A pair of pierced Mid Century Modern vintage sterling silver earrings with satin finish and contrasting oxidized areas. Opposites so frame the face when worn.
The earrings measure 3/4" at the widest and 1 3/4" tall including the hooks. Marked sterling multiple times on the back of each one.
They are in fine condition, with very minor surface scratches and some tarnish.
Lots of movement when worn...
This serene lady is shown with lotuses or water lilies in her hair...
A sterling silver abstract brooch by the MCM jeweler and sculpter, Joseph Skinger, (1911-1967). He was active in Vermont in the 1950s and 60s, working primarily in silver. Known for his modernist 'Slalom' ring.
This brooch measures 2 1/8" long and 1" at the widest. Marked Sterling Skinger.
This could also be worn as a pendant with a chain or cord laced through the curled top as shown.
In fine condition. There is a very slight bend near the clasp, probably done during production...
This heavily engraved silver pin is from the estate of Helen Aman, who escaped from Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution to settle in California. It was one of the jewels she brought with her from her childhood. It consists of a bell (with a clapper – but it doesn’t actually make any noise) dangling from an angled bar. Marked 84 for 875 silver, it also has a partial city mark, which we believe is for Moscow (which would make sense, given her history)...
So-called "chain mail" jewelry is not uncommon in the world of vintage Mexican silver. One can find them in all forms, with or without stones, and in all widths, signed by known maestros and by less-celebrated makers as well. There is something very slick about this design, its interwoven "mesh" inhabiting quite comfortably both the Art Deco and early modernist worlds. The necklace at hand is an example of the narrower versions but very well made and with good weight to it...
This is a spectacular vintage hand wrought sterling silver brooch by the well known Boston silversmith, Ella L. Cone. Looks like a surreal silhouette.
Measures 4 3/8" high and 1 5/8" at the widest. Roll over clasp holds securely. Marked Sterling, Hand ELC Made on the back. Has a little tarnish and minor surface scratches.
Reminds us of the surreal pieces by Paul Lobel and Ed Wiener.
Well made, fine quality. The best piece of jewelry by this artist that we have ever encountered.
This interesting fob is the setting for a sterling coin. It is a Prussian 2 Mark coin. On one side is the face of Friedrich (presumably) and his wife, a Maltese cross, and the words “FRIEDRICH * I * 1701 * WILHELM * II * 1901”; on the other side is an eagle with a crown above, and “DEUTSCHES REICH 1901 ZWEI MARK”. The rest is white metal. The swivel clasp has a mark, which looks like a plow. We haven’t been able to track it down...
I love zodiac jewelry and thankfully so did the old Mexican maestros! Yet over the years I have noticed that no matter what their form (rings, brooches or bracelets), they are being snatched up with increasing fervor. So saying that they are becoming more difficult to find would not be an understatement, especially for rings which are an already challenging area of collecting in the vintage Mexican jewelry world...
A Mid Century Modern pendant in sterling silver by Kultaseppa Salovaara, Ky of Turku Finland with eight light blue faceted bezel set stones. The pendant has a curved bale which is part of the design for an interesting effect.
The pendant measures 2 1/8" high and 1 1/2" wide at the center. Currently suspended from a 17" sterling chain that has a secure spring clasp.
The pendant is marked with the polar bear mark for the maker and 925H...
William Spratling sterling and ebony necklace
Mexico
1930s
Wearable length - 16 1/2" long
Weight - 30 grams
Hallmarked
Very good vintage condition
This pretty and detailed pin might depict St. Catherine (patroness of young maidens and female scholars – we like her!). There is a wheel in the background (possibly a “Catherine Wheel,” but it could also just be a ship's wheel or a spinning wheel), and a flower in the foreground. Her clothing looks very Renaissance-era to us. Marked “SILVER” on the C-clasp, with an illegible maker’s mark, the metal tests as sterling, and she’s a dainty 7/8” in diameter. 2.5g...
Vintage Indian “paizbh”, girls chainmail anklet with leaf and flower shaped links, 125 grams, may be worn as a bracelet. Inner diameter 16cm. Good silver with screw in fastener.
