Advanced Search 
During and after World War II, Margret Craver emerged as one of the foremost silversmiths and jewelry makers working in the United States. She taught metalworking to wounded soldiers as occupational therapy, then developed summer workshops for metalwork instructors to advance their skills. Her efforts were instrumental in the revitalization of silversmithing in the U.S. This brooch was commissioned in 1945 using a South American pink quartz with a slight blue sheen. It embodies Craver’s approach to metalsmithing as an architectural construction of parts, building upward from the foundation. The artist considered this brooch a turning point in her artistic development because of the freedom of expression she felt during its fabrication.
Brooch
Margret Craver (American, 1907–2010)
American
about 1945
Object Place: New York, New York
Medium/Technique
Silver, quartz
Dimensions
Overall: 3.8 x 4.4 x 1.9 cm (1 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift in memory of Eleanor Hodge Pough, Wellesley '30
Accession Number1991.1050
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Brooches
During and after World War II, Margret Craver emerged as one of the foremost silversmiths and jewelry makers working in the United States. She taught metalworking to wounded soldiers as occupational therapy, then developed summer workshops for metalwork instructors to advance their skills. Her efforts were instrumental in the revitalization of silversmithing in the U.S. This brooch was commissioned in 1945 using a South American pink quartz with a slight blue sheen. It embodies Craver’s approach to metalsmithing as an architectural construction of parts, building upward from the foundation. The artist considered this brooch a turning point in her artistic development because of the freedom of expression she felt during its fabrication.
DescriptionSterling silver brooch of architectonic design set with a rare South American quartz.
ProvenanceCommissioned by Dr. Fred Pough from the artist in 1945; to the MFA 1991, gift.
CopyrightReproduced with permission.