A retail shop in Taxco, according to Bille Hougart, Plateria Cortes is a name also found on some of Enrique Ledesma pieces, most probably because they were sold there. So my first thought when I saw this set of vintage Mexican silver surrealist earrings was that they might have been made by Ledesma. And then it all came back to me - a couple of years ago, I sold three sets of earrings in the same exact style (and actually even a pair like the one at hand) clearly signed for Sigi Pineda...

This bold and edgy Margot de Taxco bracelet is heavy and very substantial, with wide incised oxidized recesses. It's a design which is not often seen and most certainly a statement piece.

Will fit up to a 7 1/8 wrist, and has a width of 2 1/8".

Weight is 121.2 grams.

Signed and hallmarked with a partial Margot de Taxco "De Taxco", Hecho en Mexico 925, with the eagle assay 16 and design # 5634.

In excellent vintage condition...

A fine and vintage 1950s-60s signed Birks hand engraved sterling silver bangle bracelet. This bracelet has fine decoration on one half and it has a safety chain and box clasp. It measures 2-1/2 x 1-1/4" across the interior and 3/4" wide. It is stamped STERLING with the B in a hexagon Birks mark and it weighs 29.0 grams. This item is in excellent condition with no monograms, dents, bends, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs...

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"...

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...

The art of "metales casados" (mixed or married metals) was practiced by several Taxco workshops yet I think Victoria was its queen. Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti combined copper, silver and brass not only to design exquisite jewelry but also hollowware of various kinds and decorative objects. In the necklace presented here she seems to be inspired by Egyptian Revival motifs which is not unusual for her - there are at least a couple of other parures she created that tread that same path...

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...

The combination of fine, high purity silver and moonstone is one of my favorite and was equally favored, it seems, by Antonio Pineda, Taxco's renowned modernist. Set in three-dimensional 970 silver settings the stones at hand have a luminous pearlescence that draws the eye into their magical depths, and perfectly reflect the warm glow of the precious metal surrounding them. Antonio's jewelry is characterized by an unfailing sense of easy luxury and that feeling is present here as well...

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...

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...

This is a gorgeous modernist Mexican bracelet from Salvador Teran...

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)...

A book piece for Sigi Pineda, the “boomerang” brooch belongs in a line of jewelry in which the Taxco modernist combined layering, purposefully applied oxidation and vividly colored semi-precious and hard- stones to create slick, modernist, I would even say space-age, designs that seems as relevant today as they did when they were first introduced to the world. What I always found amazing about this brooch is the ingenious - and quite minimal - way the stone (chrysoprase in our case) is incor...

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...

Fleshy, slick and so mod this set of vintage Mexican Antonio Pineda earrings is wrought in his favorite fine (.970) silver alloy in the form of heart-shaped leaves. Antonio's jewelry, no matter how many elements combined in a design, if unfailingly sculptural and shamelessly tactile. It is very difficult to restrain oneself and not keep passing one's fingers over the masterfully worked, perfectly finished silver. Measuring 1 5/16" long by 5/8" wide the earrings weigh 14.4 grams (for the set) an...

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.

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.

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...

One of the most talented Taxco maestros, Gerardo Lopez was exceptional in the art of repoussage and his jewelry is sought after and avidly collected for its quality and inventive motif combinations. I have suggested in the past that he must have worked for the Los Castillo and / or Margot de Taxco because many of the motifs he uses are also found in the famous workshops' creations. The set of earrings presented here, a classic Taxco "flourish", can be combined with several of his sublime pectora...

A nice silver pendant depicting the solar system and the attributes of the sign Scorpio—a scorpion a depiction of the god Mars representing the planet that rules those born into Scorpio. The pendant is signed “AC” and is stamped with French silver hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca. 1970
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 15/16” x 1-3/8”
• Weight: 8.6 grams

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...

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...

I never tire of the double-sided pendant necklaces Victor Jaimez created for Emma Melendez. The perfect blend of Aztec Revival and modernismo Mexicano, they are unfailingly characterized by craftsmanship of the highest level and meticulous finishing. At the same time dramatic and awe-inspiring, the pendant's two sides showcase several techniques as overlay, oxidation and mozaico inlay come together to create the image of Quetzalcoatl and the abstract figure of a Meso-american monkey. The chain ...

