Signed by Victoria who is often credited in the relevant literature with having perfected the "mixed metals" technique this big, bold combination pin / pendant brings together sterling silver, copper and brass in an Aztec Revival design. I am fascinated by the seamless marrying of the metals in "casados" pieces and Ana Nunez de Brilanti excelled in their design and crafting. Here, the round "shield" element is slightly concave and catches the light in ever-changing, fascinating ways...

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...

Silver brooch or pin, Skonvirke style with a carnelian cabochon, A mock medal design, to be fastened to a ribbon and sewn on to your dress or jacket. Made by Bernhard Hertz, well-known jewelry designer working in Copenhagen and in Stockholm at the turn of the century 1900. Early Danish silver standard mark 826, early Bernhard Hertz dragonfly mark, B H and S. Height "2/ 5 cm. Condition: fine.

Perfect for those breezy nights by the beach, this vintage Mexican silver Carmen Beckmann brooch is shaped like a starfish (some see it as a sea anemone too) and centered by a turquoise of the softest sea foam color. I love Beckmann jewelry - when she was inspired, she created some amazing pieces. Simple yet not simplistic, the almost abstract a-symmetry of the silver work is reflected in the shape of the stone...

Circa mid-century, these earrings produced by Hector Aguilar are rarely seen. Each earrings has five turquoise cabochons with tiny silver beading and silver loops. They remind me of baskets of turquoise flowers with handles. They are in excellent vintage condition and are collector quality. They measure 13/16" x 11/16". Weight is 11.8 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the flared "HA", ".940 Taxco", and the eagle assay 9.

An early Mexican Deco silver repousse "mask" brooch, this pieces is wrought in sterling and its maker adorned their portrait with a long, dangling earring. It is evident from the piece's craftsmanship that its creator was well-trained maestro. Despite the thinner gauge of sterling sheet used, there is depth and good definition in the repoussage which result in easily "readable" details and good sculpturality...

Maestro Velazquez is one of my favorite early Mexican silversmiths. Based on the hallmarks on his work, he was most probably based in Mexico City and his creations are almost always in the so-called Mexico City style of repousse. Very well made and carefully finished, this figural fish brooch is also characterized by a fun, cartoon-ish air that will put a smile on your face every day of the year...

This is a beautiful pair of cufflinks from Antonio Pineda with an archer shadowbox design said to be inspired by the cave drawings of Lascaux. In excellent vintage condition. T-backs are tight and snappy. Measures 1 1/4" tall. Weight is 23.2 grams. Signed and hallmarked on each cufflink with the Antonio Taxco crown, Hecho en Mexico, 970, and the eagle assay 17. No issues whatsoever.

Bigger in size than the most frequently encountered version of the specific design and executing a different step, this vintage Margot de Taxco “ballerina” brooch is Mexico’s contribution to the ballet craze started by Van Cleef et Arpels in the 1940s, with the issuance of their gem-studded “ballerina” jewelry...

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...

Striding the divide between classic Mexican and Native American / Southwestern design this sterling silver bracelet is one of the most beautiful examples of the “marriage” I have seen. This hybridization is not, in fact, accidental as it is known from the relevant literature that Mexican maestros were a significant factor in the development of Native American silversmithing...

The epitome of minimalism and the best proof that when it's done correctly, it is the most elegant style, this vintage Danish sterling silver and banded agate ring is signed by Bruno Jorgensen who was active in Virum until his death in 1973. There is nothing about this piece I would change - I love the way the flat cut of the stone reveals its two colors; I love the laconic design of the silver setting; and that touch of black enamel which accentuates the stepped construction of its bezel...

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...

Distinctly Egyptian Revival in its inspiration, the set of Mexican Deco dangle earrings at hand reminds me very much of elements in Margot de Taxco's "Cleopatra" parure; more specifically, the feathers of the "vulture crown" the pharaoh is wearing. More stylized in our case they are here involved in an elaborate knot forming sculptural dangles that hang off the sweetest repousse rosettes...

