Another rare treasure properly signed with Antonio Pineda's hallmarks is featured here today. At 1.25 inches tall and 7.25 inches long it shows a big presence. This is easily sized if needed smaller. Masterful in design with 86 grams of 970 silver.The stones are elongated tear drops and are of a higher grade of stones with clarity. This is a stone that moves from a purple hue to a lighter more clear color and back to a purple hue. Each stone looks like a flowing water fall with each movement...

For all the horse-lovers out there this majestic Margot de Taxco Mexican silver brooch is a must-have! There is something about her des. 5160 that makes one see the muscles in that strong neck, smell the warmth of the animal's mane, feel the tension as it waits for the go-ahead so it can run like the wind. Masterful repoussage, great design, deep chasing that makes the horse come alive and the patina you want to see on a well-loved, well-cared for silver brooch of this vintage...

I have a very rare, Antonio Pineda Terascan necklace to offer today. Properly signed on the silver balls attached to velvet and on the Terascan itself. A thick 970 silver sheet is hand made and hand hammered to build texture. The bottom is rimmed for a well finished look and depth. The height in the center is 1.25 in. and it spans 5 in. across. No damage on the silver or velvet which is in excellent condition. The velvet can be tied as long as 23 in. Approximate pendant weight is 70 grams...

A pair of leaves made out of sterling silver and inlaid with azur-malachite this set of Salvador Teran earrings remains true to the absolute minimalism that characterizes his jewelry. It never ceases to amaze me how, with just a few pencil strokes, talented designers can impart the freshness of a green leaf, the way it curls to collect the rain, the texture of its serrated edge...

Classic 1960s Sigi Pineda Mexican silver modernist brooch in a design that looks to me like an angelfish albeit rendered in the most minimalist fashion. I consider Sigi's "niello" line one of the most inspired periods in his admittedly long and prolific career. I find that the metallic black/grey oxidation applied to some of the silver surfaces adds unsurpassed depth and sculpturality, something that in more traditionally crafted pieces is achieved by repoussage and hand-chasing...

Bangle bracelets, be they hinged or solid, are a big love of mine but I am doubly thrilled to be presenting here a set of three signed by the Los Castillo! How often does one see this form with this signature, truly? Not often enough is the answer and the rarity enhances the innate quality of the pieces...

Demanding and difficult, onix negro (black onyx) is a technique by which the classic art of stone inlay is reversed; instead of setting stone within a silver frame, it is now silver shapes that are placed in a flat piece of black onyx. Devised by the Los Castillo at the beginning of the 1950s, onix negro was practiced by a few other maestros as well with results that are definitely different and can be quite impressive...

Dramatic Antonio Pineda modernist silver ring wrought in his signature .970 alloy this piece is all about powerful, unencumbered movement! I am wearing it as I write and even though I can see it and I can touch it, I still I find it quite amazing that such a "simple" design, such an non-embellished execution can muster the strength of a tidal wave, cast in it fine silver and restrain it on the finger...

Most probably designed by Salvador Teran when he worked for his cousins, the Los Castillo, this pair of Mexican modernist silver dangle earrings is not an easy set to find. Though the Los Castillo did not experiment as much in modernism as some other Taxco maestros and workshops they do count among their creations some amazing examples thanks to Teran's genius...

We are showing a dramatic vintage Mexican Silver bib necklace with warmed turquoise stones and marked only with 925. You can see the hammered silver on the underside which I love to see in a pre Spratling dated necklace. There is a 17 inch wearable currently and it does come with 2 extra links for a longer look. The repousse is not backed as you can see and the weight is 71 grams of heft. The top of the bib spans 7.5 inches across and 3.5 inches long in the center...

Early, heavy, wrought in fine purity .980 silver the stupendous chain in this pendant necklace is obviously based on Hector Aguilar's "v" link design...

