One of my favorite "less celebrated" maestros whose jewelry, however, has been experiencing a constant rise in appreciation among collectors, A. Tobias was a contemporary of Matilde Poulat's and I believe he was probably also working in Mexico City. His creations caught my attention several years ago for their characteristic "Mexico City style" repoussage and their beautiful craftsmanship...
Four figural links featuring classic Italian monuments and city symbols adorn this long, Renaissance Revival silver chain. This is the style associated with the Peruzzi and Coppini Bros workshops of Florence and based on the quality of the castings, I would suggest that it was made by either one of them. The figural links are complemented by floral ones while perfect sodalite beads add their strong color to the necklace...
17 in. long
1 1/8th in. tall
weight 85 grams
This Fred Davis was designed by Valentin Vidaurreta. It was later produced by Hector Aguilar for Valentin Vidaurreta which is also listed on my site. This trapezoid shape has a higher peak and each link is a bit larger than the design made by Aguilar. The design is shown in the book WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE. I could not produce photos to do this justice and only on will the shields come more tightly together...
One of my favorite “less celebrated” early Mexican maestros, AEM (or AE Heart as he is also referred to because of the way he signs his work) had his workshop in Mexico City and he created some really nice pieces. It has been a long time since I presented something by him but this set of “mesh and bead” dangle earrings more than compensates for the gap...
For someone with a song in his heart, this vintage pair of sterling silver toggle back cufflinks takes the form of a G clef, marked on the link STERLING and Pat 2472953, circa 1940. Measures 1 1/4" high. condition is excellent. May need cleaning.
Circa 1940-1945, this masterpiece from Los Castillo pulls out all the stops. The craftsmanship is magnificent, the design sublime. The prong set faceted stones are almost black in color, with brown striations which can be seen from the back of the stones. The design is full of swirls and tiny beading. Centerpiece has six dangles and measures 5 1/2" wide and 2 1/4" tall. Closed, wearable length is 17". Weight is 112.7 grams...
This is a RARE STERLING THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL STANHOPE CHARM from a Washington, DC Suburb's Estate. This CHARM does provide a viewable image, couple of scenes. Size: 3/4" X 7/16" X 1/2". jpgs provide MORE info. ADD this desirable STANHOPE Charm to the Collection
With hallmarks dating 1940-1944, this necklace is an iconic piece from William Spratling's 1st design period.
It's very rare to see this design complete with the original five strand tubular silver necklace, and it is collector quality. The large amethyst cabochon measures 1 1/4" in diameter, and is a gorgeous stone with natural inclusions and quartz marbling...
Circa early 1940's, the Lyre necklace is an iconic design from Hector Aguilar. Shown on p. 30 of Silver Masters of Mexico, it's a necklace which drapes beautifully on the neck with a substantial presence. Measures 15 3/4" end to end. Weight is 131.2 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the conjoined HA, Taxco, and 940. In excellent vintage condition.
An iconic motif in the index of Mexican Deco jewelry design, “masks” can be found carved in stone, molded in glass, created in inlay or enamel but also en repoussage like in the brooch presented here. Made by maestro Barrera in Mexico City most probably, its workmanship follows that city’s school of repousse jewelry of which Matilde Poulat is the most renowned creator...
$2,600 Circa 1940-1944, this bracelet is known as "Petate", and is one of Spratling's heaviest and most elusive designs.
It's a book-piece design shown in "Dreaming in Silver", and spectacular in every sense.
Measures 2 1/8" tall in front. Closed, wearable length is 6 3/4". Closes with a pin.
Weight is 126.5 grams.
Signed and hallmarked "Spratling Silver, Made in Mexico". Tested to be 98% purity.
In excellent vintage condition.
$650.00 Circa 1944-1946, this iconic pin by William Spratling features a butterfly or moth with bronze markings on sterling silver - likely 980 silver. This piece has a two pronged clip fastener. From his first design period.
This design, in a different size, (there were four sizes made) graces the cover of "Mexican Silver".
Measures 2 5/8" x 1 5/8".
Signed and hallmarked with the WS Print Circle (Spratling Made in Mexico), Spratling Silver, and the eagle assay 1...
Maestro Velazquez is one of my favorite early Mexican silversmiths. Based on the hallmarks on his work, he was most probably based in Mexico City and his creations are almost always in the so-called Mexico City style of repousse. Very well made and carefully finished, this figural fish brooch is also characterized by a fun, cartoon-ish air that will put a smile on your face every day of the year...
This 1940's Los Castillo necklace is a magnificent showpiece. Likely designed by Margot van Voorhies Carr / Margot de Taxco, It's composed of twenty one double leaf panels which are connected by rivets, creating a necklace which lays perfectly on the neck. Quite substantial, weighing 176.8 grams. Measures a closed, wearable length of 15 1/2", with a width of 1". Signed and hallmarked with the early linear marks "Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Mexico", and the design # 124...
Circa 1930's - 1940's, this early Mexican necklace is an absolute work of art...
This hand-wrought Mexican necklace dates to pre-1948,
It's an exquisite piece with highly detailed silver work, and it looks beautiful on. Measuring 36" in length, the two sides can clip together about 4" from each end.
Signed and hallmarked on the bottom of each ball "S.D. Hecho en Mexico 0.925".
Weight is 80.5 grams.
In excellent vintage condition.
Dating in the first period of the Los Ballesteros workshop but after their 1941 move from Iguala to Taxco, this combination pin / pendant is an "archaeologically inspired" piece. A multitude of techniques come together in the creation of the figural scene that dominates here. Azur malachite inlay provides the canvas within which the combined copper and silver praying (?) figure is laid in. Surrounding all this, the sterling silver frame is embellished with overlay, oxidation and pyramid-shaped c...
This quality bracelet in sterling silver and 14K gold measures 6 1/2" x 1/2". Each link is slightly convex and has a floral design. The back is marked SYMMETALIC STERLING + 14K. It is in excellent condition.