Circa mid-century, here is a very seldom seen book-piece design from Antonio Pineda.

Shown on page 148 of Gobi Stromberg's "Silver Seduction : The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda", this is a magnificent bracelet with a stunning modernist design. Composed of eight thick sleek rectangular links which have bezel-set carnelian gemstones, each with a silver disc rising from the center. It's a very unusual piece, and a real attention grabber...

Excellent vintage Sigi sterling and jasper bangle with two hinges. Marked SIGI, STERLING, HECHO EN MEXICO, and with design number 244. C. 1960. This piece is pictured on page 198 of "Mexican Silver" by Morrill and Berk. With a slide clasp and safety catch. Substantial at 71 grams/2.5 ounces. An outstanding mid-century modern piece.

1 1/2 inches wide at center and 7 inches inside circumference. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.

Confident in his prowess as a warrior and comfortable in his ceremonial attire this Margot de Taxco silver and enamel Aztec figure can be enjoyed both as a brooch as well as a pendant. Though experimentation with the art of enameling started while Margot was still part of the Los Castillo workshop, it was after her divorce with Antonio that she focused on perfecting it in her own, independent taller. And perfect it she did...

It's been a very long time since I offered a Mexican clamper bracelet and I am happy to be starting again with a classic Taxco design, this repousse and shadowbox "Quetzalcoatl" example. The maestro who signs it I am familiar with - he worked in Taxco and it seems that clamper bracelets were one of his favorite forms...

Hallmarks date this Hector Aguilar necklace 1948-1962. It's a beautiful heavy hand-wrought necklace in a seldom seen design.

Composed of twenty-two panels which resemble a lyre, executed in .940 silver with a warm patina, this piece is collector quality.

Measures 16" closed, wearable length...

Circa mid-century, this set of necklace and bracelet was produced by Los Castillo. It's an exquisitely hand-crafted set with a deeply incised oxidized design. Necklace lays perfectly and comfortably upon the neck, and has an understated elegance. Absolutely beautiful. Heavy and solid, total weight for the set is 116 grams. Necklace measures a closed, wearable length of 16 1/4", with a width of 3/4". Bracelet is 6 7/8" closed, wearable length, width of 3/4"...

Here’s a brightly colored, basse-taille enameled peacock charm: feathers fully fanned. Peacocks add to the beautiful colors of Mexico, roaming about freely. The back of the charm is marked “MEXICO 925” and eagle “15” mark...

This mid-century bracelet from Antonio Pineda is one of his most spectacular modernist designs. Referred to as his "Saturn", "Ball Bearing", or "Ball & Sphere" bracelet, it's a heavy chunky very substantial piece...

How often does one find a ring by renowned Taxco modernist Enrique Ledesma? Let me answer my question - almost never! Over the years of my buying, selling and researching vintage Mexican silver jewelry, I have come upon a few examples, almost all of them adorned with a color-change sapphire. I had never seen a ring in the design I am presenting here until I discovered this one some time ago...

Bigger in size than the most frequently encountered version of the specific design and executing a different step, this vintage Margot de Taxco “ballerina” brooch is Mexico’s contribution to the ballet craze started by Van Cleef et Arpels in the 1940s, with the issuance of their gem-studded “ballerina” jewelry...

Known for her bold modernist designs and her love for big, gem- and stone-studded bracelets Carmen Beckmann was equally creative when allowing the Spanish Colonial tradition to influence her work. That “old way” of doing things manifests itself here in the heart-shaped wire-work appliques that support the luscious tiger’s eye cabochon, bringing to mind the more delicate, ornate filigree jewelry every silversmith in the country knew how to make...

Bearing the signature of Sanborn’s, the legendary Mexico City department store’s over whose antiquities and fine arts division Fred Davis was a supervisor in the mid-1930s, this wide, exuberant cuff bracelet is a classic for the genre. Repousse cuffs of this style came to be closely associated with Sanborn’s and Maciel though they were made by other, anonymous and “less celebrated” makers as well...