It is a rare occurrence to find a Margot de Taxco ring - some designs do crop up from time to time but to come upon her "yin and yang" design no 5170 is quite a strike of luck! Out of her enamel creations, I have to admit that this is one of my favorite not only because of the "balanced" motif but mainly because of the soul-soothing colors it comes in. Primordial white and black with gold and metallic molten caramel glisten contained in their silver cloisons, dotted with graduated sterling circl...

Dating around the middle of Matilde Poulat's career, this sterling repousse brooch exhibits the tell-tale texturing and beading that characterizes her silver-work and is adorned with bezel-set turquoise and red coral. Poulat's inspiration quite often originated in the natural environment with doves, owls, flowers, fish and, in our case, a sea horse featured in her jewelry. Evocative of the tranquility of deep sea waters, this little creature will put a smile on your face every day of the week. M...

A rare cuff by Hector Aguilar and stunning to wear. There are 2 layers of open back repousse that allow for layering of the leaves around and under the bloom. This bracelet is solid 940 silver and the top layer of the bloom is a copper wash. The stamen are left silver for additional depth. Made with 89 grams of thick silver around the wearers wrist. The patina is very dark and there is speckles of it in many places but no dents, damage or repairs. Measurements are: 1 inch gap 2.25 diameter. Th...

Antonio Pineda's designs are timeless as is this 970 sterling silver & black obsidian necklace from the 1950's. Carved crescents of black obsidian frame the intricate silver work at the center. Pendant with bail measures 3" high X 2.3" across. The velvet cord measures 23 inches long and made to tie in the back at your preferred length. The velvet is finished with 2 heavy sterling silver balls. Both pendant and velvet cord are in beautiful condition. Perfect for dress or casual wear.

This Matl made by Matilde Poulat is early and a medium size being 4 inches across on the drop and exactly 3 inches tall including the dangles. All the stones are bezel set and I believe original which is so rare. The turquoise is a beautiful warmed teal color and there are no repairs or damage. This patina is very dark and appears to have been untouched for a great deal of time. The chain has granulated bead work that is perfection on the tips of the swirls. All told the necklace has a weight of...

We have a very rare Salvador Teran necklace that also serves as a brooch. His work is known to be innovative and inventive. His work here is properly hallmarked and boasts large gemstone rocks.The colors run rampant throughout. The top is turquoise, the middle is a Mexican Fire Opal and the bottom we are not certain but is said to be Chalcedony or a special type of Opal. All together with uncommon settings the drop is 2.5 inches long and 2 inches across at the widest point. The handmade chain i...

William Spratling's Pacific North West designs are truly loved and collected. This star is 17.25in. long and the star measures 2.25in. from all directions. The stone is azure malachite with striking colors of green brown and blues. The silver work is repousse silver with high, sleek peaks and the stones are also high peaked tops. There are no repairs or damage. This treasure has grown a natural patina that is breathtaking with this outstanding design. The weight is 58 grams, just LOOK AT THAT NE...

One of the few female designers we know of in Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance and a gifted modernist at that, Erika Hult de Corral created jewelry that attracts the eye and captures one's imagination. I am particularly fond of her "moonscape" designs that touch upon biomorphic brutalism, if you allow me the combination, yet the sense of unimpeded, fluid motion and the abstraction present in this particular bracelet reflect, in my opinion, one of her best moments. The wide looping sterling ri...

Properly signed Fred Davis bracelet with the lion prancing on both side panels of this treasure. There are 4 turquoise cabachon stones on each side of the oval shaped bracelet. The oval measures 2 3/8th's inches and will fit most. It presents itself with a height of 2 3/8th's and a weight of 116 grams of heft. The stones are without damage, have rock matrix running through it and show a beautiful warmed teal color. There is no damage to the silver and no repairs. A natural patina adds to just ho...

Sometimes I find a superb vintage Mexican Silver necklace that is unsigned as this one is. I believe todays offering is an early 1930's date as signing the work was something that William Spratling really just started in his beginnings in Taxco. The hand chasing shows expert workmanship and each medallion is thick silver and with hand rolled edges. The weight is 79 grams and is 16.25 inches long. Each medallion is with the chain 1 inch tall. There is no repairs or damage of any kind and all casa...