Pair of high content silver, pre-owned, Turkmen forearm cuffs, with inset carnelians. Very heavy, these are 310 grams each or 620 grams total. Inner circumference sizes are: 17.2cm and 19cm on and 17.9m and 20cm on the other. These can be presumably be adjusted silversmith or someone with just a good grip!
Vintage sterling Georg Jensen pin no. 366 designed by Nanna Ditzel. This pin is not often seen and I love the simplicity of the design. Measuring 1 3/4" by 1 1/4" and weighing 18 grams, it is in fine original condition. Signed as shown. Elegant mid-century modern
design.
This pretty navette-shaped pin is from the Arts & Crafts era. It measures 2-1/8 x 7/16”...
A classic Mexican Deco jewelry design element silver repousse semi-spheres were used by well-known designers like Fred Davis and anonymous Taxco maestros alike. They come in all sizes and combinations, in all-silver or adorned with stones and glass, and they unfailingly make for stunning jewelry. In this hinged bangle bracelet they are clustered together in fours to create little florets with bezel-set amethyst centers. In the back, they are simply stacked in rows. Impressive in its sculpturalit...
An inspired lapidary and an ingenious designer Felipe Martinez opened his workshop “Piedra y Plata” in 1950. His work is a testament to his exceptional talent and his commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and the use of choice materials. I love all his jewelry but I believe that he was at its best working within the confines of modernism which he enriched with references to Mexico’s archeological past. Piedra y plata, silver and stone, come together here in perfect union, the soft glow of...
A sterling silver modernist bracelet with nine disks and offset orbs by Danish silversmith, Niels Erik (NE) From. This example is not signed. However it is the same design and measures exactly the same as a signed example. Not sure how that occurred. Priced accordingly.
Measures about 7 1/4" long and 5/8" wide.
Leaf shaped toggle clasp holds securely. The bracelet is in fine condition with a little tarnish.
Classic N E From design.
A mid century modernist pendant reminiscent of the designs of American studio jewelers, Betty Cooke or Frances Holmes Boothby. This piece depicts three cut out birds on a round satin finished sterling disk.
The pendant measures 1 1/2" in diameter. Marked Sterling on the back. Has a little tarnish and a few minor surface scratches.
Suspended from a 19" sterling chain that has a secure spring clasp. Marked 925 on the clasp.
Striking design.
One of the most energetic Taxco modernists, Sigi Pineda enjoyed a long, creative career. Prolific and ever “on the move”, he was at his best working within the confines of minimalist design. Sigi rarely used “unnecessary” ornamentation, depending more on fluidity of lines to imply motion, colored stones to impart texture, oxidation to add dimension to what are mostly flat surfaces in his jewelry. The floral brooch at hand provides a good illustration of the above. There is nothing excess...
Seamlessly marrying sterling silver and stone, Enrique Ledesma created some of Taxco’s classiest modernist jewelry. The specific bracelet with its curved, sculptural “cut pyramid” links is set with warm, mossy azur-malachite in which browns and greens are prevalent. Perfect for the season the bracelet measures 6 1/2” in inner circumference (clasped) and it's 15/16” wide. It weighs 51.9 grams and is marked with maker’s signature as shown as well as “PLATERIA CORTES”, “HECHO EN ...
This maple leave pin consists of plique a jour enamel in a sterling silver setting. This lovely pin is highlighted with paste accent stones along the main leaf veins. The green plique is a very nice rich color. The pin seems to be missing one leaf, however, someone filled in the space with a pretty drop made of green agate, so the loss is hardly noticeable. It is centered by a faux pearl. The enamel itself is in good shape, with only a few hairline cracks - normal in all but the very best pieces...
A modernist sterling silver brooch with a black orb by Sigi Pineda. The orb may be onyx.
Measures 2 7/8" long and almost 1/2" at the widest. Marked on the back Sigi Tasco, Hecho en Mexico, Sterling, 81, and Eagle #3. Also marked with what looks like design number 304.