Large ring with beautiful detail work and a large deep green cabochon stone which might be jade. With unknown European hallmarks as pictured. Approx. size 7.

Beautiful geometric design bracelet with a center genuine amethyst stone. Circa 1960. Marked LOS CASTILLO, TAXCO, design number 5, and with the eagle assay mark. Slide clasp. It weighs 78 grams. The center element holds a very large oval faceted amethyst, the shape of which is echoed by the two silver layers which frame it. The center element and the clasp are hinged and articulated. From a collection. 1 3/8 inches wide at the center and 6 1/2 inches wearable length...

This is a spectacular bracelet from Antonio Pineda, one which is rarely seen, and a book-piece design from Silver Seduction.

Eight amethyst cabochons are set with a shadowbox effect with alternating trapezoid panels. The amethysts are gorgeous, perfectly matched in color, and the open-backed settings make them appear to glow from within. It's a truly magnificent bracelet, very substantial, and collector quality.

Measures a closed, wearable length of 7", a width of 1", and...

Delicate and quite romantic with their Spanish Colonial bows and a half-hidden heart motif this set of Los Castillo earrings is elegant and nostalgic at the same time. Crisp finishing and a beautifully glowing patina complete the "package" - I will let the photos say the rest while I provide the specifics: 1 3/8" long by 1 1/8" wide, weighing 11.2 grams (for the set). Fully signed with maker's name as well as "TAXCO" and Eagle 15 assay mark. The set dates in the 1950s-60s and is in excellent vin...

Stunning and rare, especially in its use of the specific stone, this vintage Mexican silver necklace features a combination pin / pendant signed by Taxco's foremost lapidary, Felipe Martinez, and a substantial chain from the same period which I believe might be by the same maestro as it bears an Eagle assay mark that Martinez used. And yes, the superbly carved "mask" is teased out of tiger's eye stone though a more unusual kind that it often referred to as "hawk's" or "falcon's eye". I have sold...

With hallmarks dating 1955-1962, this bracelet from Hector Aguilar is nothing short of spectacular.

It's a hand-wrought piece, with three huge oval azurite stones separated by silver twisted barbells. The back is a long silver ID bar, with the closure tongue sliding into it. Tight, secure, perfect.

This is a book piece design, shown in Penny C. Morrill's "Silver Masters of Mexico". However, this one is quite rare, having three large stones instead of five smaller ones.

Less-is-more would be the term I would use to describe this Carmen Beckmann modernist ring if it weren’t for that stone! Molten caramel golds fill the tiger’s eye slab almost in an ombre arrangement so that the ring changes the way it looks as the light that hits it changes. A true chameleon with a strong, “masculine” (am I even allowed the term any more?) setting, all angles and straight lines and a veritable show-stopper by one of the few female contributors to Mexico’s 20th c Silver...

After working for Spratling in Las Delicias and Hector Aguilar in Taller Borda, Reveriano Castillo opened his shop Reveri in 1952 with the co-operation of his wife, Maria. His jewelry is known for its impeccable finishing and the good quality of materials used so I am always happy to come upon one of his creations. The set of earrings at hand in an abstract floral design with articulated stamen dangle is as sweet-as-can-be and ideal to celebrate the coming of Spring this year. Measuring 1 3/4...

These earrings display mustard seeds with an pearl background. They are under glass which is bezel set in silvertone. The diameter of the glass is 1/2". They are both marked Coro and are in excellent condition.

This mid-century bracelet was produced by "RMM", and is based upon an Antonio Pineda design. I have the Antonio bracelet, with amethyst stones, listed in my shop. It's a fabulous hand-wrought modernist piece, with twelve rectangular aventurine bars which are angled on the ends. Stones are all hand-carved and polished. The aventurine stones alternate with silver cones. This is a heavy and substantial bracelet which looks gorgeous on the wrist. Weight is 107.5 grams. Signed and hallmarked...

