Casa De Maya Mexico 1950 Mid Century Retro Belt Buckle Pendant

Statement belt-buckle pendant designed by Casa De Maya.   A rare vintage piece, created in Mexico during the mid-century back in the 1950. Crafted at the atelier of Casa De Maya with mixed metals such hammered copper and polished brass. This versatile belt-buckle and pendant was designed with tribal motifs and fitted with a push closure lock. Abalone Nacre: Mounted with 3 cabochon (21 x 8 x 3 mm) carved from abalone shell and 1 carved from white nacre. Weight: 94.20 Grams (60.38 Dwt). Measures: 127 mm by 69.85 by 10.05 mm (5.0 x 2.75 x 0.75 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed "MAYA MEXICO".  Casa De Maya They started in 1950 producing beautiful designs in copper and brass, oftentimes combining the two metals with silver as well. According to Hargrove, the reason for this turn to non-precious metals was related to the increasing numbers of tourists pouring into Mexico. The people behind Maya saw in that increase the opportunity to service a wider albeit not always as affluent clientele that visited the country and wanted to take something back with them. Affordable jewelry with good craftsmanship and interesting design could be the ideal souvenir. We would add that the late 1940s-1950s was a period in which copper and brass came to the forefront of jewelry design once again not only in Mexico but also in the States - let's not forget the creations of Francisco Rebajes and the all copper, or enamel-over-copper jewelry that was m