Catalog: Archives: Estate Jewelry (467)

Difficult to find, especially with its hourglass charm still attached to it, one of Margot's most sought-after, avidly collected, time-themed bracelets. I love the fleshiness of the Roman numerals and the architectural quality of the hourglass charm itself - please not the "beading" that represents the sand in it...

Italian-born Gulielmo Cini arrived in the States when he was 17 years old and in 1922, started creating jewelry based on Classical and Renaissance Revival themes in Boston, MA. His pieces are considered among the best American examples and are sought after and enjoyed to our day...

A very rare piece to find, this long sterling necklace bears the signature of "La Azteca", about whom almost nothing was known until now - please refer to my blog at vintagemexicansilver...

Not very frequently coming up this is a fun Antonio Pineda ring, which I would date in the 1960s! I have never come upon this design before but I think it is related to the gorgeous silver and pearls "Knot" necklace pictured on p. 190 of "Silver Seduction", the catalogue to Pineda's big retrospective exhibition at UCLA's Fowler Museum in 2008/09. I find the complicated, thick wire knots on the face very intriguing and definitely different...

One of Margot's most famous designs the "Swans" comes in two forms - the one a little more stylized / minimalist than the other but both a dream to wear and behold. Just take a look at the sculpturality of the flawless repoussage in this pair; the elegant way the birds lower their head toward their chests; the profusion of detail in the feathers; and the way the patina accentuates the three-dimensional effect of the design. The earrings measure 1 3/8" tall by 7/8" wide (at their widest)...

Using a combination of azurite and malachite the Los Castillo taller created a fantastic line of jewelry based on the almost lost ancient Aztec art of stone inlay. The charm bracelet here is a fantastic example of the technique and one of the most interesting "Mozaico Azteca" pieces by the Castillos I have encountered. The Greek key links are connected with flexible, sturdy hinges and the stone mosaic is done in warm, earthy colors with accents of deep blue and greens...

Created by Michelsen in 1940 to honor the birthday of Princess Marguerethe the "Daisies" line is one of the most avidly collected among fans of Danish jewelry and Michelsen afficionados alike. The necklace presented here is the best example of "Daisies" necklaces I have seen, combining the sterling and vermeil white enamel flowers in five groups of three and finishing with an appropriately delicate chain. Equally suited for a young girl and for all romantic females its light-heartedness i...

In my opinion one of the best maestros in the art of repoussage, Jose Anton created both holloware and jewelry and was among the first Taxco Renaissance silversmiths. His work has never disappointed me - very creative designs, confident repousse and beautifully combined silver and stones elevate his pieces above the level of most of his contemporaries. I have seen the bracelet at hand with amethyst as well but I find that the onyx ascribes a certain kind of classiness to the design...

Rare Penti Sarpaneva 830 silver ring this is a stunning piece. Multi-layered and very impressive it is topped by a "lace" type flat-top pyramid and has excellent patina. The ring is currently a sz 6.5 but it's adjustable due to its open shank. Its face measures 1 3/8" square and it will rise approx. 7/16" off the finger when worn. It weighs 18.2 grams and is fully signed as shown, dating in 1972.

Matching the set of sterling cufflinks that are also currently available in my inventory, a Margot de Taxco equestrian brooch in superb repousse with depth enhanced by gorgeous patina and Margot's signature quality in the design's execution. It measures 2 1/4" wide by 1" tall and weighs 12.1 grams. Fully signed with her name, a not so well stamped Eagle mark (should be Eagle 16) as well as with des. no 5160 the brooch dates in the 1950s-60s and is in excellent vintage condition.

Slick, minimalist and yet so eye-catching, a pair of Margot de Taxco silver and enamel earrings with distinctive trapezoidal dangles. Just note the way the silver polka dots jump out of the white enamel background! The earrings measure 1 3/8" long by just over 1" wide (at their widest) and weigh 18.4 grams (for the set). Fully hallmarked as shown with Margot's name as well as Eagle 16 and des. no 5586 and in excellent vintage condition.

Unmistakeably Deco in its combination of warmly aged silver and black onyx stones an early Frederic Davis set comprised of necklace and matching bracelet - and what a treat it is to the discerning lover of vintage jewelry and the devoted collector alike! Clean yet powerful in its geometry design, a celebration of the chiaroscuro in the contrast between glistening metal and dark stone, it is not by mere accident that Davis's demis remain unabashedly contemporary and are avidly sought after...

The most stunning example of Mozaico Azteca jewelry I have ever seen, this necklace is literally a dream-come-true! There is not one thing about it that I don't love; the color of the stones used is saturated and richly varied; the silver work is substantial - not a flimsy piece, that is for sure; and the way it hugs the neck and sits perfectly in place is beyond description. This is a true choker size necklace, ideal for smaller to medium sizes...

Early 20th c. Chinese silver and carved jade bracelet, this is a classic export piece wit its floral enamels having an almost Art Nouveau air about them. Executed in black, cobalt blue and iron red the florals look like irises to me and they are definitely an unusual motif when it comes to vintage Chinese pieces of the same period. The jadeite plaque that adorns the central link is held in position with prongs...

Stunning Rivera fringe necklace this is an early piece based on Matilde Poulat's original design with the quality of materials and craftsmanship that characterize Rivera's work. A fantastic alternative to Matl's creation, it wears like a dream and is a veritable feast for the eyes. Its inner circumference is 15" (clasped) and it is 1 1/2" wide (including the amethyst dangles)...

Vintage assembled set of Antonio Pineda bracelets in a mod, minimalist design that features deeply carved semi-spheres out of each bangle's perimeter, with the empty areas oxidized to add drama to an otherwise simple form. I am very partial to sets of bangles and this pair wears comfortably with its discrete musicality reminding you of its presence. The bangles have an inner circumference of 8" and their width is 1/4"...

An astounding example of Hector Aguilar's design acumen this is a majestic "New Maguey" necklace. Thick, absolutely perfectly hand-cut 940 silver sheet in a design based on Mexico's rich Maya and Aztec cultural heritage with hidden hinges and a substantial chain. One of Aguilar's classic book pieces and a spectacular necklace to own and proudly wear! With an inner circumference of 14 1/2" (clasped) this is a true choker for smaller to medium necks...

I am thrilled to present this small wonder of Matilde Poulat's, an early hair comb with the maestra's signature repousse and bezel set jewels. In this case, the stones are one amethyst and two faux turquoise cabs positioned in a pyramid shape right at the comb's center...