This iconic masterpiece is the work of Antonio Pineda. It's a necklace which draws attention immediately to the wearer. Circa mid-century, executed in 970 silver, this lays perfectly upon the neck. Ten moonstone cabochons dangle from scalloped silver links, sitting in silver open-backed bezels. The stones glow from within - really beautiful moonstones. Tongue in box clasp is topped with a round domed moonstone which you push down on to open.

Measures a closed, wearable length of 1...

A classic design for renowned Taxco modernist Enrique Ledesma, this set of vintage sterling silver Mexican mid-century earrings comes with clips and is set with green inlay, possibly azur-malachite or some kind of agate. There is nothing fussy about the pair - good, honest materials, clarify of form and fluidity of lines. Isn't that the essence of modernism? Measuring 1 1/8" tall by 3/4" wide the earrings weigh 9.8 grams (for the set) and are fully and appropriately signed with maker's name as ...

A magnificent and rare sterling and striped agate bracelet by Bent Knudsen, Denmark, circa 1950. The highly polished striped agate stones absolutely pop and the oval shape is a great contrast in design to the alternating square links with cut out circles. The bracelet measures 7 1/4"-7 1/2" around in the inside when closed and is 1 3/4" wide. It weighs a very hefty 137 grams. The original safety chain is intact. Fine original condition, no chips or cracks to the stones. This bracelet may have ne...

Circa mid-century, this is a killer bracelet from Margot de Taxco. In absolutely pristine collector quality condition, complete with all nine charms.

It's a book-piece design shown on p. 63 of Penny C. Morrill's "Margot Van Voorhies : The Art of Mexican Enamelwork". The cherubs are highly detailed, with exquisite repoussé silver work.

Measures a closed, wearable length of 7 1/16". Width is 2 1/16".

Weight is 50 grams.

Signed and hallmarked "Margot de ...

This is a gorgeous modernist Mexican bracelet from Salvador Teran. I have the matching necklace listed in my shop, bottom photo shows both pieces. Teran worked with William Spratling at Taller de Las Delicias before leaving with his cousins, the Castillo brothers, in 1939 to work with them at their new taller, "Los Castillo." Considered by many to be a genius at designing, Salvador worked at Los Castillo for many years before establishing his own taller "La India Bonita" in 1952. It's a v...

Hide a secret in this rectangular shaped sterling silver pill box made in Mexico, comprising a centered turquoise stone framed with a silver twisted rope, marked STERLING, 925, Made in Mexico, makers mark, brushed silver inside. Excellent condition. Measures 1 1/2" x 1".

Matching the set of earrings that is also available in my store (you can see the demi together in two of the photos) this Mexican silver and azur-malachite ring by maestro Felipe Martinez is an ode to the power of color. Striking greens and dark, rich blues delight the eye while the elegance of the sterling ring shoulders complement in the best possible way the magic of the stone. Currently a sz because of the size it comes with (easily removed) the ring is an sz 7 (can also be easily resized). ...

Circa mid-century, this belt buckle is collector quality. It's a huge and heavy piece produced by Antonio Pineda, using his "Lascaux" design. Referred to as Lascaux because it is thought that he was inspired from the ancient cave drawings of Lascaux, France. Pineda had a series of pieces with this design, including pendant necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pin. I've not had this particular buckle before, but it is spectacular. Executed in almost pure 97% silver. This buckle measure...

Admittedly my favorite Mexican modernist, Salvador Teran seems to have never had a "bad" moment during his career. There is not one piece of his that I have come upon which I have not loved for its quirky abstraction, its sometimes tongue-in-cheek genius, its magical way of playing with layers, abstraction and oxidation. The mod pendant presented here provides a good illustration, I believe, of the point I am trying to make. The rendering borders on cubism yet at the same time, the pendant regis...

From his third design period, hallmarks date this Spratling cuff 1964-1967. It's a book-piece design, shown on p.109 of Spratling Silver: A Field Guide. There are ten silver rivets. Should fit up to a 6 1/2" wrist. Width is 1 5/8" in the center front. Opening/gap is 1 1/16". Weight is 53.4 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the WS Print Square "WS William Spratling .925 Taxco Mexico" and the eagle assay 63. In fine vintage condition.

