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...

One of the techniques the Los Castillo workshop pioneered, “pluma Azteca” uses dyed bird feathers as inlay to adorn jewelry and other decorative items. Quite impressive in their colorful vibrancy, the feathers can also be vulnerable, especially when they are left exposed, resulting in a rather small number of “pluma” jewelry having survived over the years. The articulated torque-type necklace at hand is a wonderful exception...

Impressively long and beguilingly slick with its glowing tapering dangles half-hiding a bullet-shaped piece of black onyx, this is one of Antonio Pineda’s most eye-catching set of earrings. Simple yet visually strong lines that re-affirm the philosophy of less-is-more in the world of adornment; smooth as silk, dancer-like motion; fleshy geometry (if you allow me the word combination), all come together and become a piece of wearable art in the hands of Mexico’s modernist magician...

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.

From his first design period, with hallmarks dating 1940- 46, this is a silver conch pin designed by William Spratling and featured in books on Mexican silver. Measuring 2 3/4" by 2", weighs 21 grams and is signed as shown. The pin clasp may have been replaced . One of Spratling's favorite designs.

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.....

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...

This mid-century bracelet is the work of Salvador Teran. It's a gorgeous modernist bracelet with two gold sheen obsidian stones set within eight point stars. Measures a closed, wearable length of 6 1/2" with a width of 1 1/2". Weight is 48.5 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Salvador Sterling Mexico", with the design # 156 and eagle assay 36. Collector quality. Closure is tight and secure, and original safety chain is present.

When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade and when it hands you an orphan cuff link, you have it converted into a ring. I have always been very partial to pieces of jewelry that would normally come in pairs but lost their partner over the course of their adventurous life...

Jewelry hosting carved stone hearts in silver settings was very popular in the Mexican Deco period. Teased out of jasper and agate and oftentimes even dyed calcite, the hearts are unfailingly curvaceous as if pulsing with life, their sculpturality shamelessly inviting the touch. The carvings usually dominate the piece with the silver-work providing discreet framing and even though the motif was taken up again in the post-1980 period, the later examples lack the vivacity of the old pieces...

Hallmarks date this Hector Aguilar necklace pre-1948. Detachable pendant is original to the V chain, and this piece is collector quality. A book piece in "Silver Masters of Mexico", there shown with an amethyst pendant. The pendant here is a dense green stone with swirls of various hues - absolutely gorgeous. Measures 15 1/2" without the tongue portion of the clasp. Pendant is 1 1/2" x 1 1/4". Signed and hallmarked on both chain and pendant with the conjoined HA, Taxco 940...

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...

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...

The combination of fine purity silver with silky, shimmering pearls is among my favorite when it comes to Antonio Pineda’s work. And the modernist floral brooch I am presenting here is a superb example not only of the renowned Taxco maestro’s exceptional sense of design but also of the quality of materials he used. I love the fluid, curvaceous body of the elongated “pod” and the tender forcefulness (I know, a contradiction in terms, right?) with which the stamens emerge out of it...

Hand-wrought in its entirety and a design that I have never encountered before, this early Mexican silver repousse necklace is an anonymous beauty. Its early date is attested to by the fact that it's strung on cotton thread (one of the earliest Aguilar "lyre" necklaces I sold was strung on cotton as well) and has a spring ring clasp. Not signed for maker nor metal content or origin, it is adorned by an elongated cascabela attached to the central station in an adorable yet naive way...

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...

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...

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"....

Originally a painter who in the 1930s moved to Mexico to participate in the country’s cultural scene, Bernice Goodspeed quickly moved into designing and selling her own jewelry out of the store she and her fellow-artist husband Carl Pappe opened in Taxco. Bernice’s work does not come up often and I am very excited to have found this repousse necklace by her. The rose links, very reminiscent of the classic “Rosas de Mexico” that often adorn cuffs by Sanborn’s and Maciel, are at the same...

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. The set of figural earrings presented here, wrought in sterling silver with overlay and hand-etched details, is a small work of wearable art that...

A rare hand wrought modernist link bracelet and matching earrings in Sterling Silver by the well respected jewelry teacher and author, Philip Morton. He is the author of the book "Contemporary Jewelry" where he demonstrates jewelry making techniques and highlights talented and noteworthy artisans. He helped found the Society of North American Goldsmiths in 1968.

Bracelet measures 7 1/4" long and 5/8" at the widest. Hook closure fastens securely. Links are connected with wires ending in s...

