PTS001 Frank Patania Jr. Thunderbird Shop sterling silver necklace; circa – 1980 to 1999
Origin: Tucson, AZ
Dimensions: approx. 17"; center panel 4.63" x 1.18" at center; 40.7 gm
Condition: Excellent
Price: $875.00

Consulting with Sam Patania reveals he made this modern gorget necklace during his years in training and producing for his father. Sam worked alongside highly skilled Native American craftsmen – much in the same way Mexican silver apprentices worked for a taller. These craftsmen brought not only their skills but much humor and teasing to the shop. Sam said he had to learn to hold his own and a lot of ribbing went on. But the Huntress digresses so back to the necklace. The curve of the central panel is perfect for complementing most necklines ... deeply curved and worn at choker level. The chain is entirely handmade and smooth against the skin. For those of you who like seeing evidence of the craftsman’s labors, you can see the hammer marks on the back of the center panel that show how Sam meticulously shaped the multidimensional depths of each ridge. For collectors and wearers of Patania jewelry, this necklace is a nice piece of history ... the third generation comes of age.