Safety rollover clasp holds securely. In very nice condition. Has a little tarnish and minor surface scratches.
A rare example.
Modernist cufflinks made up of eight little geometrically arranged cylinders. Made by Isaac Cohen, Stockholm and marked ICO, S:t Erik’s head (the hallmark for Stockholm), R9 = year mark for 1967, three crowns and S indicating the Swedish silver standard of the time = 830/1000. Width "1 / 2.8 cm. Condition: fine.
A vintage modernist sterling silver textured pendant with a contrasting polished surface by the well known Danish silversmith Jane Wiberg.
The pendant measures almost 2" across and 1 7/8" high. Marked Sterling, 353 and Jane Wiberg. Marked Jane and Finn on the large bale which is hidden behind the pendant. The brooch is 3 dimensional and is almost half of a sphere. The two textured areas curve in for contrast.
Currently suspended from an 18" chain that is marked sterling on the secure...
Matching the impressive pendant necklace by the same maker that is also available in my store, the "warrior" bracelet presented here was wrought by maestro Anton in the "mozaico Azteca" style that the Los Castillo workshop revived in Taxco's "golden Deco" years. The profile of the warrior, carefully cut out of sterling silver sheet, and the eagle that accompanies it, is set in a sea of azur-malachite. The links, graduated in size, have geometric silver inlay surrounded by blue, green, brown and ...
A vintage sterling silver heavy brooch by Artemio Navarrete. Navarrete helped William Spratling open his Taller de Las Delicias in 1931. He opened his own workshop in 1936.
This example is signed with the conjoined AN, Taxco and 940 for better than sterling silver. Pre Eagle, (pre 1949).
Measures 1 7/8" across and 2" high. Has a rollover safety clasp that holds securely. The brooch has some minor tarnish and surface scratches.
Thick and solid, weighs 38 Gr.
Classic Early Taxco des...
An exceptional vintage sterling and turquoise full body Kachina bolo. There is a hallmark on the reverse but I have not been able to identify it so unclear if this bolo is Hopi or Navajo. The bolo hangs 20" long when on the neck. The slide is 4" long and the tips are 2 1/2" long. Total weight is 60 grams. Beautiful stones free of chips or cracks. The cord has minor wear. Hallmarked as shown. Do let me know if you identify the makers mark. A marvelous example of a kachina bolo.
Wrought in .900 silver which Matilde Poulat used in the early period of her career this stunning silver repousse brooch develops around a carved black onyx “mask”. Matl’s work is always impressive - no one could ever blame her creations for timidity - but it seems to me that the repoussage of her first years is even bolder. One would think that the combination of exuberant silver-work, cleverly applied oxidation and the patina of time would clash with the austere minimalism of the carved p...
These fun collar tips feature an Art Nouveau-style design of a lady (or possibly a fairy?) in profile with flowers in her hair. She looks very serene. They are silver plated, and the mounts are made out of white metal. They are in good used condition, and we believe they’re vintage. Measuring 1-3/8” x 1-1/8”, they weigh 18.5g. The photos are part of the description; please examine them carefully. Thanks! Shipping, handling & insurance within the USA included.
A large vintage cross pendant in Sterling Silver with Coral, Amethyst and Turquoise designed by Matilde Poulat and executed by her nephew, Ricardo Salas. Marked with both the Salas and Eagle #129 marks which is unusual.
Cross measures 3 1/4" tall including the small bale and 2 1/4" wide.
Marked MATL Mexico, 925 and Salas. Also marked MREG 142093 and Eagle #129.
Amethyst stones are pyramid shaped and have natural occlusions. Some of the coral stones are different thicknesses. There a...
This beautiful old miniature depicts a lovely lady, hand painted, in an asymmetrical frame set with seed pearls. It is a watch pin, meaning that there is a hook on the back (invisible from the front) for hanging a dainty watch or some other dangle – or not, if you don’t wish it. It measures 1-3/8 x 1-1/4”. It is unmarked, but has a French/Art Nouveau flavor, and tests 90-100% silver. I have done a little bit of gentle cleaning of the seed pearls and the silver, but the new owner might choo...