These Antonio Pineda earrings have a silver wave design with emerald cut amethysts. Bearing the "Silver by Tono" hallmark which was used 1948-1953, this deco design is rarely seen. Each earring features four channel set amethyst gemstones, all well matched in color. The repoussé silver settings require the most skilled of silversmiths. Exquisitely crafted and oh so elegant. Measures 1" x 7/8". Signed and hallmarked "Silver by Tono", "Made in Mexico", with the eagle assay 17. Weight ...

Fortuno Mota, a talented Taxco maestro who in the 1950s and 1960s produced many of Antonio Pineda’s pieces, signs this stunning set of modernist dangle earrings. Crafted in Antonio’s signature fine .970 alloy, the pair reminds me of slender flutes as they elegantly hang off geometric stations with stone inlay. The inlay and the beads in which the dangles end seem to be made of azur-malachite with the second component responsible for the predominantly green and brown hues. When the set came t...

Symbols of fertility, rebirth, transformation and even immortality snakes and serpents have been favorite jewelry motifs through the centuries and across civilizations. In this Mexican Deco demi signed by the Los Castillo they are formed by silver, copper and brass, their slick bodies coiled around shimmering golden sheen obsidian. This is one of the best examples of the technique I have seen by the Los Castillo - probably because I love snake jewelry. Yet how could I say otherwise? Just look at...

This past year seems to have been a Carmen Beckmann year for One Good Eye Silver. And even though I cannot claim it was because of planning, it has not been entirely out of luck either. One of the few female contributors to Mexico’s 20th c Silver Renaissance that we know of, Beckmann’s jewelry are works of a confident designer, impeccably finished and at her best moments, incredibly creative as well. In the ring presented here I see a marrying of ancient motifs and modernist sensitivity as t...

This pendant is the work of Mexican modernist Salvador Teran. It's a unique design, bold and edgy, with a great deal of depth and dimension.

Measures 3" tall including the bail, 1" wide.

Weight is 46.9 grams including the chain. Pendant alone is 32.1 grams.

Pendant signed and hallmarked "Salvador Sterling Mexico", with the design # 140. The pendant came to me hanging from this sterling silver box link chain, and I don't believe it's original to the piece. It...

This mid-century necklace by Gerardo Lopez is executed in 980 silver.

It's a spectacular piece showcasing the exquisite repoussé craftsmanship that makes this maestro's work so sought after. It's fluid and flexible and lays perfectly on the neck.

Measures a closed, wearable length of 20". The centerpiece is 5 1/8" wide, 4 1/2" tall.

Weight is 108.6 grams.

Signed and hallmarked "Lopez Taxco Hecho en Mexico 980" with the eagle assay 25.

In ...

Offered on consignment................

This mid-century necklace from Antonio Pineda is both spectacular and exceedingly rare.

Composed of twenty-one amethyst bars which are hand-cut and polished, the stones are perfectly matched in color with natural inclusions and quartz marbling. Each amethyst gemstone sits in an L shaped 970 silver panel. The modernist zig zag design creates an absolutely stunning necklace. Collector quality.

Measures a closed, wearable lengt...

Glistening caramel golds and molten browns dominate in this Cecilia Tono Mexican modernist bang ring. This is one of my favorite Taxco collaborations - the jewelry that came out of it slick and inventive with the highest quality of craftsmanship and the best of materials. There is nothing excessive about this ring - except maybe the heftiness of its oxidized setting - yet it immediately attracts the eye and holds the gaze captive with its liquid warmth and its generous width. The ring is a comfo...

Graciously aged sterling silver, green stone inlay and warmly glowing copper combine in this Enrique Ledesma Mexican modernist necklace. Ledesma is a favorite Taxco maestro of mine - his modernism is soft and close to the heart; his designs emphasizing gently curving lines that are only enhanced by the richness of earth colors his inlays come in. The elements in the piece at hand are well known to the lover of the maestro’s jewelry yet the addition of the copper “animal teeth” leads to a w...

Every now and again, I will bump into a piece of Mexican jewelry incorporating an ancient artifact. Be that clay masks, carved little effigies or beads, they are always a treat and a source of great excitement. And when that piece is also signed by one of the big Taxco workshops, like the bracelet at hand, then it’s a real holiday! Out of their “mixed metals” line, this Los Castillo silver, brass and copper hinged bracelet is literally built around an amazing, silky smooth agate bead. Dark...

