Perfect for those breezy nights by the beach, this vintage Mexican silver Carmen Beckmann brooch is shaped like a starfish (some see it as a sea anemone too) and centered by a turquoise of the softest sea foam color. I love Beckmann jewelry - when she was inspired, she created some amazing pieces. Simple yet not simplistic, the almost abstract a-symmetry of the silver work is reflected in the shape of the stone...

These very rare earrings from Margot de Taxco are a curled ribbon design, with synthetic pink tourmaline stones dangling below. The stones are a star cut, and they are gorgeous. Measuring 2" tall and 15/16" wide, these show up beautifully. Signed and hallmarked "Margot de Taxco 5429 Sterling Made in Mexico", with the eagle assay 16. They have been converted professionally to clips, and they are super comfortable to wear and very secure. Weight is 26.1 grams. In excellent vintage condition.

Stunning Los Castillo "doorknocker" dangle earrings, these beauties are breath-taking and beguilingly curvaceous. I love this design and it has been a long time since I had a similar set. Sensual curves, sculptural teardrops, discrete little scrolls and confident, masterful repoussage - there is nothing about the pair that was not paid attention to. Even the concave round elements that hide the screw-back at the earrings' top have been enhanced with oxidation...

Hand-hammered silver reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts movement and a jade bead that brings to mind ancient Aztec and Maya jewelry combine in this sterling silver ring by the Los Castillo. The specific design does not come up very often. In all my years of buying and selling vintage Mexican jewelry I have only had two examples - the second one being the one offered here...

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...

Today we have a vintage Mexican silver parure made by Maestro Sigi Pineda. Sigi has had a long career in handmade jewelry within the Spratling era. His work is heavy, made with excellent stones as this parure also has. The obsidian is extreme sheen on the necklace and you may see silver dots that sparkle on the other pictures which is the camera reacting to the sheen in less light. There is no damage of any kind and this modernist design is a basic to wear with anything...

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...

One of Taxco's most famous modernists Sigi Pineda was also a very prolific designer and at his best moments, truly inspired. I am used to seeing minimalist, fluid pieces by him and the brooch at hand, wrought in sterling silver and adorned with a teardrop-shaped obsidian, is the result of a good moment indeed...

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...

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".

Impressive takes on a whole different meaning when the work of the Los Castillo taller is concerned - and the wide, exuberantly vibrant floral and foliate repousse bracelet I am presenting here proves the point. Continuing in the 1940s’ spirit that called for designs derived from nature in jewelry production, this piece is a celebration of everything verdant - organic in an unexpected way, full of movement, reaching for the sunlight, twisting and twirling with the wind...

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...

One of the best lapidaries in Taxco’s jewelry history, Felipe Martinez created amazing jewelry in many styles. The classy sterling silver and azur-malachite earrings at hand follow the “mozaico Azteca” line that was introduced by the Los Castillo workshop. Rich, dark blues, understated safe and a breath-taking splash of electric green come together in the stone inlay held securely in the most minimal “gypsy” setting...

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...

Sold through Plateria Cortes this Taxco mid-century silver and stone necklace is signed by Enrique Ledesma and indeed considered a classic example of the Mexican modernist. Ledesma excelled in the marriage of sterling and semi-precious or hard stones is sleek, minimalist designs so his jewelry has a timeless appeal and is very much relevant today as it was when it first saw the day of light. It seems that here we have two kinds of stones, both of them in hues of green and brown, set in channels ...

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 bracelet is the work of Felipe Martinez / Piedra Y Plata. Martinez, who had worked with Hubert Harmon in the 1940's, opened his shop "Piedra Y Plata" in 1950. Before opening his shop Martinez had been an expert sculptor. Features six dense green stones and a superb modernist design, Martinez was known for selecting spectacular stones, and this bracelet does not disappoint. Measures a closed, wearable length of 6 3/8", with a width of 11/16". Closure is a tight and s...

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. Interest...

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...

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.

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...

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. The color of ...

Stern and solemn, a gorgeous example of classic Mexican Deco lapidary work, the chrysoprase “mask” centering the silver pendant at hand looks dignified and at ease, completely unaffected by the weight of its ornate headdress. The hefty, entirely hand-wrought chain that accompanies it is, I believe, original to the necklace and perfectly reflects the pendant’s heaviness. Signed by one of Taxco’s “less celebrated” maestros, those listed in the relevant literature yet still unidentified...

