Sam Kramer modernist sterling silver and operculum shell ring

1950

Size 6

Weight - 15.58 grams

Very good vintage condition with appropriate surface wear

Two minor shallow fissures on each side of the shell but very stable

Mark is obscured but guaranteed to be a Sam Kramer design

A vintage large sterling silver Mid Century Modernist brooch by Ed Wiener in the shape of a five pointed star.

Made from thick sterling wire. Unsigned, as were most of his star brooches. We believe this one is the larger version.

Measures 3 1/8" across and 2" high.

Has a rollover safety clasp that holds securely. There may be a slight bend on the long arm, may be original to the piece. Has some minor surface scratches and tarnish.

Fine craftsmanship. Great studio piece

An Art Nouveau sterling size 5-3/4 ring c1900-20. This 3/4" across ring is in the form a flower with finely formed petals and small flowers on the double wire shank; it is stamped STERLING, it weighs 6.1 grams, and it is in excellent original condition with no 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 slight signs of gentle use...

This unique vintage Necklace is by the wonderful Margot de Taxco whose skill as a designer is considered to be among the finest of the all the Silver Masters. The links are a row of Roman Numerals from 1 to 12 set between small silver beads. It measures 14 1/2" long by 3/4" wide and it weighs 67 grams. Hallmarked Margot de Taxco, 5201, Sterling Made in Mexico with the eagle 16. Secure box clasp. Light signs of wear and tarnish and a great example of the artistry of Margot de Taxco.

A lovely silver, plique-a-jour enamel, mother-of-pearl, and paste pendant in the German Art Jugendstil or Nouveau taste. The pendant is worked with very attractive enameled cells in shades of teal, cream and rose. German Art Nouveau pieces from the Pforzheim school tend to be more linear and symmetrical than those from France, and this piece is a classic example...

This chunky sterling silver bracelet was designed & signed circa 1950's by Taxco, Mexico modernist Antonio Pineda (1919-2009). The bracelet will fit up to a 6 1/2" wrist comfortably. This example is the larger version of the design measuring 1 1/4" wide. It weighs a hefty 135 grams, or 4.8 oz. Beautiful condition and patina. Slide in box clasp and safety chain are tight and secure...

Featured in the book Silver Masters of Mexico on page 63 is this early Hector Aguilar Sterling Silver Bracelet. Beautifully designed and crafted with decorative circles connected by three silver bands. Measures 7" long, 1" wide and weighs 70 grams. In good condition with a secure clasp. Hallmarked HA, Made in Mexico, Sterling. A great bracelet that will never go out of style.

An Arts and Crafts sterling silver ring with a large bezel set carnelian cabochon by Kalo of Chicago.

Measures about a size 10. Stone measures 5/8" long and 1/2" across.

Marked Hand Wrought, Sterling and Kalo.

Beautifully made, fine condition. Great example.

A luxurious tassel, its sterling threads spilling out of a brushed silver bead, catches the eye instantly in this vintage Mexican charm bracelet. A classic rendition of the specific design, it has a thick twist rope chain that has acquired a soft, silky glow over the years. Striding the divide between Deco and Retro jewelry, this is a veritable statement bracelet and if you decide to add the matching earrings and lariat necklace you see in one of the photos to it, you will not be disappointed...

Signed jasper and sterling pendant necklace on original cord by JO CATANZARO, c.1960's. I believe the purple and gray stone is jasper. Pendant measures 3" long and the center piece is 1 1/4" b 7/8". Signed "JO CATANZARO" and is excellent condition......$9 for insured USA shipping.

A organic, sterling silver modernist ring by Henry Steig.

Measures about a size 7. Almost 1/2" high. Marked Sterling Steig on the inside. Reminds us of flattened chain.

Fine example of his work.

American Modernist Sterling Silver Constructive Brooch

Art Smith

c.1950s

Excellent condition

2 1/2" x 2 1/2"

An amazing modernist sterling silver ring with an central agate cabochon by Jens Peter Clausen Guðjónsson of Iceland. Signed JENS 925S. Measures about a size 7- 7.5. The top sits 1" high and measures about 3/4" across. Has an interesting texture on the sides. Heavy sterling. Really stands out! Great example of Scandinavian modernist design.