Offered on consignment............. This mid-century creation from Plateria FarFan is crazy killer gorgeous. The necklace measures 15 1/2", with the centerpiece 4 1/2" wide and 1 9/16" tall. Seven large pendulum shaped amethysts are set in reflective curved silver panels. The matching earrings measure 2 1/8" tall.

It's a magnificent collector quality set, and one rarely seen. This is the necklace to wear when you want to be noticed as it is certain to be the focal point of any o...

Timelessly elegant this vintage Mexican silver Carmen Beckmann ring features a “toi et moi” design with two sparkling color-change sapphires in substantial crown settings. This is a more “demure” Beckmann, if I am allowed the use of the word in this context, reaching for a classic look with clean, lean lines and minimal adornment. It is the two gemstones that take center stage here with their deep burgundy-turn-to-steely-purple color as the light changes while the discreet silver work su...

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

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...

Extraordinary huge vintage sterling and coral ring by Zuni Edith Tsatbetsaye who is most well known for her stunning petit point jewelry. There are 25 individually bezel set stones and this coral is the remarkable deep blood red color . The ring is a size 9 and measures 7/8" long and 1 1/8" wide in the front. It is plain in the back so could be sized. Weighing a solid 18 grams, it is in fine original condition. There are no missing stones and no chips or cracks to any stone. Signed as shown. A...

Expertly crafted vintage sterling cuff bracelet from the Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild which was formed in 1941 under the auspices of the U.S. Government’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board and the Navajo Tribal authority to help young Navajo silversmiths learn from the masters in order to preserve the quality of classic Navajo silver work. This fine cuff has precise and intricate stamping . Measuring 5 1/2" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening, it is 7/8" wide and weighs 58 grams...

Wonderful deep carving on this sterling silver bracelet, signed by artist, titled "The Bear", 1970s era. Measures 1 1/8" deep, is 6 1/4" on the outside, with a gap of 1 3/8", and is slightly flexible. In the traditional Northwest Coast form, the bracelet is curved, with abstracted form lines creating a cultural figure, in this case, a bear. The work is especially fine, very deep carving with cross hatching and detailing over the entire surface. The eye forms have hammered surfaces, all visib...

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. A stippled and oxidized background accentuates the raised, warmly glowing elements of the design, bringing to the fore in ...

A symbol of good luck, abundance and contentment the “laughing Buddha” medallions adorning the links of this Chinese silver bracelet are carved out of turquoise and have rich detail. Slightly graduated in size the are held against classic Deco tight mesh panels overlaid with filigree tendrils, tiny beading and delicate plants in full bloom. The stone’s blueish green hue soothes the eye and its natural matrix enhances the medallions’ sculpturality. The bracelet has an inner circumference ...

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...

Stunning in its towering smokey brilliance, this minimalist solitaire by Carmen Beckmann is a modernist Mexican beauty! Based in San Miguel de Allende Beckmann is reported to have started her activity a little later than the big Mexico City and Taxco workshops with most of her pieces dating in the 1950s and 1960s. In the ring at hand, the generously sized faceted gem is raised above a substantial geometric shank, held in place with sterling prongs in a crown-style setting. The stone has the colo...

Extraordinary and bold, this Spratling design was created & hallmarked c. 1951. In exquisite condition with 70 years of unpolished patina, the pin measures 3 3/4" X 2 3/4" & weighs 40 grams. The carved, heart shaped obsidian stone hangs freely and catches light beautifully. Hallmarked WS and SPRATLING OF MEXICO. A Spratling sketch of this pin is included in the Portfolio of Spratling Drawings.

Less-is-more is definitely the way Carmen Beckmann chose to go with this vintage Mexican sterling silver and amethyst ring. Set in a disk adorned with overlay and oxidation, it brings to mind a perfectly round stone as it touches the water causing it to ripple. Easy to wear whatever the occasion and a beautiful example of Mexican modernist jewelry. Currently a sz 6 US (easily resizable by your jeweler) the ring has a face that is 7/8” in diameter and it weighs 8.3 grams. It is marked with make...

Elegant and romantic, this vintage Mexican silver and amethyst brooch bears the signature of Margot de Taxco, one of the few female designers of Mexico’s 20th c Silver Renaissance known to us today. Reflective of the 1940s trend towards jewelry inspired by nature, the brooch looks delicate and tender yet its silver-work is confident, substantial and perfectly finished. I love the soft curve of the floral stem and the way the amethyst bud rests serenely on the pierced leaf. Measuring 3” tall...

