Carmen Beckmann Mexican silver "fish" Cuff Bracelet
Very reminiscent of jewelry created in the 1950s by Graziella Laffi, the Italian-born jewelry designer habitually referred to as “the Spratling of Peru”, this is a rarely surfacing creation of Carmen Beckmann’s. Thick, hand-hammered silver sheet that was then oxidized is used to form the bracelet’s main body. Upon that an impressive fish applique marries the piece’s Arts and Crafts feeling with the stylization of ancient Meso-american glyphs. The applique’s thickness adds sculpturality to the bracelet which is further enhanced by intense oxidation. A very impressive, serious cuff - but for the levity of the three air bubbles coming out of the fish’s mouth…
Size / Weight: 6 7/8” inner circumference (including the 1 1/16” gap (please note that in order to wear this, you should be able to slide your wrist through that opening as I think re-sizing the cuff would be very difficult and might result in damaging the piece); 1 5/8” wide; 87.7 grams
Hallmarks / Date: fully signed with maker’s name as shown as well as “STERLING MEXICO”; 1950s-60s
Condition: excellent vintage with beautiful craftsmanship, eye-catching proportions and design, generous weight with great patina and its oxidation in very good shape as well; no damage and no repairs noted
Inv# 15716
Very reminiscent of jewelry created in the 1950s by Graziella Laffi, the Italian-born jewelry designer habitually referred to as “the Spratling of Peru”, this is a rarely surfacing creation of Carmen Beckmann’s. Thick, hand-hammered silver sheet that was then oxidized is used to form the bracelet’s main body. Upon that an impressive fish applique marries the piece’s Arts and Crafts feeling with the stylization of ancient Meso-american glyphs. The applique’s thickness adds sculpturality to the bracelet which is further enhanced by intense oxidation. A very impressive, serious cuff - but for the levity of the three air bubbles coming out of the fish’s mouth…
Size / Weight: 6 7/8” inner circumference (including the 1 1/16” gap (please note that in order to wear this, you should be able to slide your wrist through that opening as I think re-sizing the cuff would be very difficult and might result in damaging the piece); 1 5/8” wide; 87.7 grams
Hallmarks / Date: fully signed with maker’s name as shown as well as “STERLING MEXICO”; 1950s-60s
Condition: excellent vintage with beautiful craftsmanship, eye-catching proportions and design, generous weight with great patina and its oxidation in very good shape as well; no damage and no repairs noted
Inv# 15716
Very reminiscent of jewelry created in the 1950s by Graziella Laffi, the Italian-born jewelry designer habitually referred to as “the Spratling of Peru”, this is a rarely surfacing creation of Carmen Beckmann’s. Thick, hand-hammered silver sheet that was then oxidized is used to form the bracelet’s main body. Upon that an impressive fish applique marries the piece’s Arts and Crafts feeling with the stylization of ancient Meso-american glyphs. The applique’s thickness adds sculpturality to the bracelet which is further enhanced by intense oxidation. A very impressive, serious cuff - but for the levity of the three air bubbles coming out of the fish’s mouth…
Size / Weight: 6 7/8” inner circumference (including the 1 1/16” gap (please note that in order to wear this, you should be able to slide your wrist through that opening as I think re-sizing the cuff would be very difficult and might result in damaging the piece); 1 5/8” wide; 87.7 grams
Hallmarks / Date: fully signed with maker’s name as shown as well as “STERLING MEXICO”; 1950s-60s
Condition: excellent vintage with beautiful craftsmanship, eye-catching proportions and design, generous weight with great patina and its oxidation in very good shape as well; no damage and no repairs noted
Inv# 15716