Circa mid-century, this Los Castillo bracelet is a book-piece design, known as "Fish in Waves".

Entirely hand-wrought, with amazing detail which is second to none, this bracelet is composed of eight copper domes., each with applied silver work of two fish swimming in the waves, with their tails wrapping around the sides.

Measures a closed, wearable length of 6 3/4", and a width of 3/4". Closure is a "J" hook and eye. Original safety chain attached.

Weighs 46.6 g...

This mid-century bracelet is a superb hand-wrought piece produced by Miguel Garcia Martinez for Rancho Alegre. Plateria Rancho Alegre opened in 1956 by Pedro Pérez. Pérez had been a shop manager for William Spratling prior to establishing Rancho Alegre. The shop carried work from many designers and silversmiths. Miguel Garcia Martinez was the primary designer. This is a huge bracelet, with intricate, exquisitely executed silverwork and a multi-dimensional Pre-Columbian warrior design. ...

Spectacular design and execution in this sterling and coral cuff braclet by Santo Domingo silversmith Julian Lovato. He began working in 1938 and was a silversmith for Frank Patania Sr. in the Thunderbird Shop in Santa Fe, NM. This bracelet was made during his time working there. It measures 5 1/4" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening. It is 1 5/8" wide at the center coral stone and 3/4" at the terminals. Weighing 64 grams, it is in fine original condition with no chips or cra...

Very reminiscent of jewelry created in the 1950s by Graziella Laffi, the Italian-born jewelry designer habitually referred to as “the Spratling of Peru”, this is a rarely surfacing creation of Carmen Beckmann’s. Thick, hand-hammered silver sheet that was then oxidized is used to form the bracelet’s main body. Upon that an impressive fish applique marries the piece’s Arts and Crafts feeling with the stylization of ancient Meso-american glyphs. The applique’s thickness adds sculpturali...

Circa mid-century, this hinged bracelet was produced by Erika Hult de Corral and has her unmistakeable style. Rare to see one of her pieces executed in 980 silver as this one is. Hult worked with both Sigi Pineda and Enrique Ledesma before opening her own shop, and the influence of Sigi Pineda can certainly be seen in this bracelet.

It's a beautiful bangle bracelet, hinged on both sides to swing wide open. A dense green teardrop stone sits just off center within the modernist design w...

Who among lovers of vintage Mexican silver jewelry does not know Margot de Taxco's zodiac treasures? Charms, pendant, charm bracelets and brooches, they come in all those forms and they are avidly collected. Yet how many times have you come upon a mini, almost lingerie size, Margot astrological pin? Rare and sweet as can be, this 1 1/2" Aries beauty is irresistible. I can easily see it worn alongside one of its... "adult" versions, don't you think? Just just a tad over 1 1/2" tall by 13/16" wide...

Chunky fine, .970 silver and gorgeous, appetizingly curvaceous tiger's eye spheres come together in this set of Mexican cufflinks by Taxco's renowned modernist, Antonio Pineda. The specific design is very popular in necklace and bracelet form but when it surfaces, it is usually with chrysoprase or aventurine or some other green stone. This is the first time I have seen it with tiger's eye and I have to admit, I love the combination. What I also find very tempting is that the cufflinks seem to ha...

This heavy chain link bracelet with a turquoise tipped toggle is the work of Antonio Pineda. It's a stunning piece, composed of fifteen thick wide links of almost pure 97% silver. A very substantial bracelet which drapes over the wrist and look amazing. Classic, modernist, edgy. Measures just under 9" end to end, with a closed, wearable length of about 6 1/2 - 6 3/4". Weight is 107.2 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco crown, 970, and the eagle assay 3. In excellen...

Playing the violin with abandon as is evident by their determined expression, Margot de Taxco’s “musician putti” come here in earring form which is a rather rare occurrence. The specific angelic musician is usually found hanging off Margot’s charm bracelet of the same design, one out of a band of nine, and even though I have had the bracelet a few times in the past, this is the first pair of earrings I have found. Big, beautifully aged over the years of their long life, sitting on a rose...

