WE’VE NEVER MET A SQUASH BLOSSOM WE DIDN’T LOVE, BUT THIS IS A BREATHTAKING BEAUTY.

This stunning squash blossom is a mid-20th century vintage creation by renowned Zuni jewelry artisan Dan Simplicio, a name you’ve likely heard if you’ve been a fan of DDR or the southwestern jewelry scene for long. It’s designed with a double strand of sterling silver beads supporting twelve blossoms set with beautifully-hued turquoise, and finished with a matching turquoise-set naja. A striking statement piece with impressive intricate silver details. Classic and collectible. Remember: It’s not a splurge if it’s an investment!

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.