This great necklace is circa 1970. It is composed of sterling silver and vibrant, turquoise mosaic inlay-style. It measures 17 3/4" long and consists of 17 links that measure 7/8" x 1/2". Each link is slightly convex. It is marked TAXCO MEXICO 925 in a circle, with LVR in the middle and marked TU-08 below. It has a V-Spring and Box Clasp. It has good heft, weighing 70 grams / 2.5 ounces and it is in very good condition.

Masterful figural repoussage portraying ancient gods and demons as well as luscious flowers in full bloom decorate this old silver bracelet which came to me as a mystery treasure. Not signed for maker or origin nor hallmarked for metal quality, it posed one of those welcome challenges every vintage jewelry dealer faces - to research and try to identify what a specific item is...

Based on one of William Spratling's most classic, early designs this Mexican Deco silver and amethyst ring is an anonymous beauty from the same period the renowned designer was active. Lean and mean in its constitutive motifs, it nevertheless packs a powerful visual punch what with the mysterious depths of its cloudy cabochon and the curves of the beading on either side of the stone...

A delightful and very rare Victorian pin depicting a woman's "safety bicycle". With a chain drive connected to the back wheels and structural supports that left room for petticoats, these bicycles gave women unexpected freedom. Susan B. Anthony claimed that bicycling "had done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world." This pin is worked in silver gilt and set with rose cut Bohemian garnets...

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...

Delicate and quite romantic with their Spanish Colonial bows and a half-hidden heart motif this set of Los Castillo earrings is elegant and nostalgic at the same time. Crisp finishing and a beautifully glowing patina complete the "package" - I will let the photos say the rest while I provide the specifics: 1 3/8" long by 1 1/8" wide, weighing 11.2 grams (for the set). Fully signed with maker's name as well as "TAXCO" and Eagle 15 assay mark. The set dates in the 1950s-60s and is in excellent vin...

Charming sterling and white coral clip back earrings with a flower motif by Carmelo "Pat" Patania who was the brother of Frank Patania Sr. They measure 1 1/4" by 1 1/4" and are in fine original condition. Weighing 22 grams total, they are signed as shown. Lovely on.

This very early Mexican brooch is unsigned as to the maker, hallmarked simply "Mexico Silver". The style is certainly similar to the work of Matilde Poulat / Matl.

Entirely handwrought with exquisite and intricate detailing. A rare and stunning pin. Three amethysts of varying sizes form the center body sitting between the wings.

Measures 2 3/4" wide and 1 3/4" tall.

Weight is 16 grams.

In excellent vintage condition.

These amethyst earrings have no hallmarks. They were converted to posts, and whatever marks were present are now gone. The design is one which I've only seen from Matilde Poulat. Amethysts are gorgeous, perfectly matched in color with natural inclusions. Each earring measures 1 1/16" x 7/8". Weight is 21.1 grams. No dings, dents, dimples. Amethyst are free of any cracks or chips.

French 800 silver pin with lovely front and back designs. The front shows a beautiful dimensional woman that says "MIREILLE" on the left and "F.GILBAULT LC(maker)" on the right. The back has a floral design and "LC". It is signed "LC with anchor in a lozenge(maker) and boar's head" (mark for 800 silver) on the lock. It measures 1" and is of good weight. Very beautiful....$8 USA insured shipping plus applicable NY sales tax.

A book piece for Sigi Pineda, the “boomerang” brooch belongs in a line of jewelry in which the Taxco modernist combined layering, purposefully applied oxidation and vividly colored semi-precious and hard- stones to create slick, modernist, I would even say space-age, designs that seems as relevant today as they did when they were first introduced to the world. What I always found amazing about this brooch is the ingenious - and quite minimal - way the stone (chrysoprase in our case) is incor...