Signed SILVER BY TONO and weighing 79 grams this rare 1948-53 silver cuff was designed by Taxco, Mexico artist Antonio Pineda. The front center of the cuff stands 1 5/8 inches high. Made for a smaller wrist, the interior length including the 1 1/8" back opening is about 6 1/4". The cuff is in beautiful condition with no dents or dings. The gorgeous aged patina enhances the hand forged scroll work and bead design. Interior hallmarks are SILVER BY TONO, MEXICO and Antonio pattern inventory number...

Necklace Design 250 by Los Castillo is outstanding repousse that displays great depth, dimension and skill to produce. The silver is heavy at 107 grams. It is rounded so the wearable length is approximately 17in. The large links in the drop is the tiniest fraction below 1.5in. No repairs, dents or damage on this well loved treasure. There is glare that can mislead so look at all the pictures. The patina has grown naturally in my collection for years. The exact design clamper bracelet matching th...

In keeping with the love the 1960s and '70s had for huge, "ethnic" pendants this Los Ballesteros sterling silver sunburst stunner is inspired by ancient Aztec and Maya calendar disks and measures 3.5 in without the bail! Several silversmithing techniques were combined to create the pendant - cutwork, chasing, overlay, oxidation - and right at the center, a crown-set amethyst brings intense color to an otherwise silver and black background. The chain itself is an incredible find not just because ...

Last year I was lucky to find three examples of jewelry by Celia Harms, a talented designer who lived and worked in Vera Cruz in the 1950s and '60s. The Etruscan style sterling vermeil cross pin / pendant necklace I am presenting is the last of that trove and a very classy duo as well. I am very particular with vermeil - I don't really like it unless it is old and has mellowed almost to the point of ... extinction yet here it has an understated matte finish that exudes a calm warmth. The workman...

Fur pins are not a common find in the field of Mexican silver jewelry collecting yet during my years of buying and selling I have bumped upon a few examples and I can tell you that the best bore the Los Castillo signature - like the one I am presenting here. The "koi fish" is a signature design for the famous workshop yet we all know it was created by Margot de Taxco when she was still married to Antonio Castillo. In the piece at hand, the fish is big and bold, with deep, hand-chased details tha...

Antonio Pineda's iconic Matchstick design is a most coveted piece for all modernist Mexican Silver collectors. The silver is white as it is 970 pure giving it a rich color. The match tips are obsidian and have no chips or damage. It is strung on strong silver cable and properly hallmarked as shown. This masterpiece boasts a wearable length of 18in. The center link is 1.75in. tall and the smallest graduated link is 1in. Lays perfectly on, just LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!

This is an unusual design in a Matl bracelet properly hallmarked for the early part of Matilde Poulat's career. This treasure is 6.5 in. long and 1.25in. tall. The coral frames the amethyst giving it an elegant presence.The bracelet has a natural patina and has been very well cared for. The amethyst are clear with no damage. The weight is 52 grams.

Absolutely gorgeous is this properly signed for an early Matl by Matilde Poulat. Excellent carving on the birds and a natural dark patina. The amethyst are faceted and show beautiful color as she utilized gem quality stones in the production of her treasures early in her career. The weight is 82 grams of masterful quality. This I would say is of medium size with a drop that spans 5in. across (includes the lead in link) and 3in. tall. Very special, just LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!

This William Spratling necklace is properly signed as shown with both the Spratling circle and oval. There are 9 rings going around the drop and 5 dangles that are the exact configuration as the Spratling Hallmark site. The weight is 118 grams and with an approximate wearable length of 17 in. The center link drop is 2.5in. across and 2.5in. tall. No damage or flaws with the necklace and is properly attached so there will be no flipping when worn. The hand chasing is deep and lends itself to the...

An extremely rare Antonio Pineda necklace this modernist beauty I am presenting here is wrought in his favorite fine .970 silver alloy, oxidized in the design's recesses and embellished with ten gorgeous, luminous soft white pearls. Cascading from an elaborate knot that forms the necklace's central station, the pearls rest graciously on the collar bone and they look fantastic against a black background. Shown on p. 147 in "Silver Seduction", the official catalogue for Pineda's retrospective exhi...

