Celebrate three generations of significant American jewellers - their stories and their stunning work - in the only authorised history of the Patania family. The family's unique jewellery blended their Italian heritage, midcentury modern design, and influences from Native American southwestern jewellery, resulting in a singular and striking style. The authors chronicle the history of the family from 1899, when Frank Patania Sr. was born in Italy, through his son Frank Patania Jr., up to the present day, where the third generation, Sam Patania, continues the tradition of designing and making modern jewellery with a southwestern flair. This first full-length publication for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts documents the jewellery made by the Patanias and other craftspeople sold at their Thunderbird Shop, including information to attribute and date pieces, history of hallmarks used, and biographies of noted silversmiths that worked there. Beautiful images, including full-page photos of never-before-published masterpieces, make this the definitive resource on the family and their continuing legacy. AUTHORS: Kim Messier and Pat Messier are independent researchers and authors of three books about southwestern and Native American art history. They live in Tucson, Arizona. SELLING POINTS: . Only authorised history of the Patania family and their jewellery, with never-before-published masterpieces . Definitive reference book for collectors, dealers, and museums owning Patania, modern, and Native American jewellery . Follows three generations of renowned American jewellers, from emigrating from Italy to the present day 304 colour and b/w images