Possibly my most favorite Carmen Beckmann ring design (an example lives in my jewelry box), her Etruscan style domed creation presented here is an ode to wire-work and micro-beading. It rises regally above the finger yet because of all those curved, glistening surfaces, it never creates problems to the wearer like most rings that are so high do. And though its “stature” is by itself impressive, it is all those nooks and crannies among the profusion of design elements coming together here tha...

This is an absolutely gorgeous necklace created by Nestor. The elaborate centerpiece measures 2 15/16" wide and features a huge lab created purple stone in a four pronged setting. Necklace measures a closed, wearable length of 17", and it lays perfectly on the neck. Signed and hallmarked "Nestor Hecho en Taxco 925 Sterling" with an eagle assay. Weight is 48.5 grams. In excellent vintage condition.

Circa mid-century, this is a spectacular set of bracelet and earrings from Sigi Pineda. Bracelet can be worn by either a man or woman. The bracelet features a huge and gorgeous gold sheen obsidian stone, which measures just over 1 3/8" square. The stone was cut so that ribbons of gold sheen run on the diagonal. Bracelet is hinged on two sides to open nice and wide and easily fits over the wrist. Closure is a tight and secure slide in tongue in groove, and a safety latch. Matching earring...

Circa mid-century, this is an extremely rare necklace produced by Salvador Teran. The matching bracelet is listed separately. Bottom pic shows the set. Teran worked with William Spratling at Taller de Las Delicias before leaving with his cousins, the Castillo brothers, in 1939 to work with them at their new taller, "Los Castillo." Considered by many to be a genius at designing, Salvador worked at Los Castillo for many years before establishing his own taller "La India Bonita" in 1952. Th...

Circa mid-century, this necklace was produced by Tane Orfebres of Mexico City. Tane, founded in the 1950's, is referred to as the "Tiffany's of Mexico". This is one of their earlier pieces.

It's an exceptional and rare necklace, with a huge center pendulum drop which swing freely. There are four sections to the collar, which hooks together at the rear. This is a true statement piece, and one which will not fail to be instantly noticed.

Closed inside circumference is 15". Th...

A vintage enamelled sterling silver class ring from the High School of Commerce, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (merged 1966, now closed). This size 5-1/4 ring features the 5/8 x 7/16" enamel crest, and it weighs 2.5 grams. It is unmarked but tests as sterling and it is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, dents, bends, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are noted; all items are vintage or antique and may have...

Dating in the earlier period of Matilde Poulat’s extraordinary career, the cross pendant presented here is adorned with Matl’s favorite stones - turquoise, amethyst and coral. Inspired by Mexico’s rich folk art, it belongs in her daringly eye-catching series of “jeweled” creations but here, there is an additional motif that makes the pendant even more precious. Namely, the two small repousse angel dangles, facing each other in a kneeling position with lit candles in their hands. The st...

Richly colored azur-malachite stone is paired with warmly glowing sterling in this chunky modernist Mexican silver bracelet signed by none other than the maestro of Piedra y Plata, Felipe Martinez. Martinez is one of my absolute favorite Taxco silversmith and a superb lapidary as well. He has an uncanny ability to pair silver with stone that works every single time, as if the two materials were just made to be together. Quite substantial, this specific design I have had in the past with amethyst...

These collector quality mid-century earrings are a very seldom seen design from Hector Aguilar. These are gorgeous, comfortable to wear, and have great movement. Each earring has nine dangles, each tipped with a tiny silver ball. Screw backs work perfectly,. Measures 1 3/4" tall, 3/4" wide. Weight is 12 grams. Signed and hallmarked on each earring with a conjoined flared HA,.940 Taxco, and the eagle assay 9. In excellent vintage condition.

Circa mid-century, this Antonio Pineda bracelet is a rare and spectacular piece.

