A classic design in the vocabulary of early Deco Mexican silversmiths, the floral links that comprise this necklace consist of repousse heart-shaped petals in two rows and are centered by black glass cabochons. I have never seen this design in any of the forms it comes bearing a maker's signature. Whether it's a necklace, a brooch, earrings or a bracelet, these pieces are always simply marked for metal content and origin - like here...

A legendary name in the design and production of jewelry in this country, Napier has a long history that goes back into the 19th c.. The company's lines include both costume and sterling silver creations and their quality was such that jewelry with the Napier signature was worn by US beauty pageant queens as well as famous First Ladies. I am therefore thrilled to be able to present this very rare bracelet here. Crafted in sterling silver, its central figural link is comprised of three diff...

Much easier to wear than regular bangles, hinged two-part bracelets are fun and versatile since they lend themselves to combinations with similar pieces and allow you to create a different look each time you put them on. Spanning the Deco and mod periods of Mexican jewelry design, the assortment presented here is crafted of alloys that begin with your standard sterling and go up to almost pure, 990 silver...

I love the idea of combination pin/pendants - they make for such versatile jewelry and can prove a mainstay in a lady's jewelry box. And when they come with the signature of Matilde Poulat, especially an early one, it is very difficult to resist them! Like the big, impressive example here, in one of Matilde's signature designs studded with coral and turquoise...

The popularity of Matilde Poulat's jewelry and her exceptional creative genius prompted several of her contemporary maestros to emulate them - in fact, copies of her pieces are made to this day, some less "successful" than others. The ring at hand dates, I believe, in the pre-1948 period and is very well made...

An early, pre-1948 Matl-esque silver, amethyst and turquoise ring, this piece is signed by one of Matilde's contemporaries whose emulations of her designs I came to appreciate for their craftsmanship and beauty of the stones used. This is also a more rare to find variation, having a round face with a deep channel separating the amethyst from the turquoise cabs. The ring is a comfortable size 6 and its face measures 3/4" in diameter...

Vintage Antonio Pineda pair of mod earrings in his so-called "thumbprint" design, this is the perfect gift to complement the bracelet or necklace you already have. Classic Antonio, substantial in presence, with excellent patina - just how you want them to look. Each earring measures 3/4" tall by 5/8" wide and 7/16" deep (at their deepest). The set's weight is 18.3 grams and it is fully signed as shown with Antonio's crown, "970", "HECHO EN MEXICO" and Eagle 58 assay mark...

The marrying of sterling silver with 18K gold is a favorite in vintage jewelry from Peru yet this bracelet is a rare opportunity to own an enameled piece that combines sterling and 18k figural appliques. Made by Old Cuzco, one of the best names in vintage Peruvian jewelry, this is indeed a rare bracelet. Though from time to time one will find smaller enameled examples, like brooches or pendants, enameled necklaces and bracelets are truly difficult to come upon...

I consider myself really lucky to have bumped upon this early Deco silver and turquoise bracelet - I believe it's from Mexico City - not only because of its stunning presence but also because I have only seen it once before (and I sold that one too!). Definitely a piece for the woman who feels absolutely comfortable being the center of attention, this is a big, bold, very unique piece...

Horacio de la Parra is one of the early Taxco maestros whose work I am constantly on the look out for - I think the bracelet presented here amply illustrates the reasons for that. Though not as prolific as others in jewelry making (Parra is known for his high quality holloware), Parra's repoussage can be down right stupendous. In our case, the complexity of the design and the challenge it poses to the artistry of the silversmith executing it, make his feat even more incredible...

One of my favorite designs of the so-called "archaeological" genre, I have seen similar pieces bearing Victoria's signature but this one is made by an artist who signs his name with initials "AE" in a heart-shaped "M". Though we don't know much about the specific maker, we do know that his work was appreciated enough by his colleagues that his signature can be found on jewelry by Rancho Alegre and Estela Popowski...

Miniature versions of the clamper bracelets in the corresponding designs by-pass or wrap rings are veritable miracles of craftsmanship and attention to detail as well as testimonials to their maker's patience and ability to concentrate. And even though I know all this, some examples still amaze me with their superb quality...