Necklace, Squash Blossom, Turquoise, Attributed to Dan Simplicio, Vintage ‘50s, 3748

A uniquely exquisite vintage squash blossom!

Every gal deserves a statement squash, and we say, why stop at one?! Even if you’ve got a well-curated squash stash, we are confident this remarkable piece is unlike anything else in your collection. This mid-century vintage piece is attributed to renowned artisan Dan Simplicio, and features a lovely naja highlighted with a dozen beautiful turquoise cabochons in varying shapes and sizes, set in tiny serrated bezels and arranged around intricately stamped silverwork and coils. The double strand of desert pearls is adorned with 12 blossoms, each featuring a turquoise cabochon set in a serrated silver bezel, accented by silver arches, dots, and a cast blossom. It’s eye-catching, ornate, and truly one of a kind!

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: Dan Simplicio
• affiliation: Zuni
• hallmarks: none but attributed to Dan Simplicio
• materials: sterling silver, turquoise
• necklace: 24" long, naja is 3" x 3", 227 grams, hook & eye
• earrings: 1 3/4", 6 grams each, french wire
• nice vintage condition
  
• stones are secure in their settings
• abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age
  
• silver has a nice patina
• light wear from use
• style: JN3748