Historic Patania Coral Set

Historic Patania Coral Set – Necklace, Cuff, Ring, and Earrings
This extraordinary set is a once-in-a-lifetime offering from the Patania jewelry archives, crafted by Frank Patania Sr. and the original Thunderbird Shop. Each piece is a lasting testament to Frank Sr.’s vision, skill, and dedication to crafting timeless Southwestern jewelry.
 
The Necklace
At the heart of this collection is an immense coral necklace featuring 101 pieces of the richest, most vibrant Mediterranean coral we have ever seen. Created circa 1955 by Frank Patania Sr. himself, this piece utilizes coral from the incredible stock he purchased in Torre del Greco, Italy, a location long recognized as the finest coral source in the world. Each coral cabochon is set with masterful precision in sterling silver, showcasing Frank’s commitment to elegant, refined design. The necklace is substantial in weight and presence, and its clasp bears the Thunderbird Shop hallmark while the necklace itself carries Frank’s personal cartouche hallmark. This necklace is not only beautiful but historic, culturally significant, and museum worthy, representing the pinnacle of Frank Patania Sr.’s career and his legacy as a groundbreaking Southwestern silversmith.
 
The Ring
Complementing the grandeur of the necklace is a coral cluster ring. Though smaller in scale, it remains stately and impactful, featuring 19 perfectly matched pieces of that same deep, rich coral. Every stone is elegantly set in sterling silver, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and artistic eye that Frank Sr. brought to even his smallest works. This ring bears Frank’s cartouche hallmark, further solidifying its authenticity and importance as part of his lifetime body of work.
 
The Cuff
The collection also includes a spectacular cuff bracelet adorned with 27 large pieces of Mediterranean coral. This piece was created by Frank’s most trusted craftsmen within the Thunderbird Shop and bears the shop’s hallmark. The design is bold and dimensional, with each coral cabochon thoughtfully placed to create a rhythmic, powerful visual impact. Its structure, depth, and richness make it a true statement of wearable art. The kind of piece that transcends jewelry to become a historic collectible.
 
The Earrings
Completing the set are coral cluster earrings, created by the Thunderbird Shop. Although they were not originally part of the set, their design and quality perfectly complement the other pieces. Each earring features a clip-on design, allowing them to sit beautifully on the ear. While they can be converted to posts, we recommend retaining the original clips for their perfect fit and historical integrity.
 
This set is more than jewelry. It is a legacy a tangible reflection of Frank Patania Sr.’s dedication, artistry, and vision, and a profound part of Southwestern jewelry history. Each piece carries with it the weight of generations, the stories of the Thunderbird Shop, and the cultural significance of an era that shaped American jewelry design.
 
For collectors and connoisseurs of heritage art, this offering is unmatched in beauty, rarity, and provenance.
 
Please note this set is a once in a lifetime set, each piece museum-worthy. For serious inquiries, please contact us, and we will schedule a meeting to discuss this set in detail and provide letters of provenance prior to your purchase.