Carmen Beckmann Mexican silver stone "mask" Brooch

Set in a raised bezel on a hand-hammered sterling platform the “mask” in this vintage Carmen Beckmann brooch is carved out of dyed calcite, often - and mistakenly - referred to as “jade”. Oxidation and a geometric glyph applique add complexity to the design and the portrait’s minimalist rendition brings to mind the more austere of ancient artifacts unearthed from the Mexican soil. I believe that this brooch comes out of a line of similar brooches Beckmann created, sometimes using ancient clay artifacts and I like to think of it as her acknowledgments of the country’s rich history…

Size / Weight: 1 5/8” tall by 1 3/8” wide; 36.2 grams

Hallmarks / Date: maker’s signature as well as “MEXICO STERLING”; 1960s-70s

Condition: excellent vintage, quite unusual in its combination of design elements, exhibiting good workmanship and nice patina, with no damage and no repairs noted

Inv# 15477