such as sanding, buffing, and even adding patina to give the metal a unique color. The result is a beautiful, handcrafted concho that can be used in various ways.

Creating conchos is not just a job for me; it’s a passion. It’s a way for me to express my creativity and pay homage to the rich history and culture of the Western and Native American communities. Each concho I make is a labor of love, and I take great pride in my work.

I hope this has given you a glimpse into the world of concho making. It’s a beautiful and intricate craft that requires dedication and skill. So the next time you see a Concho, remember the process and the artistry that went into creating it.

Contact me if you’d like a custom sterling silver concho hatband or belt. I’d love to create it for you!