Ultra Rare Robert Coleman 3D Abstract Brutalist XL Hefty Sterling Necklace 1970

Measurements: Pendant: 2.5"L x 2.25"W x .75"Thick (6.35cm x 5.72cm  x 1.91cm)

Chain: 24"R (60.96cm)                                       

Markings: Hand Engraved: Sterling Silver by Robert R Coleman 1970

Weight: 85.9g

A definite conversation starter sterling silver abstract modernist necklace. The necklace features an extra long sterling silver infinity chain with silver tone jump rings but the really stunning aspect is the pendant. Pendant is solid sterling silver and heavy! It features a abstract brutalist style that looks like the top have of a woman standing next to a vessel and clasping another vessel to her bosom, all in a 3-D design. The vessel she is standing next to is hollow and looks like a mini hiding spot. Background looks like a night sky scene. Absolutely stunning work of art. Overall the necklace is in excellent condition with no damage of any kind. 

Mannequin is a life-size torso representation

Robert R Coleman seems to be quite an enigma to investigate. I did find a piece of his work that is part of the Oakland Museum of California Collections Museum which is quite prestigious. It literally has pieces from the Who's Who of the Twentieth Century wearable art movement. I also find a little info in Marbeth Schon's book, "Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970." Robert R Coleman was a participant of the Handy and Harman Silversmithing Workshop Conference in 1950 when he was a student at San Jose State College in San Jose, California. He would eventually go on to receive a Doctoral Degree and became a charter member of the  San Francisco Metal Arts Guild that was founded in 1951 by Byron Wilson, Milton Cavagnaro, Peter Macchiarini, Irena Brynner, Merry Renk, Florence Resnikoff and other California metalsmith/jewelers. Last picture is a piece of his work featured in the book he created in 1953.