Navajo silversmith Kenneth Begay (1913-1977) was an early innovator and leader in Navajo modern jewelry design. He is known for his clean, bold, modern designs while still influenced by his traditional background. This pair of sterling cuff bracelets are a perfect example. One of the bracelets measures 5 1/8" around in the inside with a 1 1/2" opening and the other measures 5" around in the inside with a 1 1/2" opening. They are both 1/4" wide and weigh 78 grams total. They are in fine original ...
A very fine, large vintage silver knifewing pin with multi stone inlay of spiny oyster, turquoise, jet and mother of pearl, circa 1940. Knifewing represents the Zuni god of war. This symbol was worn by warriors to protect them in battle, but also represents courage, honor, wisdom and strength. The pin measures 3 1/8" by 2 3/4" and weighs 35 grams. It is in fine original condition. The stones are free of chips or cracks. A beautiful example of vintage Zuni lapidary work.
Based on one of Spratling's early designs, this "ring with three cascabeles" was also made in Taxco and wrought in high purity, .980 silver. I believe the motif is the same here as that in the renowned maestro’s tortoise shell and silver "snake" box - the more I look at it, the more I think of writhing serpents with spotted skins. And having sold Spratling’s original in the past, I can assure you the ring at hand is a worthy, very well made alternative. Measuring a snug sz 6 US (difficult to...
A vintage floral Arts and Crafts sterling silver bracelet by Peter Traphagen from Pasadena, California.
This hand wrought bracelet measures 7 1/2" long and 7/8" wide. Has a secure hook clasp.
Signed with a partial Traphagen on the back of each flower.
Fine condition, warm patina.
Classic design. Circa 1950s.
A modernist pendant in 830 silver designed by Jorma Laine for Kultateollisuus, Ky of Turku Finland.
This large reticulated pendant measures 3 1/8" long and 2" wide. It is hinged at the top for lots of movement. Has a large bail so could be worn on a thick chain or neck ring.
Currently suspended from a sterling snake chain that measures 20" long and has a secure spring clasp.
Pendant is marked 830S for the Finnish silver standard, and Finland. Documented Jorma Laine for Kultateollisuu...
It is always exciting when I stumble upon a Mexican chain necklace made of polished, tumbled hard-stones caged in sterling silver. When that example happens to be from the pre-1948 period, I am elated! Made up of various agates and black onyx, maybe even a jasper here and there, the necklace at hand is perfect for the winter, its colors warm and cozy yet somewhat subdued , mirroring the dormant nature all around. The necklace measures 30 1/2” long with its stone widths varying between 1/2” ...
A wonderfully crafted hand wrought sterling silver pendant and chain with a central bezel set coral colored swirled agate by NYC lapidarist and jeweler, Felice Raabe Isreeli, (1915-2001).
Pendant measures 2 1/2" long including the bale and 1 1/2" across. The chain measures 20" long. Hook closure holds securely. Both pieces are marked Sterling and FELICE.
The necklace is in fine condition with a warm patina. Very intricate design.
Lovely piece.
Vibrant red coral stones in these vintage sterling clip back earrings and matching pin. Unsigned, but in the style of Frank Patania, Thunderbird Shop. The earrings measure 1 1/8" by 3/4" and weigh 15 grams total. The pin measures 1 3/4" by 1 1/8" and weighs 13 grams. Fine original condition with no chips or cracks to the beautiful coral stones. A great set!
A modernist pair of pierced earrings in sterling silver, Calliope, designed by Zoltan Popovits for Lapponia Finland in 1978. These earrings feature an organic plant like design. The polished edges are in contrast to the textured surfaces.
They measures about 1 1/2" long and about 3/8" at the widest.
They are marked Lapponia, 925 and what looks like the town mark for Helsinki on the backs. The clutches are marked the same way. They hold securely.
Fine condition with minor surface ...
