ALEXANDER KALIFANO BELTS & BUCKLES

World-class silversmith Paul Scibienski owns Alexander Kalifano Belts & Buckles and Avant Designs Inc. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Scibienski is known for his master craftsmanship in creating high-end contemporary buckles in sterling silver, two-toned 14K gold overlay, and gold-plated silver with 18K gold.

These handsome ranger sets, complete with buckle, two keepers, and tip, are contemporary in design and finished with meticulous detailing that is exactly symmetrical to within thousandths of an inch. Every buckle has a lush, gleaming gloss and is made to last with an anti-tarnish de-oxidation process that inhibits natural tarnishing.

Scibienski has perfected his techniques during 35 years as a silversmith in Scottsdale. His buckles range in width from ¾ inch to 1¼ inches. Clients range from pro golfers to corporate CEOs. Dozens of elegant designs are available: among the most popular are “The Executive,” with rectangular, clean lines and silver detailing; “The Broker,” identical sans the detailing; “The G.W. Bush,” a strong, pointed design with a raised plateau; “The Clinton,” oval-shaped with steps leading up to a center plateau; and “The Deco,” geometrically formulated with angular lines. There are subtle Western influences in “The Rope,” with its twisted-rope motif, and “The Chief,” with a Native American appearance, which can also be adorned with semi-precious stones.

The buckles are fashioned on belts of the finest exotic skins such as calf leather, lizard, ostrich, alligator, and crocodile, available in black, chocolate, peanut, and cognac. All buckles are handcrafted and fabricated by Scibienski, who also offers a jewelry line of sterling cuff bracelets. Culturally stylistic and advanced, the belts with buckles are competitively priced at $225 to $700 retail.

Scibienski is assisted by his daughter Lisa, who is involved with all aspects of the business and has influence as well with the creative designs. She is carrying on the quality traditions of this business.