The daughter of celebrated Taxco silversmith and designer Antonio Castillo, Mimi learned the art of jewelry design and production from the best and the most talented...

Having justly earned a place in the pantheon of those artists whose work changed the way we design and think about silver jewelry, Matilde Poulat created a whole school of silversmiths who emulated her work not only when she was alive and active but even today, in the so called "post-1980" period of Mexican jewelry making. Based on Matl's signature Palomas motif, this is a big, impressive, nicely made bracelet. Coral, amethyst and tiny turquoise beads stud the repousse and wire work ornam...

In the style of Matilde Poulat's jeweled hand-mirrors a vintage 1980s piece from Taxco having an ornate frame replete with wirework, beading and topped by two repousse Doves - Matl's favorite "Palomas". The mirror is encrusted with turquoise and coral cabs as well as pyramid-cut amethysts and it has an elongated, teardrop repousse handle. it is 5 1/8" tall by 2 3/8" wide and weighs 40.9 grams...

I would never have thought that the necklace presented here was not made in the 1930s or 1940s - design, construction, even the way it is hallmarked point in that direction. Yet it is later as indicated by the maker's registration code - I think it must have been made around 1980. Heavy clusters of bead and tube dangles adorn the central part of the necklace creating an impressive sense of abundance and luxury...