FPJR05 Vintage Frank Patania Jr. sterling silver and natural turquoise necklace, circa 1960s
Origin: Tucson, AZ
Dimensions: 21” end to end; naja 2.63” wide & high; side panels range from 1.88” long to 1.25” long; 138.3 gm
Condition: Excellent – bottom two stones of naja are cracked but tight in bezels. All other stones show normal aging and matrix.
Provenance: Fully hallmarked with the conjoined Thunderbird Shop ‘FP’, ‘STERLING’, and the thunderbird mark. Sam Patania’s archives list this necklace as “Murphey Necklace” (the Murpheys being a large family from Tucson). Sam does not know if they were the original owners. Examined by Frank Patania Jr. and Sam Patania and verified as being Patania Thunderbird Shop in origin.
Price: SOLD

The Patanias are known for precision crafting and using high grade turquoise ... both of which are evident in Frank Patania Jr.’s rendition of the Native American squash blossom necklace. The Huntress has done her homework on this piece, sending it to Sam Patania for his and Frank Jr.’s input. The naja is natural high grade #8 turquoise while the rest of the necklace is set with natural high grade turquoise stones to complement the #8. Frank Jr. feels the necklace portion was made prior to the naja and the pieces ‘married’ by the Patanias to create the entire necklace. When worn, the squash blossom necklace hangs beautifully. With hooks at both ends, it allows the wearer to adjust the length and the naja is removable to be worn as a brooch. A coral version of this necklace can be seen on the cover of the Tucson Museum of Art’s 1999 show catalog, “The Patanias: A Legacy in Silver and Gold”. An important necklace for a serious collector.