Nice heavy quality sterling silver belt buckle by Taxco silversmith, in the style of Aguilar, though signed with other initials, vintage item, mid 20th century. Measures 2" x 1 1/2". Well designed, the buckle has two beads and applied geometric and curved silver sections, in pre-hispanic designs. Signed on back with circular stamp, Taxco 925 Mexico, with the initials JS in the center. Sometimes workers for major silver smiths in Taxco and Mexico City make items on their own, using the desig...

A nice silver pendant depicting the solar system and the attributes of the sign Scorpio—a scorpion a depiction of the god Mars representing the planet that rules those born into Scorpio. The pendant is signed “AC” and is stamped with French silver hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca. 1970
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 15/16” x 1-3/8”
• Weight: 8.6 grams

Large ring with beautiful detail work and a large deep green cabochon stone which might be jade. With unknown European hallmarks as pictured. Approx. size 7.

Large 14k and sterling Gemini astrological pin showing an applied dancing man and woman with fourteen 14k applied stars. This large domed pin measures 2 1/4" in diameter and is made of heavy gauge silver. It is signed "TN(stylized) STERLING", and is in excellent condition......$9 for insured USA shipping & applicable NY tax.

One of Taxco's most famous modernists Sigi Pineda was also a very prolific designer and at his best moments, truly inspired. I am used to seeing minimalist, fluid pieces by him and the brooch at hand, wrought in sterling silver and adorned with a teardrop-shaped obsidian, is the result of a good moment indeed. This is a pin that invites the touch unabashedly - it might be the glowing silver body; it might be that magical piece of obsidian with its silvery depths but it simply invites the fingers...

An elegant Art Nouveau silver brooch depicting a maiden smelling a rose. She is surrounded in a bower of climbing roses and enclosed in a frame of whiplash curves typical of French Art Nouveau. The clasp is marked for silver and bears the maker's mark of Fernand Boursot, who opened shop in Paris in 1894. THe brooch could be converted to a pendant with the addition of a bail at the top or a pair of bails and a split chain at the upper corners.

• France, ca 1895.
• Excellent condition; ...

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. Here i...

An antique silver - most probably sterling - watch fob with original chain and dog clip, this sweet little find is, I believe, from the late Victorian / Edwardian period. There is nothing mundane about it either - I find the basketweave ribbon that runs the fob's perimeter at the waist eye-catching as well as the wire-work above it. Both elements enhance the orb's sculpturality which is, of course, underscored by oxidation and patina. The chain is comprised by "infinity" links and the dog clip a...

Based on Hector Aguilar's often referred to as the "fertility" parure, this anonymous Mexican Deco sterling silver band ring is a rare find. I love the combination of the two cross motif variations, the deep hand-chased details and the sense of depth enhanced with oxidation. Interestingly enough, though, and if I remember correctly, when asked about the specific design's meaning in an interview many years ago, Aguilar said that this was the sign the Aztec used to mark locations with gold deposit...

A rare design - in all my years of dealing in vintage Mexican silver jewelry I have never encountered another example - this generously sized Deco brooch is fun and most probably a conversation piece! I have had it for a while but I decided that the festive atmosphere in the weeks leading up to the holidays is the perfect time to present it. Whether you see it as a sparkling royal scepter or a glorified marching band baton, it conjures up bright, merry images of celebration and luxury. The brooc...

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. Big, beautifully aged over the years of their long life, sitting on a rose...

Amazing very big antique circa 1910 leaf form brooch in sterling silver with a large egg yolk butterscotch Baltic amber stone in a bezel setting. With a C clasp. Not marked but tests positive for sterling silver. Fabulous Arts & Crafts design with a beautiful dimensional textured hammered finish. Substantial at 51 grams. Great size -- 3 7/8 inches long by 2 3/4 inches wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.

A classic design for renowned Taxco modernist Enrique Ledesma, this set of vintage sterling silver Mexican mid-century earrings comes with clips and is set with green inlay, possibly azur-malachite or some kind of agate. There is nothing fussy about the pair - good, honest materials, clarify of form and fluidity of lines. Isn't that the essence of modernism? Measuring 1 1/8" tall by 3/4" wide the earrings weigh 9.8 grams (for the set) and are fully and appropriately signed with maker's name as ...

