If you're local to Ipswich, MA or to the North Shore of Massachusetts, chances are quite good that you've heard of the Crane family. In 1910, Richard T. Crane, Jr. purchased a property called Castle Hill, featuring sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by wildlife. The Cranes hired noted architect David Adler in 1928 to build a 59-room Stuart-style mansion, which is meticulously maintained by the Trustees of the Reservations.
The Trustees asked Betsy to create a unique piece of jewelry exclusively for the Crane Estate. As a resident of Ipswich, Betsy was honored to be asked, and thrilled that there were no set guidelines! After touring the grounds extensively, she found herself inspired by a "fanlight" featured in the doorways of the Rotunda in the Mansion. A fanlight - also called a sunburst light - is a semi-circular window set over a doorway. Its unique architectural design stayed with Betsy and became the Castle Hill Sunburst Medallion.
Take a brief tour of the Crane Mansion at Castle Hill and learn more about Betsy's creative process:
The Castle Hill Sunburst Medallion is available in solid sterling silver or rhodium plate, with your choice of a snake chain, black leather cord, or blue silk cord. It comes with a beautifully-designed card detailing the story behind the piece - making it a fantastic gift!
(Photo: Eric van den Brulle)