Beautiful and unusual this extraordinary clamper is 980 silver (almost pure). The weight is 80 grams heavy. The wearable diameter is 2.5in. which fits most. The height is 2.5in. Hallmarked as shown with no damage.

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...

Known as the "Ornamental Squares" design, this bracelet by Hector Aguilar is features in many book and is one of his most iconic designs. This one is exceptional with it's longer 8" length. Crafted in his favored 940 silver it measures 1" wide and weighs an impressive 108.1 grams. Secure clasp and attached safety chain. Hallmarked with the joined HA, 940, Taxco and the eagle stamp 9. Light age related wear with a lovely rich patina. A superb bracelet in a hard to find longer length.

Antonio Pujia modernist sterling silver ring depicting nude figure

1970

Argentina

Weight - a solid and hefty 28+ grams

Size - 6 1/2 with an open shaft that might allow for a slight adjustment

Marked Pujia, 925

Excellent vintage condition

Habitually referred to as the “Spratling of Peru”, Italian-born Graziella Laffi spearheaded Peru’s own Silver Renaissance in the 1950s. Based on ingenious re-interpretations of ancient Inca motifs, her jewelry, decorative objects and holloware are avidly sought after by committed collectors for their impeccable craftsmanship and inspired design...

Sam Kramer modernist sterling silver brooch with red stone

Late 1940's - 1950's

2 1/2" x 2 1/8"

Stamped with Kramer's cypher

Very good vintage condition

Pendant necklaces are a favorite of mine - I love their versatility and the fact that I can layer them whichever way I want. Luckilly, there is a fabulous selection within the world of vintage Mexican silver jewelry to choose from but I feel particularly lucky to have come upon an example of a classic Taxco design that is, however, smaller in scale than pendants of this design usually in...

This great, large Taxco Mexico mod pendant / brooch measures 3" x 2 1/8". It has a cool geo shape with three dangles. It is sterling silver with inlaid azur-malachite: blues and greens. The back is signed with all hallmarks: STERLING TAXCO, AC, Cecilia in script, HECHO EN MEXICO, Tono in script and numbered 80. This lovely, colorful pendant and/or pin in excellent condition.

A vintage modernist sterling silver bracelet by Taxco artisan, Erika Hult de Corral in a zig zag pattern. Marked Ric, Taxco SA, Sterling, Hecho en Mexico, Eagle #3 and 925. Measures 6 7/8" around and 2 1/4" at the highest. Has some very minor surface scratches. Clasp snaps securely. There is a safety hook for extra security. Nice weight, heavy and solid. Great modernist design!

RARE OFFERING:Copper and brass "CROWN OF THORNS" necklace by Art Smith, NYC modernist, c.1960. Necklace shows a contrast of metals and sizes. The base is a copper neck ring from which brass sticks and balls jut out at various lengths. The copper neck ring is made of 6 hinged moveable sections. Although unsigned, this necklace has been verified as made by Art Smith. A more complicated version appears in Messengers of Modernism on page 94 and on the cover...

These earrings have a crafts-like and substantial feel, composed of applied sterling flowers, leaves and vines on a sterling silver backing. The clip backs are very secure; the earring backs bear what looks like a partial C, possibly for Cini. They measure 1 inch by 3/4 inch. Weight: 8.1 grams total

For nearly eight decades the Cini signature has meant original handcrafted, heirloom jewelry. News spread quickly that the Florentine artisan had great skill and imagination in creating new jewelry designs. Before long his creations attracted the attention of the most discerning buyers throughout the nation.

This pin is 2" wide by 2" in height. It is in excellent condition.

A Sterling double link charm bracelet with 16 charms. This 8" sterling silver bracelet has 16 charms with silver marks unless stated, and the charms include: Big Ben, setter dog, Pisces, bucking bronco, Nova Scotia coat of arms (enamelled), heart/anchor/cross, Florida, Prince Edward Island coat of arms (enamelled), Xmas tree, St. Lucia shape, Mom, Happy Birthday, seal, genuine shark's tooth (unmarked), Nipigon (enamelled, unmarked), St. Bernard (unmarked)...