The "queen" of shadowbox designs, Victoria - otherwise Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti - also excelled in the "married metals" technique. Her work is inspired, of the highest quality and today it is considered part of Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance design index. The adjustable sterling silver ring I am presenting here is out of her coveted "angel" parure. The form does not come up very often and I am happy to have come upon a beautifully aged example. Beading and black-as-pitch oxidation in the...

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.

Signed by Victoria who is often credited in the relevant literature with having perfected the "mixed metals" technique this big, bold combination pin / pendant brings together sterling silver, copper and brass in an Aztec Revival design. I am fascinated by the seamless marrying of the metals in "casados" pieces and Ana Nunez de Brilanti excelled in their design and crafting. Here, the round "shield" element is slightly concave and catches the light in ever-changing, fascinating ways. Wear it as ...

Sleek modernism and heavy sterling combine in this Sigi Pineda bracelet which seems to be one of the maestro’s earlier creations and a relatively harder piece to find as well. Perfect finishing, generous weight, a blissful marriage of glistening silver and dark oxidation and inspired design, all features that make Sigi jewelry exceptional can be seen at work here. What a beauty indeed… The bracelet has a 6 3/4” inner circumference (clasped)and its width varies between 1 1/16″ and 5/8"....

Exceptional sculptural, tactile sterling bracelet designed by the Swedish silversmith Rey Urban for the Danish company A. Fausing. Measuring 7 5/8" end to end, it is 1" wide and weighs 91 grams. The clasp interlocks and looks continuous on the wrist. All of the links move and are fluid when on. It is in fine original condition and signed as shown. Very industrial and architectural looking. A Modernist masterpiece !

This bracelet is a seldom seen design from Sigi Pineda. It's a spectacular modernist piece with three faceted stones which graduate in size. At first glance the stones appear to be hematite, but they may well be onyx. Opens at the back nice and wide to easily fit over the wrist. Original safety chain attached. Closed, wearable length is 6 7/8". Width is 1 7/8". Weight is 91.3 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Sigi Tasco Made in Mexico Sterling", with the design #47 and the eagle assay 3. Col...

Circa mid-century, this Antonio Pineda bracelet has a sleek hand-wrought modernist design. It's a stunning bold piece which looks fabulous on the wrist. Composed of eleven V-shaped links which flare out on one side. Closure is a tight and secure tongue in box, complete with original safety chain. Please see matching necklace listed as well.

Measures a closed, wearable length of 6 1/2", and a width of 1 1/8".

Weighs 84 grams.

Signed and hallmarked with just the co...

Abstract sterling silver ring by Danish designer Jacob Hull for B&D, circa 1970s. The top of the ring measures 1 1/8" x 7/8". Marked "Denmark, Sterling, Jacob Hull, B&D," and with a hallmark. Adjustable, currently size 6.5. Weighs 14 grams.

Offered on consignment.......

Circa mid-century, this is a rare and magnificent bracelet from Antonio Pineda.

It's a published book-piece design from Silver Seduction: The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda, p.119 - there shown with tiger's eye stones. This bracelet has marquise shaped amethyst gemstones which are gorgeous, set in open trapezoid panels. There is an incredible amount of work and skill which went into the execution of this piece. Twelve panels, twelve am...

Circa mid-century, this necklace is exquisitely hand-wrought by noted Taxco silversmith Beto. Deeply carved swirling silver panels alternate with polished half-cylinder shaped amethysts. The stones are gorgeous, with natural inclusions and quartz marbling. Measures 15" closed, wearable length. Weight is 52.7 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Beto 925 Taxco GRO Sterling Hecho en Mexico". In excellent vintage condition. Clasp is tight and secure.

Decorated with classic Nordic scene of a manned sled drawn by a moose in a snowy landscape, framed by a colorful aurora borealis. The enamel exposes nice guilloche work underneath, in a modified lozenge-shaped frame. The back bears the mark of Ivar T. Holth and the Norway mark for sterling silver. The silver is gilded. The pin measures 1 3/8 inches long by 7/8 inch wide. Weight: 5.7 grams

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.

One of my absolute favorite designs by Gerardo Lopez, this silver and copper "mask" necklace I have sold a few times during my career as a vintage Mexican jewelry dealer and I never tire of it! There is so much to attract the eye here and every time you look at it, you spot something new and exciting. Meticulously cut ornate sterling "frames", oxidized and embellished with overlay, surround the highly sculptural copper "masks". Lopez's decision to flank the central "portrait" with smaller versio...