Los Ballesteros Mexican silver carved stone "mask" Pin Pendant

Over the years of my career as a vintage Mexican jewelry dealer I have come to love and appreciate the "mask" pieces created by the Los Ballesteros workshop. I have to admit that this was not a "love-at-first-sight" affair. On the contrary, it took me some time to realize that prolific though they might have been, especially in the post-1980 years which witnessed a drop in creativity as well, the specific workshop excelled in the production of superb jewelry centered by carved stone effigies. This pin / pendant attracted my attention because of its unusual, mitre-shaped headdress and its simple, fixed wire earrings. The overlay and oxidation, the etched details around the neck and the "mask's" green serenity just completed an already impressive work...

Size / Weight: 2 5/8" tall by 1 5/8" wide (measuring the earrings into the width); 45.6 grams

Hallmarks / Date: fully signed with workshop's logo as shown as well as "STERLING 925"; pre-1948

Condition: excellent vintage with carefully finished details, a beautifully carved "mask", rich colors in the stone and wonderful patina, with no damage and no repairs noted

Inv# 15998