An Arts and Crafts period pendant in 830 silver with 8 bezel set round garnets, 2 teardrop shaped garnets and a central pearl. Also has a bezel set pearl in the bottom dangle.

Marked 830 for the silver standard and what looks like conjoined 'AG' or 'GA'. Has a swivel bale.

Pendant measures almost 1 3/4" high with the bale and 1 3/8" at the widest. The silver colored chain measures 23" long and has a spring clasp that closes securely...

Handmade sterling and cultured pearls ring, c. 1950's. The modernist silver design has 5 cultured pearls on the top and on the bottom of varied sizes. The ring is size 6 and the front measures 7/8" high by 3/4" wide. Ring is signed "T(in shield) and S(in square box). Very lovely design softened by the 10 pearls....$8 for insured USA shipping plus applicable NY tax.

A sterling silver hand wrought large brooch with a central bezel set carnelian cabochon.

Measures 2" square. Has a rollover clasp that holds securely. Marked Sterling. Fine condition with a dark patina.

Classic Arts and Crafts motif.

A pair of vintage sterling silver hand wrought floral brooches by Stavre Gregor Panis, who was a member of the Boston Society of Arts and Crafts. The round one may be a poppy. The smaller one may be a gladiola.

May purchase them individually or as a pair.

The larger round brooch measures 1 1/2" across. The smaller brooch measures 1 1/2" long and 7/8" at the widest.

Both brooches are marked with the SGP in a shield hallmark and Sterling. The smaller one also has a stylized 'G'.

Stunning very big Art Deco / Arts & Crafts silver ring with a large rectangular smoky quartz stone in a prong setting. German, circa 1920, marked 835 for silver content. The stone, which has many naturally occurring inclusions, has been verified by a gemologist. Ring size 8. The top is just under 7/8 inch square. The stone is 17mm by 15mm. Excellent condition. No losses or cracks in the stone. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.

These illustrious earrings are an early example of the luminary, Norwegian silversmith’s artistry. They were made while she was at Norway Designs Plus Studio. As to the individualistic donning of them (and other information), I must defer to Christie Romero’s skillful terseness in, Warman’s Jewelry, Identification and Price Guide, 3rd Edition, Krause Publications, 2002, page 242: “…c. 1958, titled Sling…hoop suspends from ear canal around earlobe without findings.” These ear cuf...

Featuring a clean impressed linear decoration enhanced with oxidation, this unmarked bangle looks to have been inspired by Mexican or Native American design of the U.S. Southwest. It has a graduated width and interesting, irregular-shaped terminals. There is a little bit of give in the fit, but the bracelet is quite strong and has retained its shape. It tests definitively for sterling silver. The bangle has an inner circumference of just under 8 inches and measures 2 3/8 inches across the openin...

Formed as square panels with rounded corners, featuring an incised seaweed-like design enhanced by oxidation. The design is called "Pine Needle." The earrings have the original screw backs, which are in good working order. It is marked sterling and has Skinger’s script signature. Skinger was a Vermont studio metalsmith who was most productive during the 1950s and 1960s; he died in 1967. Each earring measures 3/4 inch square. Weight: 6.6 grams

This early-mid 1940's William Spratling necklace is a magnificent showpiece. The tassel centerpiece features flawlessly inlaid azur-malachite with mesmerizing shades of blue and green. From Spratling's first design period. Measures a closed, wearable length of 20.5", with a hefty weight of 90.8 grams. The center pendant measures 3.5" wide, 2.5" tall. Signed and hallmarked with the WS Print Circle and Sterling. Fold over clasp. In excellent original vintage condition with a beautiful patin...

Pre assay Mexico era. Both Maricela and Los Ballesteros and maybe Rafael Melendez along with other Taxco silversmiths have made this style of bench cut - not cast -2 tier cuff bracelet with applied C shape rope elements and "dot" application.

Wt: 25 grams or .8 oz on postal scale
Mark: 980 Taxco - 980 is finer than sterling and less commonly found, yet very desirable for collecting.
Dimensions: Just over 1" at widest -
6 1/2 includes 1 1/8" flexible opening - because it is benc...

