Southwestern Frank Patania Sr. Signed Paisley Earrings .925 Blue Gem Turquoise

Description

Welcome!
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT IT: this is a rare pair of earrings by Frank Patania Sr. with stunning natural turquoise in an elegant paisley sterling silver design. They were signed one with the Thunderbird Shop mark and one with his FP mark and you can see the hallmarks in the pictures above before the earrings were converted to pierced; adding the post seems to have partly obscured the hallmarks. They now have their original clips and also the posts so function as Omega backs which is a very secure way to balance earrings. These are lovely pieces and work well with a pin I have in the store which isn't signed, pictures of which I included above; it's available separately.
All three generations of Patanias are represented in the Smithsonian Museum's permanent collection and were great talents. Their work has won many prizes everywhere and is very highly prized and priced. I believe that these earrings are a great example of their best aesthetics and typical of the museum pieces. They are gorgeous. Many top Native American silversmiths worked for Patania, including Joe H. Quintana, Mark Chee and Julian Lovato, for example and the complexity and beauty of these earrings reflect the founder Frank Patania Sr's, top quality work. They were part of the Thunderbird line, inset with beautiful natural Blue Gem turquoise bezel set, punctuated with raindrops and with the paisley shape. Highly collectible and quite rare. Frank Patania Sr was born in Sicily in 1899 and died in 1964. He was considered a genius in jewelry design and is represented in the best museums and galleries, world wide. His artistry was carried on by his son Frank Patania Jr and currently by his talented grandson Sam Patania. All of them created amazing work, some of which resides in the Smithsonian's permanent collection. This is a highly collectible pair of earrings.
CONDITION: excellent vintage wearable and collectible.
MEASUREMENTS:
• dimensions: 1-3/16" x 13/16"
• earring weight: 5.8grams and 5.7grams
• signed for Frank Patania Sr and his Thunderbird Shop
• signed sterling silver
SUMMARY: These earrings are typical of the best, elegant, work done by Frank Patania Sr. for his Thunderbird Shop, the sort of superb design and top quality stones that brought his pieces into the Smithsonian Museum where they remain on exhibition. This is a fabulous piece with magnificent natural turquoise and it is an example of his Smithsonian quality work, outside the museum. They are highly collectible.
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Returns will be accepted for 30 days after your receipt for any reason and without question. Please let me know if you would like to return something. Returns must be in the same condition they were shipped. If I make a significant mistake in a listing I'll always give you a full refund. The 20% restocking fee does not apply when the mistake is mine. I care that you're happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. My attributions are guaranteed for my lifetime.
When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.