An iconic Mexico City design from the Deco years, the "peyote flowers" is rendered here in fleshy repoussage that is further enhance with oxidation and the warm patina of time. Graduated in size the floral links are adorned with vibrantly colored turquoise cabochons and connected with "hidden" pin hinges which allow the bracelet to effortlessly conform to the wrist's moves. A motif that was also used by Matilde Poulat, it is here executed with attention to detail and finishing and even though, a...
Terrific, bold , sterling, oxidized sterling and baroque pearl cuff links by Mid Century Modern American studio jeweler and sculptor Merle Newport Boyer ( 1920- 2009). Born in Oregon, he moved to Honolulu in 1940 and quickly established himself in the art scene. He opened his first studio there in 1952 and also taught courses in jewelry at the Honolulu Academy of Art School. Boyer Jewelers opened in 1956 and he continued to produce one of a kind , hand wrought pieces while developing original de...
A pair of vintage sterling silver 'SLING' ear cuffs or earrings by Tone Vigeland for Norway Designs Plus workshop. Meant to be worn around the ear without the need for piercing. Designed in 1958.
Measure 1 3/8" across and 1 7/8" high.
Marked with the ND and the Plus sign for Norway Designs Plus, conjoined TV for Tone Vigeland, Sterling, and 925S.
Fine condition minor surface scratches and tarnish.
Iconic design.
Fun to wear vintage sterling star burst Ed Wiener design clip back earrings. They measure 1 1/2" by 1 1/8" and weigh 7 grams total. Fine original condition. Signed only Sterling and T2, but a design that Modernist Ed Wiener used in several of his mid-century pieces. Great to wear anytime but especially festive during the holiday season.
A very rare piece of hand wrought sterling silver modernist jewelry by the San Francisco Metalsmith, Harry Dixon.
This unusual massive cuff bracelet has a large spinach green and yellow striated raised agate. Very three dimensional.
Measures 5 1/2" around with an opening of 1 1/8". Does not have much flexibilty. Measures 2 7/8" wide at the front. Weighs 105 gr.
Marked with a stamped Harry Dixon and Sterling.
Has some minor surface scratches and a little tarnish.
Excellent workmans...
A rare and beautiful vintage sterling bead necklace with sterling and turquoise pendant by Cochiti Pueblo silversmith Joe H. Quintana. The necklace measures 15 1/2" long and comes with an additional extender which can increase the total length to 19" if desired. The pendant measures 2 1/2" by 1 1/8". All in fine original condition and the pendant is signed as shown. During his lifetime, Quintana was considered one of the most innovative and versatile Native silversmiths. His unique designs, craf...
A sterling silver modernist pendant necklace with a brutalist design by Danish silversmith, Niels Erik (NE) From. Pendant is textured and oxidized and has a layer of gold in the center.
Marked From 925S on the back and also on the clasp.
The central pendant measures about 1 3/8" long and 1" high.
The necklace measures 16 1/4" long in total.
Clasp holds securely. The piece is in fine condition.
Classic Scandinavian design.
A rare sterling silver modernist necklace by Phyllis Sklar, American Mid Century jeweler. This piece has a sterling wire overlay on a darkened, oxidized surface adorned with an oval moonstone cabochon, three small pearls, a green bezel set stone, (maybe jade) and dangles of pale green and dark red bezel set cabochons.
Measures 16 1/2" long with a 1 3/4" drop in the center. Has the stylized 'p' hallmark, phyllis and sterling on the back.
Interesting contrast between the oxidized and shiny s...
This fascinating brooch features poppies with lovely curved flowing lines, mounted on an oval of mother-of-pearl. Poppies symbolize sleep (Dorothy in the field of poppies, on her way to Oz), rest, and eternal life. The flower is silver plate, and is somewhat worn on the high places (those bits actually serve to highlight the design). The mother of pearl is convex. It measures 1-3/4” x 1-3/8”. The pin assembly is mounted on a yellow metal plaque, and is of the old style. It rattles a little b...