This is a superb modernist bird pin from Antonio Pineda. It's large, dimensional, and substantial, with tiny beading and an obsidian eye. A design which is seldom seen, and collector quality. Measures 2 3/4" wide. Weight is 39.8 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco Crown, Hecho en Mexico 970, with the eagle assay 17. In excellent vintage condition. Pin closes with a roller.

The "less-is-more" philosophy of modernism and the classic, for Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance, marriage of silver and amethyst come together in this minimalist by-pass ring signed by Doris Corpus Artisans. A daring, Texas-born American who decided to move to Mexico in the 1940s, Doris Smith Chamberlin had her own workshop by 1945 and her commitment to perfection and inspired design resulted in the creation of some truly exceptional jewelry. I have in the past offered examples of the work c...

Rachel Gera modernist sterling silver ring

Israel

1960 - 1970

Size 6 1/2

Weight 14.04 grams

Marked GERA

Very good vintage condition

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...

Rare silver PALM TREE pin by Fred Davis, Mexico, c.1930. Measures 2 1/8" high by 1 3/4" wide. Solid back with the original "C" clasp and of very good weight. Signed "MADE IN MEXICO FD SILVER" and is in excellent condition......$23 for insured shipping.

I love to find these rare pieces made by unknown makers. This one is exceptional. The size of the center link is 2.5 inches. There is a wearable length of 19 inches. All other links and earrings are 1.5 inches long. No chips or cracks to the stones and no dents to the silver. The lock is hidden under a link showing a well thought out design. All the repousse is thick with a total weight of 127.5 grams. Hallmarked MADE IN MEXICO STERLING. Extremely well cared for, just LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!

Vintage Mexican mid century 35 grams necklace with striated melon color Jasper ball orb pendant on an elongated hand fabricated chain signed:
a stylized MS or SW in a circle with Assay #17 which is associated with Los Ballesteros and Antonio Pineda although looks like another Serafin Moctezuma mark?
The handsome peach color Jasper reminds one of the type of stone favored by Fred Davis
Just under 1" across and 1.75" from top of bail down.
The interesting hand made long box chain ...

A rare, delicately hammered dress clip by the well known Danish silversmith, Erik Magnussen. After working at Gorham and having his own shops in Chicago and New York, he opened a shop in Hollywood and designed for the stars. Returned to Denmark in 1939. This clip measures 1 3/4" long and 1 3/8" across. Marked with the conjoined EM monogram, Sterling, ERIK M. and Hollywood. Spring in clips still holds. Could be converted to a brooch or worn on a chain or neck ring as is. Classic Arts and Cr...

Beautiful classic Mayan face pin by the great designer, Fred Davis. It is marked "FD STERLING MADE IN MEXICO" and is in excellent condition. It measures 2" wide by 1 3/8" long. This is a great example by one of the best Mexican designers who started the whole movement....Insured shipping cost is $17 in the USA.

A vintage hand wrought sterling silver necklace comprised of graduated circular links ending with two oval bezel set brown iridescent cabochons, maybe Tiger's Eye.

The necklace measures 23" long. Has a secure hook closure. The drops in the center are 3 1/2" long. The cabochons are 1" long and 3/4" across.

Signed on the back of each drop, Handwrought, Sterling and M. H. R. for the artisan.

Well made. Pretty glistening stones.

This lovely sky-blue enameled pendant tests as silver, probably sterling. It has two shades of light blue enamel on the front, highlighted by flourishes in silver. The dropper is also enameled in shaded hues of blue. The enamel continues on the back in sky blue – such wonderful attention to detail! Excluding the bale, it is 1-1/2” long by just under ¾” across. There are two tiny areas of enamel damage on the back, and a few areas that could use some cleaning, but basically it is in excell...

A beautiful set of 6 Art Nouveau studs or buttons, each with a bas relief image of a woman playing a lyre. They bear the hallmarks for Birmingham sterling silver, 1907, and the maker's initials, "R & W". Accompanying the buttons are the sterling silver cross pins that go through the rear loop. All these are housed in the original leather case with velvet lining.

