Gorgeous silver hinged bangle bracelet signed by Topazio of Portugal featuring a repousse "harvest" motif with bunches of mature wheat in rectangular frames. Topazio bracelets are the best of the genre - their designs are crisp and register easily to the eye; the finishing is impeccable and their decorative motifs a joy to behold...

One of the most interesting - and few - female figures of Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance, Doris Smith Chamberlin was a Texas-born American who decided to move to Mexico in the 1940s to open her own workshop after having completed post-graduate studies in art and having taught woodworking, textile-making and silver-smithing for a few years in California (I am grateful to Decotini for the information)...

Dashing early modernist Mexican silver and amethyst earrings with the signature of the Los Ballesteros workshop, this set is a variation on the "clamshell" type of jewelry that was so popular with modernist Taxco maestros in the mid- to later 1940s...

Spratling uses one single rod of thick sterling silver to form this elegant "safety pin". Worked by hand, the detailed swan's head is formed, continuing down to the double looped turn, ending with the sleek, tapered point. Measuring 3 3/4 inches long and 1/2" wide the piece is in beautiful condition. The ingenious design allows for excellent tension in opening and closing the pin point. The thickness of the rod is most suitable for looser weaved fabric...

Early and gorgeous Matilde Poulat sterling silver and coral bracelet in one of her iconic designs, the "paloma". This is classic Matl with the bird rendered in textured repoussage, its wings open, ready to fly away. The dove is surrounded by coral cabochons both bezel- and channel-set while small pieces of branch coral adorn the links of the chain...

An early Taxco maestro, Manuel Altamirano worked for both Aguilar and Valentin Vidaurreta. With the former, he shares what has come to be known as the "armadillo" parure, out of which you can see here the quite impressive belt buckle. Evocative of the “armor plates” covering the body of the namesake creatures, the buckle's links are graduated in size and adorned with short, flat-topped round appliques...

Good early Mexican Deco silver repousse jewelry is becoming harder to find - I don't know if it's because there weren't that many to begin with (quite often repoussage from that period seems a little clumsy, the technique needing additional experimenting with) or that at some point their popularity grew so much that they were "scooped up" from the market. Whatever the case, I am thrilled to be presenting this fantastic cuff bracelet with two saturated purple amethyst cabs here...

One of Taxco's early maestros, Jose Luis Flores worked for Aguilar as well as for Emma and Miguel Melendez. Carefully crafted and meticulously finished, his jewelry is often based on creations by his more renowned colleagues yet he can be quite creative and original himself. In my opinion, he is at his best within the realm of modernist design and I believe that the bracelet presented here attests to that...

Margot de Taxco's design no 5194, her "roses" parure, is one of her most romantic, "feminine" creations. There is something so tactile about the small silver flowers linking together to make up necklaces, bracelets and brooches that brings a certain kind of "first love" warmth to the heart and puts a smile on the face. Quite often combined with hearts and cupids, the "roses" are the quintessentially "lovers' jewelry" motif...

Imposing presence and a beautiful green stone that I believe is agate combine in this vintage Mexican silver ring by the Los Ballesteros workshop. A mid-century piece in terms of its age, the ring does, however, retain the architecturality that Deco jewelry is known and sought after for...

A stunner of a brooch, this Antonio Pineda sterling silver and amethyst floral cluster hails the maestro's finding himself as a modernist. Antonio's early pieces betray the strong influence Valentin Vidauretta exerted on his work, so much so that one acquainted with Pineda's classic design period would find it difficult to recognize them as Antonio creations. Yet here, the artist has already found his "hand"...

There is not one form of jewelry in which the Los Castillo did not excel yet I think their big, bold repousse brooches are simply above and beyond! The example I am presenting here, most probably an early creation if design numbers are indeed good indicators of when during the workshop's life a specific idea was transformed into jewelry, reflects the Egyptian Revival of the Deco period...

Mid-century mod "peas-in-a-pod" Mexican silver dangle earrings, this set is signed by Sigi Pineda and it's an iconic creation for the renowned Taxco modernist. I think Sigi was at his best when he worked with designs that contrasted niello-ed surfaces with brushed silver pearls. There is nothing classier than the marriage of black and gleaming sterling yet the textured beads add a dimension that enriches the earrings' visual impact...

