FP022 Vintage Frank Patania Sr. sterling silver and natural turquoise pendant necklace; circa 1950’s
Origin: Tucson, Arizona
Dimensions: 3.5” H x 2.88” W; chain length 26”; 71.8 gm
Condition: Excellent
Provenance: From estate of ‘Old Tucson’ guest ranch owner
Price: SOLD

Size mattered when Frank Sr. designed this piece. Its mega-sized swirls made a retro-Mod statement years before Mod swept the fashion scene. Strung on a vintage Native American beaded chain of generous -- 26 inch! -- length, this entirely hand-crafted pendant is set with intensely-hued natural turquoise showing the color changes that only age and wear provide. A real show-stopper to wear solo or layered.

This pendant necklace had only one owner who lovingly cared for her jewelry. She bought almost all her jewelry from the Tucson Thunderbird Shop and, unless she was seeking a diamond, she considered no other shop suitable. That kind of customer loyalty still exists today for those who appreciate the Patania craft.