Under the Sign of the Thunderbird: Frank Patania and Native Jewelers 1940-1980

In 1927 an Italian immigrant named Frank Patania opened a shop on the Santa Fe Plaza called The Thunderbird. Originally a curio shop, over the years it evolved to be one of the foremost and well respected jewelry stores in the country, supplying movie stars and celebrities as well as local characters.

A classically trained goldsmith, Patania maintained a very high level of craftsmanship, and hired Native artists to train and work along side him. Over time he developed a bold, very distinctive style, and while he drew inspiration from many avenues, the quality and simple strong lines of design and exquisite execution stood out from other designers.
The Santa Fe shop closed in 1964 but his legacy continued through the artists who he trained and worked with: Julian Lovato, Lewis Lomay, Harry Sakyesva and his son Frank Patania Jr. When Frank Patania passed away, his wife Aurora gifted the iconic thunderbird hallmark to Julian Lovato, so that he could continue to use it and be the “keeper of the thunderbird”.

We are pleased to present a holiday collection featuring the work of Frank Patania as well as some of the artists that worked along side him.