Dan Simplicio learned jewelry making from his uncle, Juan Dedios. Simplicio was the first to develop styles and materials usage that have since become commonplace. He was most active creating metal art between the 1920's through the late 1950's. He collaborated with a number of the most widely recognized masters of Zuni art, including Leekya Deyuse, Teddie Weahkee, Leo Poblano, Bernard Homer, and Lee Edaakie.
Simplicio was the first to use branch coral in its natural form and the first to set rough-cut coral nuggets on rings. He was presumably the first Zuni artist to utilize gold in jewelry as early as 1931. He introduced extensive use of leaf work in Zuni jewelry. Simplicio's jewelry has a highly individual look, resulting from its distinctive use of deep red branch coral with beautiful quality turquoise. Silver leaf work and unique stamping add texture and detail, creating a delicate counterpoint to the heavier turquoise and branch coral designs.
These unique bolo tie is set with two Natural Blue Gem turquoise cabochons that have a natural contoured surface and a deep red Mediterranean branch coral cabochon. This bolo tie offers the best of Simplicio's work, with his beautiful stamped leaf, distinct stamp work and precise scalloped bezels. The bolo measures 2 1/4" long by 2" wide tapering to 1 3/8". No signatures or maker marks but definitely the work of Simplicio. Circa: 1960's. This bolo tie is from an estate collection with provenance from the original owner.
Simplicio's work is cited in every major publication chronicling 20th century Zuni jewelers.