Stunning Antonio Pineda Mexican modernist silver and black onyx necklace, this too is wrought in the maestro's favorite fine, .970 alloy in a variation of his "crescents" design. There isn't much one can say about Antonio jewelry, at least not more than a few good photos can say, but let me express my admiration for the magical way he articulates his creations so as to sit perfectly where they should and at the same time showcase the design's sculpturality in the best possible light. I have to a...

Margot de Taxco's des. no 5247 is a modernist "beaded wave" creation and presented here is a set comprised of bracelet and matching clip-on earrings. I will dare say that Margot did not delve too much into modernism but whenever she did it, the results were equally inspired and carefully crafted as the rest of her work. The sculptural quality of the undulating links is matched by the curves of the semi-spheres set within them in a channel that is both pierced and contained by a raised border. Th...

Beautiful and rare vintage sterling pendant/pin on black velvet cord with sterling tips by Mexican Modernist Salvador Teran. It is a wonderful abstract design of overlapping planes. The pendant/pin, including the bail, measures 3 1/4" long and 1 1/8" wide. It is on its original black velvet cord with sterling tips. This cord is 26" end to end. The necklace weighs 40 grams total and all pieces are in excellent original condition. It was perhaps never worn. Signed as shown. A terrific mid-century ...

Vintage Sigi Pineda Mexican silver "peas in a pod" bracelet, this is one of my favorite designs by the Taxco modernist. Wrought in sterling silver the links have been darkened with "metallic black" niello that sets the graduated sphere appliques off in the most dramatic way. The beads have actually been riveted onto the links - not just simply soldered on - and their brushed finish contrasts beautifully with the links' smooth surface. Sigi Pineda was a prolific designer and this bracelet is one ...

Bearing a combination of hallmarks that dates it around 1939 this William Spratling ring is wrought in high purity .980 silver and has developed the most amazing patina during its long and - I am sure - happy life. According to Goddard, Spratling used to refer to this design as the "crowned pyramid", an appellation that makes more sense if one looks at the matching bracelet from above as it lays on a flat surface. Not an over-complicated design, it does, however, gain sculpturality and substanti...

Unadulterated commitment to minimalism - this is the statement this Antonio Pineda modernist bracelet makes. I have sold this specific design a couple of times in the past but its unpretentious beauty never fails to impress me. Wrought in the maestro's favorite .970 alloy, it has had a long, happy life and is now waiting for its next caretaker. It has a 6 3/4" inner circumference (clasped) with a width just shy of 1" wide and weighs a good 110.4 grams. It is fully and appropriately hallmarked w...

A very rare design to find in the form of a bracelet the "crouching man" was originally designed by Taxco's foremost modernist, Salvador Teran, and in my opinion, it is one of the most successful re-interpetations of an ancient motif within the design vernacular of the 1950s-60s. The fact that it's so difficult to find with Teran's signature drives prices high up and makes examples by different makers sought after as well. The hinged bracelet I am presenting here is made by a Taxco maestro whose...

Inspired by ancient Aztec and Maya glyphs and stamps this Mexican silver necklace by Gerardo Lopez combines figural overlay with niello to create an eye-catching example of Taxco's "archeological" style. Birds of prey, warriors, the divine monkey Ozomahtli and, of course, Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, are represented in the trapezoid links, the actual figures glistening against the sterling backdrop's metallic black. A great example of Gerardo's attention to detail and uncompromising craf...

William Spratling signed chain necklace is an early first phase masterpiece design. The necklace has a width of one inch wide and 5mm thick. This beauty is fluid in it's motion with a length of 17.25 inches long. The weight is 304 grams of almost pure silver which is visual as a very white silver. The ridge down the center of the chain adds great depth and dimension. . When worn everyone around you will recognize that this is a very special necklace and not an ordinary chain. Hand made with no d...

