Tuesday, December 1, 2015

H. Fred Skaggs: Mid-Century Jewelry Master

H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs


H. Fred Skaggs



H. Fred Skagg's work is known to a few discriminating collectors because the artist shunned publicity while he was alive. Beginning his Modernist work in 1956 in Arizona, Skaggs enthusiastically worked with silver while living in silver country -- a love affair which is evident throughout his many notable creations of Modernist sterling silver jewelry.

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. 

Scottsdale, Arizona jeweler H. Fred Skaggs opened a shop in the 
Lloyd Kiva Craft Center in 1956, a collection of shops that included 
prominent Native American artists such as Charles Loloma. His 
jewelry designs were of both silver and gold, usually incorporating 
gemstones. His Modernist designs inspired an "entire generation of 
celebrated and highly collectible silver artists." Skaggs died in 1982.







2 comments:

  1. I’d love to know who collects his pieces I have one of his turquoise rings I’d love to sell to the right person. It’s too small for my fingers and since it’s a signed piece I wouldn’t dream of changing it.

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    1. I have some pieces that he gave to some friends of his. The were friends of mine in Kansas. They were neighbors of his in Colorado Springs in the summer. Before they died they gave some of it to my mom. Before she died she gave some to me. I would like to see what you have. Kathy Chamberlain Holman.

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