Sterling Silver Bracelet with Single Row of Coral Cabochons by Frank Patania Sr. [SOLD]

This Sterling Silver Bracelet with Single Row of Coral Cabochons by western artist Frank Patania, Sr. has a solid band of silver shaped from a width of 11/16-inch at the center to ¼-inch at the ends.  The center section is recessed, and the design is superimposed over a base silver backing that was finished in a polished state.  Five oval and domed coral cabochons were elevated on a silver wire, and round silver bars were interspersed between the coral cabochons.  The appeal of the bracelet is its clean, modern, uncluttered design.  Frank Patania was a master craftsman at achieving such a look.

The bracelet is stamped with the artist’s name and hallmark and sterling. Frank Patania, Sr. (1899-1964) was an internationally known silversmith and owner of the Thunderbird Studio in Santa Fe. His work is highly sought by collectors familiar with the Southwest.  Frank Patania helped native artisans refine gemstone setting and other techniques. He was mentor and employer to Pueblo silversmiths Julian Lovato of Santo Domingo and Louis Lamay from Hopi.  Frank Patania was Sicilian by birth but was living in Santa Fe in the 1950s.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Sterling Silver Bracelet with Single Row of Coral Cabochons by Frank Patania Sr. is from a resident of Colorado

Recommended Reading: Southwest Silver Jewelry by Paula Baxter

Relative Links: Santa Fe, Kewa Pueblo, Hopi Reservation, Julian Lovato, Frank Patania