In 1952 award winning Sigi Pineda opened his own shop in Taxco. These pieces marked and numbered Plateros (enough of the mark is there for easy identification) are some of his best designs. This rare marking did not last long as he soon changed the name of his shop to Sigi. The drop is 4 inches across and 3.25 inches tall from the sides. The pectoral takes sweeps and swirls so it is measured with the highest point. The entire necklace is hand chased. The silver is thick and masterful weighing 76...

Spratling used the jaguar in several designs including his iconic Double Jaguar necklace and his large brooches both in amethyst and tortoise. This unusual bracelet measures 7" long x 1 1/8" high and weighs 101 grams. Each of the hand hammered, curved discs carry an applied repousse jaguar with half dome ball. Beautiful vintage condition and patina. A three link version of this bracelet is pictured on p. 25 of WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE by Penny Morrill. Also shown on G...

Properly signed FD for Fred Davis this is a 2in. tall, striking bracelet. Solid, thick, heavy and 7.5in. long with the shield shape glowing from higher than 925 silver. You do not see this extra large size very often so this is a rare opportunity to add to your collection. 86 grams of masterful workmanship I love to see the hand hammering on the underneath from it's making. Goes with anything you wear. Some tarnish and reflection in some of the photos. No damage or flaws. Collector and museum qu...

This rosewood and sterling silver bracelet was designed and signed circa early 1940's by Taxco Mexico artist William Spratling. Bracelet measures 1 3/8" wide with an interior length of 7". Comprised of 14 hinged panels each mounted with 3 pyramid shapes. Weight 110 grams. Pin hinge closure with safety chain works perfectly. Beautiful condition with excellent vintage patina on both wood and silver. Fully signed with Spratling's early 1940's hallmarks. This design is pictured on p. 49 of MEXICAN S...

In the 1940's Spratling designed this sculptural piece to hold a pack of cigarettes. Today it could be used as a decorative business card or pen holder on a desk or side table. Measuring 3" high and 2 1/4" across the piece is in beautiful condition. Pictured in WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE and on spratlingsilver.com.

We have a very special William Spratling Petate bracelet suitable to add to the finest collections. The weight is 156 grams and the height is 2 3/8th inches. The criss cross is hand carved. The barrels are cut on an angle providing a sleek look. The patina is dark and natural. This is a surprising design that is stunning on the underside and beautiful on the top side as well. No damage to the silver and lays perfectly on the wrist.

An astonishing Los Ballesteros Mexican silver modernist bracelet in the type of hinged bangles the workshop excelled in producing, this is a design I have never encountered before and it is literally "crowned" by the hugest quartz gem ever! The gem's color is the smokiest, deepest "whiskey" - one can feel oneself sinking in its alluring depths yet still not be able to take one's eyes off it. The setting housing it raises it proudly above the arm while also protecting it with its generous proport...

41 in. long and 3/8th inch tall. The weight is 199 grams of quality silver work. We have a signature and eagle of Villasana and the finer chain hanging from the tassels which indicate the oldest rope necklaces of the era. The tassels have a beautiful brushed silver top and a braided bottom. I will be listing a smaller in diameter one this week as well. There is a clamp to go with it when tying at different lengths or just tie as shown. A picture will be added later of the clamp. I can not be wi...

This handsome sterling silver box with hand carved malachite stone was designed by Frederick Davis (1880-1961). The hinged box measures 3 1/2" X 3 1/4" X 1 1/2" high and weighs 150 grams. In beautiful condition with no dents or dings. Davis was known to have collected stone artifacts in his travels around Mexico using them in his various silver designs. Hallmarked FD 925 on the bottom of the box.

This sleek, heavy and solid sterling silver piece was designed in the 1930's by William Spratling. Weighing 120 grams the letter opener and paperweight measures 5 inches long and is in beautiful condition with nice patina. No dents or dings. Spratling also designed a rosewood and silver version of the design shown in a picture here.

