Necklace, Squash Blossom, Turquoise, Matching Earrings, Dan Simplicio Attribution, Vintage ‘50s, 1943

AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING SIMPLICIO SQUASH. 

If you’ve been holding out for that really special squash blossom, you might’ve just met your match! This incredible vintage beauty is attributed to renowned and widely revered Zuni artisan Dan Simplicio. The double-strand of desert pearls is adorned with a dozen detailed blossoms each boasting a single turquoise cabochon in a serrated bezel framed with intricate silver work. The statement-sized naja features 14 turquoise stones in an ornate openwork arrangement. And as if you weren’t already swooning, it’s accompanied by a pair of complementing dangles.

Dan Simplicio (1917- 1969; Zuni). Active 1920s-1969. Traditional; cluster work; leaf applique; decorated teardrops; channel inlay; casting; stamp work; jewelry, hollow-ware; silver, gold; turquoise and coral nuggets or twigs. Works in nugget-style in the 1940s with C. G. Wallace at Zuni, and later with John Kennedy at the Gallup Indian Trading Company. Nephew of Juan de Dios who taught silversmithing to Simplicio.

Marks: D S and five-point star; five-point star (star stamp used in the late 1960s)

• artist: attributed to Dan Simplicio
• affiliation: Zuni
• hallmarks: attributed to Dan Simplicio
• materials: sterling silver, turquoise
• dimensions: necklace length: 23 1/2", naja: 3", earrings: 1 1/2"
• weight: 193 grams (necklace)
• closure: hook & eye, earrings: french wire
• nice vintage condition
• stones are secure in their settings
• no stone chips or hairline fracture
• abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age
• silver has a nice patina 
• light wear from use
• style: JN1943