The unique modernist design resembles a bicycle chain, with fifteen obsidian cylinders/bars within eight panels. Closure is a pin on a chain. The obsidian has a glittery golden sheen, absolutely gorgeous.

Bracelet has a closed, wearable length of 6 3/4" and a width of 1".

Weight is 74 grams.

Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco crown, 970, and the eagle assay 17....

Authentic David Andersen silver enamel sea horse pin with 3 shades of enamel-- light purple, lilac, and deep purple. Hallmarked on back (see photo). Enamel work with basse taille flower detail visible underneath enamel. Length is approx 2.25 inches long, 1.4 inches wide. All enamel intact, excellent condition.

This huge pendant is the work of Celia Harms and likely dates 1960's-70's. Celia Harms pieces are rarely seen, and no two are identical. Measuring 6" tall, this pendant is composed of lapis lazuli and branch coral with sterling silver 22k vermeil beads. Weight is 58.9 grams. Signed and hallmarked inside the bale "Celia Harms Sterling Mexico". In excellent vintage condition. The vermeil is perfect and even.

This is a beautiful pair of cufflinks from Antonio Pineda with an archer shadowbox design said to be inspired by the cave drawings of Lascaux. In excellent vintage condition. T-backs are tight and snappy. Measures 1 1/4" tall. Weight is 23.2 grams. Signed and hallmarked on each cufflink with the Antonio Taxco crown, Hecho en Mexico, 970, and the eagle assay 17. No issues whatsoever.

Made by Kupittan Kulta of Finland is this pleasant, silver, leaf brooch. The long leaves are slightly concave, curving alongside a bezel-set, amethyst cabochon "bud." The brooch is signed, “anvil mark” (for Kupittaan Kulta), “crown in heart” mark (for Finland), “813H” (silver fineness), city mark for Turku and “H7” for 1961. It measures 2 5/8” tall x 5/8” at its widest point. It’s in excellent condition.

This Antonio Pineda wave bracelet is a spectacular masterpiece.

It's a book piece design, shown in "Silver Masters of Mexico", among others. Composed of twelve silver "waves", each of which is formed from a single sheet of heavy gauge silver.

Weighing in at a massive 202 grams, this is the ultimate showpiece that commands instant attention, compliments, and envy. It's also the largest version of this design, with a closed, wearable length of 7 3/8" and a width of 1 3/8". ...

A vintage sterling silver geometric bracelet designed by Gine Sommerfelt for J. Tostrup, Norway. Made up of eleven curved links. Sommerfelt worked at Tostrup until 1964 when she started her own workshop.

Measures 7 3/4" long and just under an 2 inches wide. Signed with the Tostrup logo, 925S, and the stylized GS for Gine Sommerfelt on the back. Hook clasp holds securely.

In very nice condition, has some minor surface scratches.

Fine, bold design. Rare example of Scandinavia...

Margot de Taxco loved combination pin / pendant necklaces and she designed them so that you could take the brooch away and still link the two lengths of chain and wear them alone as an elegant choker. I suspect that many pieces were comprised of inter-changeable elements so if you had this set and a different pin/pendant out of her “hand-hammered” line, for example, you could theoretically attach to this chain and enjoy that second brooch as a necklace too. Big, bold and beautiful, the bow i...

Attributions are a difficult issue in the world of vintage Mexican silver jewelry - they are almost never accepted. If a piece is not signed, it’s just not signed! In this case, however, I will put my years of experience behind my suggestion that the necklace I am presenting here is the work of Reveriano Castillo. When I acquired it, it had no clasp and since the specific Reveri design is usually marked exactly there, the connection to its maker was lost. I had my jeweler craft a fold-over cla...

Abstract - and rather chubby - fish wrought in sterling silver with overlay and oxidation hang off the earlobes with this set of abstract Mexican dangles signed by Sigi Pineda. I don't believe I had this specific design by the talented - and prolific - Taxco modernist before but I am very familiar with the line and definitely in love with it. Substantial in size and quite dramatic in their juxtaposition of matte black and warmly glowing silver, these are quirky and elegant in a strange yet quite...