One of Taxco's foremost modernists, Enrique Ledesma was also an accomplished lapidary and his slick, mid-century jewelry often feature a seamless marriage of silver with semi-precious and other stones. In the bracelet presented here, the green inlay is ridged and discreetly held in its sterling setting creating a row of elongated shield-shaped links that moves smoothly and easily conforms to the wrist. Lovely patina, beautiful color variation and a great signature make this a must-have for your ...

These Antonio Pineda earrings are a rare find. Collector quality, these are absolutely exquisite with a stunning modernist design. They have great movement and hang nice and long at 3". Screw backs work perfectly. Weight is 19.1 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco crown, eagle assay 208. In excellent vintage condition with no issues whatsoever.

Rare and absolutely without equal when it comes to enamel work, this sterling silver pin measures approx 1 7/8 inches, is hallmarked 925 S Sterling Norway on the back, attributed to either David Andersen or Ivar Holt (maker's mark hard to read, may be an H in a circle). Pin in perfect working order. Shiny light green (similar to celadon green) enamel all in perfect condition. This pin was produced 1950s-60s and was made in 9 colors: black, white, light green, dark green, yellow, red, cobalt ...

With hallmarks dating 1953-1962, this pin was produced by Hector Aguilar.

This is an outstanding piece, and one which I have never seen before. This gorgeous bird has at it's center a large round bezel-set onyx cabochon. Open-back repoussé silver tail feathers, win, and head extend from the center.

Measures 3 3/16" long, 1 5/8" wide.

Weight is 19.6 grams.

Signed and hallmarked .940 HA Taxco along with the eagle assay 9.

In excellent vintage...

This mid-century pin is the work of Los Castillo. It's a striking modernist design which is composed of two pieces connected with a rivet. The bottom hands and body swings freely with movement. Hand-wrought with intricate detail.

Measures 2 3/4" x 1 3/8".

Weight is 17.3 grams.

Signed and hallmarked "Los Castillo Taxco", with the eagle assay 15 and the design # 136.

In excellent vintage condition. Pin closes with a rolling C clasp.

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. All other pieces in the parure (necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings) can be found relatively easi...

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. A bracelet which will not fail to be immediately noticed, and one which is pure luxe. It's a book-piece design which is shown on page 52 of Gobi Stromberg's "Silver Seduction : The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda", it's referred to as "Bracelet with spheres framed by oppo...

Rings by Victoria of Taxco, one of the few ladies of Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance that are known to us, are such rare finds, they actually touch upon the impossible. If one is really lucky, one might find a shadowbox example from her "angel" parure but I have never before seen a "mask" ring with her signature. Yet here it is - the black onyx "mask" set in elaborate sterling worked such as to represent a headdress and breastplate. Deeply etched and oxidized lines add detail while also best...

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. Width is 1/2".

Substantial in weight, at 90.3 grams.

Signed and hallmarked ".940 HA Taxco Mexico", with the eagle assay 9.

In excellent vintage conditio...

Beautiful vintage 1960s modernist sterling silver trefoil signed pendant by Danish maker Hans Hansen, on a separately made thick sterling silver shaped collar with a hand hammered finish. The pendant is marked HANS HANSEN 925S DENMARK and the collar is marked STERLING S. The pendant is very finely made and finished. The pendant is 2 3/4 inches long and 1 7/8 inches wide. It weighs 29 grams. The collar has a wearable length of 15 inches, including the gap, which is 1 1/2 inches. The collar weighs...

Nice and long at 27 1/2", this mid-century Antonio Pineda pendant necklace features a starburst design pendant with turquoise colored stones. The pendant itself measures 2 1/2" tall, just under 2" wide. Both pendant and chain are marked with with Antonio Taxco crown, and the chain can be worn on its own or with another pendant. Please see pics for additional hallmarks. Weight is 50.5 grams. In excellent vintage condition. On Consignment.

