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 ur great country's history has included cowboys for over a century, and while times have changed, cowboys have actually changed very little They still portray the weather-beaten, rough-handed, hardworking, dedicated spirit, They still don faded blue jeans, dusty boots, ,Well-worn hats and, the most cherished item -f their ensemble, a belt buckle. Owning a fine belt buckle is a tradition similar to owning a ranch - something special to pass down from generation to generation.
Many people represent modern examples of the cowboy persona and Western heritage. One gentleman, Clint Orms, has discovered his niche to maintain traditions of the Old West, and, in some ways, revive Texas history. Clint designs and creates top-of-the-line belt buckles in his shop, Clint Orms Engravers & Silversmiths, located in the beautiful Hill-Country town of Ingram, Texas.
"My experiences have been an accumulation of one building block on top of another," Clint shares, in his deliberate, yet quiet tone. To get where Clint is today, he attributes his initial talents and passion to his own heritage. |
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| Clint was born with the cowboy lifestyle and mentality that, he admits, were traits passed down through the genes. Clint's dad retired from rodeo competition in the 1950s and has worked in the Western clothing industry ever since. His grandmother was an excellent clothing designer and seamstress who made dresses for her five daughters, sewing stylish yoked Western shirts with scrap material. One might say Clint began his illustrious career at 12 years old, when he polished cast brass belt buckles for his father's company. When Clint was 13, he began making hand-tooled, custom leather belts. By 15, Clint made his first belt buckle. "I started making buckles because I realized that the leather may wear out, fade ... or get too small!" Clint says with a grin. "Somehow and sometimes belts must have a way of shrinking - at least that's what my customers say because they need Me to make them one or two inches larger." So Clint made up his mind that he wanted to pursue buckle making, not only because a buckle can last forever (or at least many lifetimes but also because as a rough stock ride himself, Clint observed repeatedly cowboys took immense pride in their buckles |
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He became intrigued and inspired by vintage belt buckles and antique hollow ware, like sterling pitchers, bowls and trophy cups. Clint's style evolved in a way that is distinctive and easily identifiable, and his passion for his craft has never waned as he continues to create new designs that have classic and traditional elements.
Clint admits the road he has taken has not always been easy, but he is definitely a stronger person for it. Clint remembers a time, in his early working days, when he shared an apartment with two questionable roommates. During the day he engraved saddle and hatter silver and at night he fulfilled his passion, working for Clint Haverty, a well-known saddle maker and horse trainer. One evening, when Clint returned home he found a new TV and stereo equipment. I overheard my roommates and learned of their sly ways of acquiring these items." Clint then moved out and slept for many weeks in Haverty's shop, showered at the local gym, then proceeded to his day job. Clint's determination to do what is right in life is the same as his determination to produce belt buckles of superior quality and international stature.
The Western belt buckle is a trend that not only has withstood the test of time, but is growing in popularity throughout the world, and the Clint Orms name is well known beyond the Texas border. His works are sold across the U.S. at several upscale stores, and celebrities in many circles of fame and wealth wear a Clint Orms buckle, including George W. Bush, who was recently photographed on the cover of Time magazine wearing one of his buckles. Queen Noor, Cindy Crawford, Susan Sarandon, Lyle Loyette, George Strait, Kix Brooks, Billy Bob Thornton, Tommy Lee Jones, Tiger Woods and Hal Sutton have all been customers. |
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In keeping with his ever-conscious tribute to Western heritage, each buckle he makes is named after a Texas county, followed by a number that denotes a particular style. For example, one of the more popular buckles is the Pecos-1804, a three-piece set that includes a one-inch buckle with a loop and tip, with sterling silver overlays and engravings.
The materials he uses to create his jewelry, quality pieces include sterling silver, 14 and 18 carat gold in hues of green, yellow and rose, and may even include diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. But it's not only the materials that make a Clint Orms buckle-it's mostly his technique and style that set him apart and conjure immediate recognition. His buckles include Western symbols like stars, twisted ropes, flowers, steer heads and vintage Victorian scrollwork. However, "Belt buckles are not limited to Western imagery anymore," Clint says. His designs cover a range of themes, are custom made and can be very elegant and simple, as well quite elaborate and ornate. All of the pieces that come out of his shop in the Texas Hill Country are hand-engraved, meticulously hand-soldered and finely polished to produce a functional work of art that is meant to last many lifetimes. Some of the buckles comprise about 200 pieces; the filigree work can contain as many as 300 pierced holes-, and some buckles take up to 200 hours to make.
Clint has a remarkable way of translating a customer's idea onto paper, which also shows his true artistic talents. You might say his buckles are co-designed by Clint and his customers. After spending time with the customer, whom he meets at either his shop or at one of the many trunk shows he attends, Clint will sketch out a rough draft. With the customers' approval and additional comments, Clint will present a more detailed sketch. What's amazing is how the final product is virtually a three-dimensional, tangible version of his sketch. A buckle can carry a ranch brand or a person's initials, essentially anything that is significant to the customer or recipient.
"We've made some beautiful pieces in response to some unusual requests," says Clint. One woman, who ordered a buckle for her husband as a Christmas present, suggested Clint design the buckle with different varieties of lettuce because her husband was a lettuce farmer. Composed of green, yellow and rose gold in 10, 14 and 18 karats, this is definitely one of the best and most interesting buckles Clint has made. Another of Clint's favorite custom pieces clearly displays the mesquite that is common on so many ranches in South Texas. The brand is in 14k yellow gold and the mesquite leaves are in sterling silver. The buckle was designed for another South Texas ranch and is adorned with the native chile petines, cactus and ranch brand. "Almost all of our buckles have a great story to go along with them," Clint says with pride.
The majority of work produced at the Clint Orms shop is in belt buckles, which include belt tips and loops. For the belt, the shop carries high quality leather in alligator, calf and lizard skin. Additionally, Clint works with three well-known and reputable artisans, including Ray Pahja, who expertly hand tool the belts. Customers can also order matching bolas. Clint says, "We have just about any kind of belt to complement the buckle, including horse hair hitched belts, made in Deerlodge, Montana." While belts are his business' mainstay, Clint also designs money clips and cross necklaces that feature his unique style and high quality of craftsmanship. |
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Clint recently won first place in the 2004 Western Design Conference in Cody, Wyoming, as Best Artist in Jewelry. This award is a testimony not only to the quality of his merchandise, but also to its beauty as a jewelry piece as well.
When you meet Clint, you'll see that he dresses impeccably and exemplifies the spirit of the cowboy genre, which can be appreciated through his work and products. Customer service and satisfaction are his absolute priority. His buckles cost their value - they range from about two hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars - and they are designed and made with the best of craftsmanship and materials possible. His team of highly skilled silversmiths, engravers and polishers meet.
Clint's exceptional standard in order to present exceptional products. With the name, Clint Orms Engravers and Silversmiths, you know you are getting a beautiful work of art, made in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country, from a gentleman who loves what he does and loves to share it with everyone. |
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