The buttons are 5/8" in diameter, and in excellent condition. There is one cross pin missing. The yellowish cast in the close-up is d...

Paul Lobel modernist sterling silver brooch

Rare example from his sterling menagerie

1950s

2 1/4" x 1 1/8"

Weight - 11+ grams

Marked LOBEL, sterling on verso

Very good vintage condition, minor light surface scratches

This rare set of five hand wrought 1930's sterling silver heart shaped buttons were designed & signed by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling in the 1930's. Each button measures 3/4" X 3/4". All are in beautiful condition & each is signed on the reverse with the early WS hallmark. In our 30+ years of collecting Spratling we have never come across this design.

An early cross brooch in Sterling Silver with Coral, Amethyst and Mother of Pearl by Matilde Poulat. Measures 1 5/8" across and 1 7/8" tall. Marked MATL, 925 and also has an etched 'E'. Has a squiggle of silver attached to the bottom by two rings. Amethyst stone is faceted. Has a rollover safety clasp that holds tightly. Has a little tarnish. Very unusual combination of stones.

This stunning Los Castillo sterling silver necklace has a huge presence. The necklace has a 97 gram weight and a total length of 16.5 inches wearable. The weight shows the integrity of the thick repousse. Truly one of the finest examples from the Mexican Silver Renaissance. No repairs or damage, just look at that necklace!

A Siam sterling silver filigree bracelet in the original box from the 1950s. This 7" bracelet measures 7/8" wide across the seven layered filigree domed links, it has a hook and eye clasp and it is stamped STAERLING MADE IN SIAM and it dates to the 1950s or earlier. It weighs 26.3 grams and it is in excellent vintage condition with no dents, bends, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs. The original 8-1/8 x 1-1/2" faux lizard paper wrapped box has the original ALEX & CO. retailer's label and p...

These handmade, two-sided cufflinks each feature a square piece with an incised geometrical design connected by a figure-8 to a dome-shaped piece. The links are very securely soldered to each side; there is a tiny ‘ding’ to one dome. The squares measure about 5/8 inch and are marked Sterling and Taxco. Weight: 8.1 grams total

American Modernist Sterling Silver Brooch

Betty Cooke

c.1960s

Excellent condition

4 1/4" x 1 3/4"

Elegant and "quiter" than most Matilde Poulat jewelry, this early repousse bracelet by the big maestra exhibits nonetheless all the attributes Matl's work is avidly sought after and venerated for. Repoussage that creates a body with impeccable texture and perfect finishing, a gorgeous golden sheen obsidian cabochon and, of course, the Mexico City style silver-work which to me represents Mexico's Arts and Crafts movement. What is there not to love here? I am very attracted to the size which allow...

Circa 1930's-1940's, this is a spectacular hand-wrought pectoral necklace. Hallmarked simply "Sterling 925", I do believe it to be Mexican in origin. The style and manner are very much in keeping with the work of Geraldo Lopez, Los Castillo, and Alfredo Villasana. This stunning necklace lays perfectly upon the neck. The center portion measures 6" wide, 4" tall. Closed, wearable length is 16". Closure is a "J" hook. Weight is 86.9 grams. In excellent vintage condition. One of the s...

Elis Kauppi Modernist sterling silver and carnelian ring

Finland

Mid 20th century

Adjustable band - currently a size 8

Weight - 13 grams

Marked - 925s, Finland, anvil mark

Excellent vintage condition

Softly folded modernist silver ring from Hans Hansen, Denmark, c 1960s. Makers mark HaH and 925 S. Inner diameter "3/4 / 19 mm. Condition: fine.

With hallmarks dating 1940-1945, this spectacular bracelet is a very rare and early creation from Los Castillo. It's a huge showpiece, with six rectangular faceted amethyst gemstone surrounded by tiny silver beading. The amethysts are great old Mexican stones, well matched in color, with quartz marbling and natural inclusions. Measures a closed, wearable length of 6 1/2", with a width of 1 9/16". Weight is 130.9 grams. Signed and hallmarked with early linear marks "Los Castill...