Iconic US Designer Byron Wilson  Modernist Sterling Silver & Agate Brooch RARE Circa 1950s

Measurements: 2.5"L x .75"W x .4" Thick (6.35cm x 1.91cm x 1.02cm)

Markings: Byron Sterling

Weight: 11.1g

Quite a fantastic and rare piece. Awesome estate find! Brooch features an oxidation technique that gives it fantastic depth and character. There is no damage or repairs, only minor wear comparable to age. I gave it a light cleaning but it still has some patina. Fantastic collector's piece! Included with purchase is a silver plated converter so it can be worn as a pendant if preferred.

Byron Wilson was a mostly self taught metalsmith and a native of Oakland California. After graduating high school in 1936 he worked as an illustrator. Around 1940 he became interested in jewelry making and learned metal casting technics working for a dentist. In the later part of the 1940's he was introduced to Margaret de Patta and other founding members of the Metal Arts Guild, in which joined. Though inspired by de Patta, his work is richer in natural materials, heavier, and more layered. Natural forms are more easily perceived in Wilson's abstractions than de Patta's - primitivism is stronger in Wilson's work. Wilson used many of the same materials as Peter Macchiarini- ivory, wood and b-o-n-e. By the early 1950's, Wilson was already becoming a significant influence in the California studio-jewelry movement and was was included in and receiving awards at numerous exhibitions and fairs in the West as well as National shows. In 1956 he was hired to teach metalsmithing at the California College of Arts and Crafts.  Wilson featured an abstract sterling pendant with black jade in the Walker Exhibit 1955.