Best! Southwestern H. Fred Skaggs Earrings Hand Constructed Hessonite Garnet

Description

Welcome.
H. Fred Skaggs was one of the greatest southwestern silversmiths and influenced other greats such as Charles Loloma. He avoided publicity but you can see by the astonishingly wonderful construction of this pair of earrings how great a silversmith he was. The stones are my favorite colored stones, a fine Hessonite Garnet. I adore these stones and every aspect of the aesthetics of these is perfection. Skaggs began his Modernist silver work in 1956 in Arizona when Skaggs moved his jewelry studio into the new Kiva Craft Complex in Scottsdale, arizona which was created by Native American artist and educator, Lloyd Kiva New as a venue for artists to live and work alongside each other as a means to help and inspire artistic cooperation, learning and mutual respect. When Skaggs arrived, among the other recently-installed tenants were a young Hopi couple named Charles and Otellie Pasayeva Loloma who were then engaged in making and selling their own brand of art pottery known as “Lolomaware”. Skaggs’ work inspired the young Charles to get more deeply involved in jewelry and Skaggs became his mentor teaching him the art and craft, an influence Loloma never forgot and credited Skaggs with throughout his entire life. Over the years Skaggs inspired an entire generation of celebrated and highly respected silversmiths. Romero's third edition of Warman’s Jewelry hails Skaggs as a "Mid-Century Modern Master" and touts Skaggs influence on Charles Loloma, the noted Native American Hopi Silversmith. Loloma credits Skaggs for inspiring him and teaching him to make jewelry. H. Fred Skaggs died in 1983 leaving his legacy of fabulous creations and his influence behind. These earrings display a rich, beautiful, soft, time-enhanced silver patina throughout and the stones are genuine gemstones (not lab created). Their diameter measures 3/4 of an inch. The pair weighs a sturdy & comfortable 11.2 grams. They are properly signed by the great master and their clips operate perfectly. They are in superb vintage, wearable and collectible condition.
Fred Skaggs was one of the most talented and versatile jewelers of the 20th Century combining a unique and highly personal artistic vision with exceptional technical mastery. It's a great treat to own something he made and I can't think of a more wonderful expression of his work. Viewed at every angle, like a great sculpture, these are breathtaking. Yes, they can be converted to pierced and to dangling pierced, too. These are absolute favorites of mine; they are so elegant and wonderful!
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When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.