A wonderfully heavy vintage silver bracelet by Hermès. The bracelet has a triangular profile that stands well out from the surface of the wrist and a masterfully constructed so that it is flexible, but appears rigid when being worn. The inside edges of each link are parcel gilt, so the bracelet sometimes shows the slightest gold hue. This is probably the heaviest Hermès bracelet we have seen. The bracelet is presented in its original vintage fitted Hermès gray box. The bracelet is fully hallm...
A nice extra-wide Victorian silver cuff bracelet engraved in an ornate Persian-inspired design. The bracelet is hinged, and the back side is unengraved. The width of the bracelet lends a very imposing look. Tested and guaranteed sterling silver.
- Origin: America, ca. 1875
- Condition: excellent, only two pinpoint dings on the back side
- Dimensions: 6-1/4” circumference, 1-7/16” wide
- Weight: 31.9 grams
A beautiful and rare bracelet by the very important Fred Davis. It has a unique design with high set Amethyst cabochon stones set in round silver links. The connector links have a open work design with half domes at each end. It has a longer 8" length, and it measures 1" wide. Weighs 69.2 grams. In good vintage condition with minor age related wear and some tarnish with a few minor dings on the underside. It closes with a fold over clasp. Hallmarked FD, Made in Mexico along with the eagle 22. A ...
Timeless and elegant this early Vintage Antonio Pineda Necklace features deep purple Amethyst Cabochon stones set to "float" above silver discs. The necklace measures 14 1/2" long by 5/8" wide and weighs a substantial 159 grams. Good vintage condition with light signs of age related wear and tarnish. Hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco Crown, Sterling, Mexico, Silver, 970 with the design number YY 564 and the eagle stamp 17. A stunning necklace that will never go out of style.
Circa mid-century, this Salvador Teran bracelet features a large amethyst cabochon set within a sterling silver ribbon and bow design. At least - that is my interpretation. I believe it to be a very rare piece and have not seen this design before. Closed, wearable length is 6 3/8". Width in front is 1 1/2". Weight is 41.3 grams. Signed and hallmarked with a very worn lightly struck "Salvador", Sterling Mexico, with the eagle assay 36 and the design # 204. Deep patina. Original safety chai...
A Charming and rare pair of vintage Sterling Silver stylized Bird Earrings by the famous Taxco jewelry artist Hector Aguilar. They measure 1 1/3" wide by 3/4" tall and weigh 10.1 grams total. The screw backs are in good working order and the silver has developed an aged patina that highlights the bird's detail. Hallmarked with the HA mono in the center of "Made in Mexico Sterling".
A very special pair of earrings with a great look.
A vintage modernist sterling silver Komsekule Magic Ball pendant by Frank and Regine Juhls of Norway. Three dimensional orb with 5 dangling rings. This is a traditional Sami design.
Measures about 1 3/8" long including the bale and 1 1/8" across.
Signed Kautokeino F. Juhls 830S on the back side of the ball.
Currently strung on a cord but would also look great on a neck ring or chain.
In very nice condition, has just a little tarnish.
One of the earlier designs p...
A mid century modernist pendant by the American studio jeweler, Paul Miller. This piece depicts a large bird constructed of layers of polished sterling with a curved wire overlay. One end becomes the bale.
The pendant measures 3 1/4" long including the bale and 2" at the widest. Marked Sterling and Paul Miller on the back. Has a little tarnish and a few minor surface scratches.
Currently strung on a silky black cord but could be worn on a chain or neck ring.
Striking design.
A heavy sterling bracelet marked with the Jensen logo
(post 1945) Denmark Sterling 56A. The five oval coral cabs measure 6.5mm x 4mm. The bracelet is 7" and weighs 49.4gr. Light wear.
A silver pendant necklace or brooch with a large fused glass on clay jewel by noted modernist jeweler, Elsa Freund, (1912-2001). Beautiful, rich sparkling blue colored Elsaramic jewel.
Measures about 2 1/2" across and 1 1/2" high. Three dimensional. Signed Elsa on the back.
Has a rollover closure on the back that fastens securely. Also shown suspended from a black silky cord. Could be worn on a chain or neck ring with the addition of a bale. Has a little tarnish.
A special...
