Modern Bolo Tie with Square Medallion by Frank Patania, Jr.

This bolo tie by Frank Patania Jr. exemplifies his signature style, blending clean lines with expertly crafted inlay work. The square medallion is cradled within a beveled sterling silver frame and filled with nearly 35 individually selected turquoise chips, showcasing a striking light blue-green variety. Polished to a smooth finish, the medallion reflects Patania's precision and refined aesthetic.

The braided black leather cord is both sturdy and elegant, complemented by silver tips for a balanced and sophisticated look. The back of the medallion is stamped "sterling" alongside Patania's hallmark FP, signifying its authenticity and masterful craftsmanship.  Note his hallmark differs from his father is that the FP is conjoined, with crossbar on the P. With a hanging length of 21 inches, this bolo tie is a stunning representation of Patania Jr.'s legacy, honoring the Southwestern tradition while embracing a sleek, modern sensibility.

Frank Patania Jr., a second-generation jewelry designer, silversmith, and goldsmith, was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1932. His father, Frank Patania Sr., was a renowned jeweler born in Sicily in 1899, known for his intricate floral motifs. Growing up in his father's workshop, Patania Jr. began learning metalwork at the age of seven, refining his skills alongside his father. After graduating from the University of Arizona and serving in the military, he returned to Tucson in 1956 to work full-time in the family business, gradually developing his own distinct, more contemporary "architectural" design style.

By the mid-1960s, Patania Jr. was recognized as one of the country's leading contemporary jewelers, with his work featured in prestigious juried exhibitions. Two of his pieces are now in the permanent collection of the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution.

The bolo tie, a distinctive piece of neckwear, is widely recognized in the United States as a staple of Western attire, particularly prevalent in the country's western regions. New Mexico's appreciation for this iconic accessory is evident in its legislative history. In 1987, the state passed a non-binding resolution to designate the bolo tie as its official neckwear. This symbolic gesture was later solidified on March 13, 2007, when the State Legislature officially adopted the bolo tie as the official State Tie. (Source: Wikipedia)

Condition: very good condition with slight wear on the silver tips

Provenance: This Modern Bolo Tie with Square Medallion by Frank Patania, Jr. comes from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery.

Recommended Reading: Native American Bolo Ties: Vintage and Contemporary Artistry by Diana F. Pardue; Norman L. Sandfield

TAGS: Frank Patania, Sr., jewelry, Frank Patania, Jr., Thunderbird Studio Jewelry