We have an old block hallmark on this lovely reliquary necklace. Original chain and has the chatelaine still with the piece that the cross hangs from. Length for the chain is 18.5in. The cross is 2.75in. long and just shy of 2.5in. across. The weight is 65 grams of thick silver. Reliquary items were and are important symbols of the day to day life in Mexico. This is a rare one and in excellent condition with no repairs or damage just LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!

Exquisite Los Ballesteros Mexican silver necklace with geometric links cut out of thick sterling sheet, this piece is adorned with eight faceted, gem quality amethysts. Securely held in place with substantial prongs, the gems are open-backed to take advantage of the sparkle that light bestows to them as it filters through. This is a dressy necklace, elegant and eye-catching, and it has all the characteristics of the best Los Ballesteros jewelry. A pleasure to behold, it is also quite comfortable...

This sleek, modernist and eye catching brooch was designed in the 1940-50's by artist Valentin Vidauretta during his time at Hector Aguilar's Taller Borda in Taxco, Mexico. Signed Valentin jewelry designs rarely turn up. The pin measures 2 1/4" across X 1 1/4" high. Both stones & silver are in beautiful condition as is the pin back and safety lock. A Valentin bracelet of similar design is pictured on p. 113 of MEXICAN SILVER, 4th edition by Penny Morrill. The chapter on Valentin, his life, art a...

One of the rarest, in my experience, bracelets by Margot de Taxco out of her, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, hand-hammered and oxidized line of jewelry, the Quetzalcoatl mirrored on this clamper's opposing wings is fierce and awe-inspiring. Monumental in its presence, the bracelet is an ode to Mexico's rich cultural history and definitely not a piece for the ... faint-of-heart. I am thrilled I was lucky enough to find it and am more than proud to be presenting it here. The bracelet ...

Very nice size, measuring 2 5/8 wide and 2 1/8" high, good weight. Stamped 980 on back, with Made in Mexico, no maker's mark. Likely Taxco work, and the 980 silver standard was used in earlier works, prior to 1950. The face mask depicts a warrior with headdress, ear spools, and facial adornment, a pre-columbian image often found in Mexican art and jewelry. Has visible tarnish, especially in recessed areas, and shows wear and abrasions to silver surface. Please see all photos for details. ...

FABULOUS iconic Armadillo design 940 silver necklace by Hector Aguilar. It is graceful and solid at the same time. The necklace measures 16 1/2" end to end and is 1 1/4" wide at the widest center oval. It is in fine original condition including the clasp and velvet. While shown here with the matching bracelet, this sale is for the necklace only as the bracelet is no longer available. Signed as shown. A must have for every Mexican Silver collection.

Early, rare and exquisite, this heavily detailed repousse bracelet was designed and signed c. 1940 by Mexico City Artist Matilde Poulat. The center rose panel measures 1 1/2" high. The wearable length is 6 3/4" long. It weighs a comfortable 57 grams and is in excellent condition with a beautifully aged patina. This design pictured on p. 199 of WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE by Penny Morrill and was included in the museum exhibit of the same title. DREAMING IN SILVER by Pen...

This is an early design properly hallmarked by Margot Van Voohries. It is also a published design in THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE BY PENNY MORRILL. The shells are 1.25in. in diameter and is open backed repousse with a weight of117 grams. No damage or repairs just, LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!

Iconic William Spratling "River of Life" bracelet in 980 silver. With hallmarks from the first design period, the cuff is 5 3/4" around in the inside with an additional 1 1/8" opening. It is 1 1/4" wide and narrows to 3/4" at the terminal ends, weighs 77 grams, and is in fine original condition with no dents or dings to the balls. Signed as shown. This is a bracelet that should be in every Mexican silver collection.

This Matl is halmarked for when Matilde Poulat was designing in her shop. The drop is 3.25 in. tall and 3 1/8th inches across. The chickies have rounded puffy bellies and are nicely carved. There is no damage to silver or stones. I categorize the size of this well done Matl as a medium size. There are 2 larger lead off links that are identical as the rest of the chain. The clasp is also jeweled ending the design with a well balanced appearance. The weight is 72 grams. The center stone is a lovel...