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.