I love pearls and when they are nested in an Antonio Pineda fine silver modernist setting, I consider myself in heaven! All the more so when it’s three glorious, softly shimmering pearls we are talking about. Graduated in size and each one a different hue, they are comfortably sitting in their precious channel, as if their only concern is to showcase the variety of nacre colors. The ring is a sz 8 1/2 US and 7/16” wide. It weighs 12.2 grams and is signed with Antonio's crown as shown alongs...

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. Always beautifully executed, his repoussage has good sculpturality and finishing and his jewelry, albeit not as heavy as those of the big talleres, has the weight necessary to impa...

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. So much so that today, when one thinks of Mexican enamel jewelry, one un...

Circa mid-century, this is a gorgeous sleek modernist bracelet from Antonio Pineda.

Composed of ten thick circle links, this is a truly remarkable piece. It feels as good on the wrist as it looks, heavy and luxurious, fluid and flexible. Closure is a tight and secure tongue in box. Safety chain is original to the piece.

Measures a closed, wearable length of 7 1/4", with a width of 3/4". Thickness/depth is just over 1/4.

Weight is 94.8 grams.

Signe...

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. It also has a completely seamless appear...

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.

Circa mid-century, here is an iconic book-piece design from Margot van Voorhies Carr, who shop and work is known as Margot de Taxco.

Margot's design # 5554 is an exquisite and intricately detailed hand wrought serpent bracelet. Melange enamel sits within tiny scales in the segmented articulated links. the snake head has black enamel eyes and a forked tongue sticks out from his open mouth.

Measures a closed, wearable length of 6 5/8", with a width in front of 1 1/2" from the...

*On Hold* This mid-century masterpiece from Talleres de Los Ballesteros is a book-piece design shown on p. 227 of Warman's Jewelry 3rd Edition. It's an iconic bracelet, with gorgeous faceted amethysts and incised stars which are oxidized in the recesses. The amethysts sit high in four pronged settings. Opens wide to easily fit over the wrist and closes with a tight and secure tongue in box clasp. Closed, interior length is 6 3/4", with a 1 3/4" width. Weight is 122.3 grams. A very subst...

This mid-century Antonio Pineda necklace is a book-piece design, shown with amethysts on p.119 of Silver Seduction. With a wearable length of 16", this is a sleek modernist piece which lays beautifully on the neck. Looks and feels luxurious, with a weight of 152 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco crown, eagle assay 2, Mexico 925 AMC. In excellent vintage condition. Width in front is 1 1/2".

Circa mid-century, this is a very rarely seen design by Antonio Pineda. Museum quality, this piece is shown in Gobi Stromberg's Silver Seduction : The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda, p.141. It's a heavy wide bracelet which is intertwined with two designs. One is Pre-Columbian, and the other is said to have been inspired by the cave drawings of Lascaux. Hinged on one side, this piece swings open wide to easily fit over the wrist, and clasps with a tight and perfect tongue in box. ...

Circa mid-century, this ring was produced by Antonio Pineda. It's a thick and substantial ring, with a superb modernist twist design. Hand-wrought with 970 silver, the center design appears to be gold plating over brass, providing a gorgeous contrast. Measures a size 7 3/4, but a jeweler can easily adjust the size slightly smaller or larger. Weight is 11.8 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco crown, the eagle assay 17, 970, and Hecho en Mexico Silver. In excellent v...

Here is a mid-century pendant/brooch and earrings set by Margot de Taxco. It's a book-piece design shown on p.70 of "Margot Van Voorhies : The Art of Mexican Enamelwork". It's a standout set in blue and white enamel, and the contrast of colors really makes the design pop. I've never come across this particular set and it is really stunning. The pin doubles as a pendant with the loop in back, and if wearing as a pendant the pin is cleverly hidden in the back. The pendant/pin measures 2 1...

Offered on consignment..... This supremely rare mid-century Salvador Teran piece is featured both on the cover and p. 131 of "William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance". It is a beautiful pin which doubles as a pendant, and it is paired with a custom made hand-wrought sterling silver Navajo chain. Dimensions are 2 3/4" tall, 2 1/16" wide. Chain measures a closed, wearable length of 17 1/2". Weight of pendant / pin is 33.7 grams. Chain is 51.4 grams. Total weight is 85.1...

