Object Details
Artist
Samuel Frank Patania, born Tucson, AZ 1961
Luce Center Label
Tension Bracelet shows Samuel Frank Patania's fascination with precious and semiprecious stones. He selected the tourmaline for its striking color and the unique cut done by local gem cutter Jeff Graham. Patania likes white gold for its ability to hold a large stone in the smallest possible mount, which allows light to filter through the entire gem. Describing Tension Bracelet as "a real melding of [his] grandfather's and dad's designs," Patania unites the modernist tendencies of his father's architectural style in the smooth, polished band, with the "romantic leanings" of his grandfather's work.
Luce Object Quote
"I love working with expensive materials. I like the idea that there's intrinsic value in the pieces apart from my work." Samuel Frank Patania
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Patania Family
Date
1999
Object number
2000.100.3
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Crafts
Medium
fabricated 18k white gold and opposed bar-cut green tourmaline
Dimensions
2 1/4 x 2 1/4 x 1/2 in. (5.8 x 5.8 x 1.3 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Renwick Gallery
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_2000.100.3