One of the demanding techniques the Los Castillo workshop is credited with, onix negro (black onyx) was introduced by them in the world of Taxco silver-smithing in the early 1950s and it has resulted in some amazing pieces of jewelry...

A most beautiful Frank Patania Senior cuff offered here with 7 large nuggets of turquoise. These nuggets measure 5/8th's tall and the overall height of the cuff is 2 inches. The length of the silver is 6.25 inches and the inside diameter is 2 3/8th's inches. There is a 1in. gap as well. Silver nuggets are dispersed an each side of the stones. Masterfull hand chasing and a heft of 112 grams. A huge presence and at an auction price value.

Filipe Martinez was well known at being the best stone cutter laying the stone next to the silver with no space in between. This is an outstanding example of such. The obsidian is a turned on sheen so strong I photographed and different light levels to help you see it in an in person sort of way. The necklace is 16 inches long 1.25 inches tall as well as the bracelet and the earrings. The bracelet is 7in. long. There is a 216 gram combined weight. A rare collectors set, just LOOK AT THAT NECKLAC...

One of the few female designers and silversmiths who contributed to Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance that we know about, Carmen Beckmann is reported in the literature to have worked primarily in the 1950s and 1960s in San Miguel de Allende. I am not sure if this is indeed the case, at least in terms of the dates when she was active and I only say this because many of the pieces by her that I have seen bore hallmarks that would indicate a pre-1948 date of crafting. This might be one of the fie...

How often does one find an Antonio Pineda locket pendant? Not often enough and if one does come upon such a treasure, what are the odds that it’s going to be big, bold and beautiful like the rare, fantastic example offered here? Hefty and meticulously crafted, from the twist-rope and beading detail surrounding the stone’s bezel to the dramatic amethyst oval that takes up almost the locket’s entire face, to the substantial hand-made chain (by a different maker yet perfectly matching the pen...

An iconic design for Sigi Pineda, the "boomerang" can be found with tiger's eye, like here, as well as black onyx, obsidian, amethyst and chrysoprase. Contrasting niello-ed against glistening silver surfaces "boomerang" pieces exude a sense of slick, unimpeded movement and the wire-wrapped cabochons bring more color and added texture. An interesting detail about the pair of earrings at hand is that it has "transitional" findings - a combination of screw backs and clips that many find easier to n...

An accomplished member of the Mexico City school of repoussage, maestro M. Velazquez was a contemporary of Matilde Poulat's and many of his designs are actually based on Matl's originals. The level of craftsmanship and the quality of his work have contributed to his becoming increasingly sought after by collectors, especially with the high prices Poulat's creations realize. I love all his pieces but I have a particular affinity for his brooches and this one, I have never seen in the past. Intere...

Sterling overlay and three-dimensional stone frogs turn this Carmen Beckmann necklace into a small sculpture gallery around the neck! One of the few known to us female contributors to Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance albeit active a little later than the beginnings of the big Mexico City and Taxco workshops, she was based in San Miguel de Allende in the 1950s and 1960s and that is where she created most of her jewelry. Quite often borrowing motifs from Spratling's earlier pieces, Beckmann's j...

A silver arrow shooting through the turquoise center of a starburst is quite a powerful design and in the hands of Antonio Pineda, it becomes a jewel to be enjoyed and lovingly bequeathed from generation to generation. I like the little game Antonio plays here - who wouldn't expect the arrow to shoot through a heart, right? After all, Eros and his bittersweet weapons are so familiar to all of us. But no - the arrow in our case shoots for the ... stars and the turquoise blue sky is its limit... M...

Sterling silver inlaid with azur-malachite, here with browns and greens dominating, this set of vintage Mexican earrings is out of the Los Castillo "mozaico Azteca" line. I find jewelry created with this technique fascinating - the array of colors in the inlay is wide and rich, allowing the same piece to re-create itself as it plays with the changing light. That playfulness is here taken to a higher level with the addition of musical cascabeles, four on each earring, that will fill the air with ...