Circa mid-century, here is a Margot de Taxco zodiac pendant bracelet with Taurus the Bull. It's her design #s 5310 and 5233, and it's collector quality. It's a heavy, chunky, absolutely beautiful bracelet and one which shows up beautifully on the wrist. Closed wearable length is 6 5/8". Taurus charm/pendant measures 1 13/16 to the top of the bale, 1 9/16" wide. Weight is 97 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Margot de Taxco 5310 Sterling Made in Mexico", with the eagle assay 16 on t...

Circa mid-century, this Antonio Pineda amethyst bracelet is a book piece design, known as "Architectural Cuff with Amethyst Closure".

Shown in both "William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance" and "Silver Seduction The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda", this piece is an extraordinary example of the brilliant work put forth by Antonio. It's a superb modernist cuff bracelet, sleek and chunky, and it looks stunning on the wrist. To open you simply push down on the amethy...

Amazing vintage Antonio Pineda Mexico necklace featuring a silver and onyx layered pendant on a thick black silk velvet cord, with matching silver balls on the ends of the cord. Circa 1950 or 1960. Marked with the crown shaped Antonio Taxco mark, also marked HECHO EN MEXICO, 970, design letters/numbers YY 634, and with the eagle assay mark. It weighs 52 grams. The pendant slides along the cord, which is very soft and drapes beautifully once tied, with the weight of the silver balls on the ends. ...

Circa mid-century, this modernist Mexican bib necklace is the work of "MGI". It's an Antonio Pineda design, and this piece matches the quality and construction perfectly. This necklace has seventeen polished onyx crescents, and it certainly makes a statement. A very substantial piece, weighing 131.3 grams. Very difficult to accurately measure the closed, wearable length, but I would say about 15". The drop in front is 3". Signed and hallmarked "MGI Taxco Mexico 970", and a bottle sh...

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. T...

Felipe Martinez opened his shop, "Piedra Y Plata" in 1950. A former sculptor who had worked with Hubert Harmon in the 1940's, Martinez was known for his work with beautiful stones which melded seamlessly into his silver designs. This bracelet features five chrysocolla stones with a trapezoidal shape alternating with concave silver panels. Closure is a tight and secure tongue in box, with a safety chain. The stones are absolutely gorgeous, with various shades of green and copper. The silver is...

Produced by Enrique Ledesma, this bracelet features four large golden sheen obsidian stones which seem to glow from within. The alternating repoussé silver panels have oxidized recesses, and the tongue in box closure is tight and perfect. Original safety chain is attached. This will fit up to a 6 1/4" wrist. The width is 15/16". Weight is 54.6 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Ledesma Plateria Cortes 925 Taxco Hecho en Mexico", with the eagle assay 6 and design # 401. In excellent vintage co...

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.

Felipe Martinez opened his shop, "Piedra Y Plata" in 1950. A former sculptor who had worked with Hubert Harmon in the 1940's, Martinez was known for his work with beautiful stones which melded seamlessly into his silver designs. This bracelet is an exquisite example of what he was known best for. It's a thick and substantial piece, with six silver panels - each having three sections of azurite stone inlay. This inlay work requires a great deal of time and skill, and the superb craftsmanship i...

Tone Vigland modernist sterling silver ring

Norway

Mid 20th century

Size - 6 1/2

Weight - 21 grams

Front - 1" x 1"

Hallmarks pictured

Excellent condition

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.

Signed by a listed but still unidentified Taxco maestro, this pair of exuberant sterling silver chandelier earrings is set with some of the most vibrant turquoise teardrops I have seen. Yet it is not just the stones that elevate it above and beyond your everyday earrings. The silver-work is equally gorgeous, the hand-cut and deeply chased frames given "body" with just a tad of repoussage and wisely applied oxidation. And did I mention that color in the turquoise??? Measuring 1 7/8" long (incl...

When it comes to classy Mexican jewelry, nobody can beat Margot de Taxco. Margot had that rare, innate ability to instinctively create elegant designs which defied the whims of fashion and remain as relevant today as they did when they first became available. The set of repousse earrings presented here is, I believe, a very good illustration of what I am trying to say. I have had pieces of her des. 5337 parure many times over the years and yet whenever I discover another example, I find myself e...