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. Simple does not mean simplistic! The earrings measure 3/4” square a...

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). ...

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. ...

A striking sterling cuff bracelet with an amazing textured design by Navajo Harvey Begay (1938- 2009). He is the son of noted silversmith Kenneth Begay. When a teenager, he worked alongside his father at the White Hogan Shop in Scottsdale, AZ. He opened his own shop in Steamboat Springs, CO. which he operated with his wife from 1972- 79. This cuff measures 6" around in the inside plus an additional 3/4" opening, so for a small wrist. It is 1 1/4" wide in the front and tapers to 1/2" at the ter...

Expertly crafted vintage sterling cuff bracelet from the Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild which was formed in 1941 under the auspices of the U.S. Government’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board and the Navajo Tribal authority to help young Navajo silversmiths learn from the masters in order to preserve the quality of classic Navajo silver work. This fine cuff has precise stamping around the entire middle. Measuring 5 1/2" around in the inside plus an additional 1" opening, it is 1/2" wide and weighs 40...

Beautiful vintage sterling handmade cuff bracelet signed H&H. The design and execution reflect the talent of a master jeweler but I have been unable to identify the hallmark. The bracelet measures 5 3/8" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening. It is 1 1/4" wide and weighs 76 grams. Signed H&H Handmade Sterling. Fine original condition. A mystery piece that is exquisite.

Circa 1940's, here is a huge conical amethyst ring from Hubert Harmon. An absolutely spectacular ring, one which instantly commands attention. It's a published book-piece, shown on page 190 of "Silver Masters of Mexico". The amethyst rises to almost 7/8" above the finger, and is surrounded by silver beading. The ring is adjustable, currently at a size 8. Weight is 23.2 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Hubert Harmon Sterling Mexico". Collector quality.

A rare sterling overscale hinged six panel bracelet in an overlapping petal motif by Danish Modernist Bent Knudsen. Each heavy gauge silver petal has a slightly concave design, is hinged and has a smooth edge. The clasp is an ingenious screw bolt. It measures 7 " end to end, is 2" wide and weighs a very substantial 138 grams. The scale and weight set this bracelet apart from all others of similar design. Fine original condition and signed and numbered as shown. A very bold, beautiful, powerful p...

A great vintage sterling pin by Frank Patania Sr. designed for the Southeast Arizona Sports Car Club. It was originally a car hood or grill ornament that a previous owner had made into a pin. Measures 3” long and wide and weighs 36 grams. It is signed as shown. No need to be a member of this club to love the pin!!

Expertly crafted vintage sterling cuff bracelet from the Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild which was formed in 1941 under the auspices of the U.S. Government’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board and the Navajo Tribal authority to help young Navajo silversmiths learn from the masters in order to preserve the quality of classic Navajo silver work. This fine cuff has precise and intricate chiseling and wonderful unusual stamping. Measuring 5 3/4" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening, it is...

Very rare and stunning vintage Georg Jensen Denmark sterling bracelet no. 181 designed by Ibe Dahlquist in the 60’s. The interlocking links are very sculptural and the clasp is invisible and ingenious. Measuring 7 1/2” end to end, it is 1” wide and weighs 58 grams. It is in fine original condition and signed as shown. This bracelet and its matching necklace are pictured on page 177 of Janet Drucker’s book GEORG JENSEN A TRADITION OF SPLENDID SILVER. Spectacular Modernist design.

Hallmarks date this Hector Aguilar Fertility necklace 1948-1962. Collector quality, this piece is superbly crafted and lays perfectly on the neck. Links are hand wrought, deeply carved, with oxidized recesses and a beautiful patina. Measures a closed, wearable length of 16 1/2". Signed and hallmarked ".940 HA Taxco Mexico", with the eagle assay 9. Weight is 70.8 grams. In excellent vintage condition.

Breathtakingly beautiful this vintage sterling silver cuff bracelet, Navajo or Southwestern based on the style, is one of those pieces that become heirlooms. Exceptionally well crafted, it is centered by a huge oval lace agate, the color of the stone showing at times powdery blue, at times light grey. Set in a fine saw-tooth bezel, the agate is surrounded by beading and beautiful, richly layered foliate and floral overlay. This is a signed piece, as you can see in the last photo, but I have not ...

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...

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...