Set of modernist Mexican earrings bearing the Los Castillo signature, each earring featuring two male profiles, one executed in silver, the second with azur-malachite inlay. Though the Mozaico Azteca technique employed here was among the innovations and revivals the Los Castillo workshop is credited for, I believe the pair at hand was in fact designed by their cousin, Salvador Teran, when he was still working with them. The set's sheer minimalism is only tempered by the saturated color in the st...

From the earlier part of Matilde Poulat's magically creative career this set of silver and red coral earrings is characterized by her textured wirework, beading and bezel-set stones. Almost understated when compared to Matl's usually bold designs, it reminds me of inverted question marks. I love the classic elegance and the way the dark patina of the silver makes the saturated color of the cabs pop. The earrings are 1 1/2" tall by 1" wide and weigh 11.5 grams (for the set). They are signed with ...

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. It...

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. Magical at 2" t...

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. Th...

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. Here the thin ribbon of stone, seamlessly set into the foliate body, is the only element of color, a tiny window that ...

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. The fluidity of...

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. Thick silver, saturated azur-malachite and sprarkling peacock abalone combine here is a musical, playful trio you can wear as easily with jeans and a T-shirt as with that slick, black dinner dre...

Beautiful sterling cuff with fine line chisel work by Navajo silversmith Gibson Nez. Deceased on December 1,2007, he was a self taught silversmith who won the prestigious Smithsonian Medal of Honor, more than 700 blue ribbons, was featured in magazines and books and was a featured guest artist in many museums and galleries across the United States. This beautiful cuff measures 5 1/4" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/2" opening. It is 1 3/8"" wide and weighs 95 grams. It is in fine ori...

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. I believe the bracelet presented here in a modernist interpretation of an an...

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. I think one of Antonio's most inspired moments and a must-have ring for the discerning collecto...

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. The exaggerated, elongated figures forming the earrings' main body bear the surrealist stamp of Taxco's foremost, in my opinion, moderni...

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. There is no damage of any kind...

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. Bearing simply a raised mark for Taxco and the metal content hallmark, it is without any doubt comparable to the renowned maestro's original both in heft as well as in level of craftsmanship and quality of materials used. Its deep and careful hand-chased details reflect the warmly ornamentation on the locket pendant I have paired it with. Of the s...

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...

Slick and elegant in such a less-is-more way this set of vintage sterling silver Kupitaan Kulta modernist earrings was created in Finland in the 1950s-60s period. It seems to me that in this set Elis Kauppi tempered bare bones minimalism with the lightest possible trace of vermeil that covers the inner surfaces of the earrings' rectangular building blocks and gives the illusion of a textured finish. Spectacularly beautiful they measure 2 3/8" long by 3/8" wide and weigh 7.2 grams (for the set). ...

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 ...

One of a kind, electrifying, arresting ring with 20k yellow gold, sterling silver, diamonds and cabochon labradorite by master craftsman and artist Peter Schmid who owns the Atelier Zobel in Konstance, Germany. This ring is a size 8-8 1/2 and the front of the ring at the stone measures 5/8'" long. Weighing 11 grams, it is in fine original condition with no chips or cracks to the brilliant stone. Signed and dated 2013 as shown. An exotic, inspired and inspiring ring with remarkable attention to ...

This necklace is a graceful garland of bezel-set, oval and round moonstone cabochons in silver. Loops of chain surround moonstone drops, giving the fluid drape of the necklace. The chains connecting the stones are low-grade silver. This is a turn-of-the-century piece and is 15" long

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...

A bold and stunning sterling necklace with gold accents and large picture agate by Modernist Eleanor Caldwell. The necklace has intricate side hinges and one of them opens and closes and serves as the clasp. The necklace measures approximately 16-16 1/2" around in the inside when clasped. The front silver piece measures 6" across and the picture agate is 2 1/2" by 2". Total weight is 179 grams. Fine original condition with no chips or cracks to the gorgeous stone. Signed in 2 places with her per...

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!

A fabulous example of late Deco Portuguese jewelry this hinged "bangle" is signed by Topazio, the country's foremost manufacturer of silver hollowware and jewelry. Wrought in .833 silver, its two "wings" are made up of curved panels with alternating scrolled niello and figural decoration. This specific design is known as "monuments of Portugal", the Belem Tower and the National Pantheon being among the country's architectural treasures portrayed here. The bracelet has an inner circumference of 7...

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!