For a few years around WWII and possibly up to 1950, Marcel Boucher had a special line of silver jewelry made in Mexico under the name "Parisina". I don't think we know which workshop produced those pieces or whether they were made by a number of different silversmiths. I can, however, say that Parisina jewelry ranges from the very light-weight to the chunkier, more substantial examples and that the same variety is also reflected in their designs...

Four large heavy sterling silver links set with oval cabochon Amethyst stones create a spectacular bracelet by the famous Fred (Frederick) Davis. Each link measures 2 1/4" by 1 3/4" with a total length of 7". Very heavy at 116 grams. Hallmarked with the joined FD, Silver Mexico. Pin closure. Nice condition, with light wear, tarnish. This is a seldom seen bracelet and a wonderful treasure for the collector.

The busy, ever-changing worlds of the bottom of the sea and the shores of tranquil lakes unfold themselves in the carefully worked repousse silver frames surrounding the chunky turquoise "rocks" that adorn this early 20th c. Chinese necklace and earrings set. I never cease to be amazed at the amount of minute detail Chinese silversmiths were able to condense into such small spaces without ever losing the crispness of each motif...

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.

This rare and beautiful bracelet by the famous Matilde Poulat features two silver repousse Doves at the center set with Turquoise, Coral and Amethyst stones with side links set with small Turquoise. Measures 7" long by 2" wide at the front and weighs 78.1 grams. Early hallmark of MATL in script with Hecho en Mexico, 0.925. It has not been polished and shows age related tarnish. A superb bracelet and a rare find.

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...

Born in Florence, Italy but spending her life as a designer and silversmith in Lima, Peru, Graziella Laffi found inspiration in the art of her adopted country's old civilizations, respectfully situating ancient motifs in her own, mid-century context. Laffi is habitually referred to by all who loyally collect her work as "the Spratling of Peru", a parallel that bespeaks the originality of her work and the quality of the jewelry, hollowware and decorative items she created...

My second M Velazquez silver brooch for the day, this Mexican Deco repousse "portrait" I have never had (nor, I believe, seen) before. As opposed to the first figural pin, here the "sitter" is shown in profile, his likeness set in a raised frame against a stippled background. Velazquez's repoussage can be very dramatic and in the piece at hand it is also enhanced by deep chasing and oxidation which brings out the sculpturality of the face and the impressive headdress...

A figural repousse Mexican Deco brooch in sterling silver this "portrait" piece bears the signature of early Mexico City maestro M. Velazquez. Over the years of my love affair with vintage Mexican silver jewelry, I have come to know and appreciate Velazquez's work for its "earthiness", its craftsmanship and the interesting designs he created. The specific "mask" motif I have had a few times in the past in necklace, ring and brooch forms but always anonymous...

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...

An early Mexican Deco bracelet, made in Mexico City as indicated by its hallmarks, this massive piece is as well-crafted as it is impressive. Impressive might even be an understatement, actually. Though it is true that vintage Mexican silver jewelry is not of the delicate, demure kind, even after so many years of researching, buying and selling them, I find myself at a loss for words when a piece like this shows up...

Glowing with the patina of time that adds precious depth to recesses of the design, this vintage Los Castillo repousse brooch has a more romantic air about it than most of their work. I love the combination of twists and twirls with the stylized "trumpet" flowers at the top and even though the elements which have been called into service here are definitely floral, I can't stop seeing the eyes of a night owl staring back at me in wise contemplation...

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...

One of my favorite female designers of Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance (and admittedly, they aren't so many to begin with), Carmen Beckmann was a rather flexible maestra, able to create in many different styles. using a variety of materials. Her jewelry can be massive and jaw-dropping but quite as easily delicate and more sophisticated...

A multi-talented award-winning artist, Arno Malinowski worked for Georg Jensen for several years and created some iconic designs for the company. His most popular pieces are brooches wrought in sterling and inspired by the natural world - deer, birds, dolphins, alone or in delicately depicted foliage, their bodies rendered with such sensitivity, one feels compelled to constantly run one's fingers over them. The bird portrayed in the brooch at hand is illustrative of what I am trying to say...

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...

Classic Antonio Pineda bangle bracelet wrought in the maestro's favorite, .970 fine silver alloy with deep notches all around it that appear more dramatic thanks to the intentionally applied oxidation. There is something about Antonio's jewelry that bring them close to your heart as soon as you first see them and this piece is no exception. Enjoy it alone or, if you are lucky enough, add it to the stack of his bangles you already have. The bracelet has an inner circumference of 7 3/4" (2 1/2" i...

Often referred to as the "Spratling of Peru", Italian-born Graziella Laffi came to be associated with the country's most innovative design in jewelry and hollowware in the 1950s. Just like Spratling did in Mexico, Laffi turned to Peru's rich archeological past and its vibrant folk culture for inspiration. Her re-interpretations of ancient Inca motifs in silver, copper and enamel are avidly sought after by collectors today for their creative spirit and exceptional craftsmanship. The long dangle e...