I recently acquired a collection of vintage Mexican sterling silver cufflinks and tie bars and I decided to start with the most intriguing to me set. Undoubtedly based on a Salvador Teran design, I am hesitant to say that the trio is a Salvador original yet at the same time I am tempted to think so. The reason for my vacillation is the incomplete (?) hallmarking. Even though the quality and attention to detail in the design's execution is there, I can't find Salvador's signature. The rest of the...

Early to mid 20th century sterling silver stamped Navajo Dine brooch with oval turquoise cabochon stone, stamped sterling twice on the back, has c clasp with safety catch. Measures 2 1/2" x 1 3/8" and is slightly domed in shape. The stone has considerably matrix, spider web effect, and is fairly dark turquoise, set firmly in bezel Nice deep stamping on the silver which is fairly heavy and sturdy. A very fine example of earlier silver jewelry from the Southwest. Condition shows slight wear...

The size of Pendant: 1"L x 7/8" W x 5/16" H
The size of Opal: 5/8" L x 3/8" W x 1/4" H (18mmx10mmx7mm)
The length of Silver chain 18 1/4" Long
Material of Stone: Mexican Fire Opal in oval shape design.
This is Beautiful Mexican Fire Opal mounted on artist made as Pendanton
Sterling silver base. It is signed on the back as, BG engraved, artist name.
It has Sterling marking on necklace chain.
Age of pendant and necklace not known but at least
30 years old. P...

The Arts and Crafts is one of my favorite periods in jewelry design - emphasis on motifs from nature, design that focuses on craftsmanship while allowing the viewer to follow the artisan's hand, "honest" materials without necessarily seeking out the most expensive metals and gemstones, it was a real break with the fussy excesses of Victorian aesthetics. The silver and banded agate intaglio ring presented here is an example that brings together all the above. Impeccably carved into the stone taki...

An elaborate sterling silver knot hanging off a classic repousse semi-sphere takes center-stage in this set of vintage Mexican dangle earrings by renowned Taxco maestro Pedro Castillo. I love Pedro Castillo's work for its complexity and layering and the modernist twist it adds to motifs derived from Mexico's rich cultural past. And even though these beauties are of medium length, they do pack a strong visual punch with their strategically applied oxidation and the warm patina they have developed...

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. The ...

An interesting silver pendant depicting the solar system and the attributes of the sign Leo—a lion and a depiction of the sun representing the heavenly body that rules those born into Leo. The pendant is signed “AC” and is stamped with French silver hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca. 1970
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 3/4” x 1-1/4”
• Weight: 5.2 grams

Heavy silver (.980) with turquoise oval cabochon in center, the scrolling designs with beads and cut out areas in precolumbian motifs, utlized during the revival of silver work in Taxco Mexico in the early 20th century, no artist stamp. Measures 2 1/8" x 1/1/2". Stamped on back, Taxco 980, with simple c clasp closure. All hand wrought, stamped and engraved with deep lines, the cabochon is well set with a simple bezel and rope band around the stone. Maker unknown, but is in the style of the ...

c 1930 not commonly found hand made sterling silver articulated pin in a fan and dangle basket design marked "Lillian Pines" and Sterling. She was a contemporary of Mary Gage. Ms. Pine's store was in New York City's Madison Avenue from 1930’s- 1950’s. Similar piece can be seen in Paul Somerson's chicagosilver.com site. A must see site for all collectors of Arts & Crafts works.
Ms. Pines was born in Manchester NH. She may well have participated in Boston's Society of Arts Crafts as a ...

Two Mexican sterling silver color change Alexandrite synthetic or lab created stone rings to view and select. The color change is so rich from purples with hot pink red flashes in sunlight to yummy blues with lavenders under a lit loupe back to hot pink magenta under incandescent light. These stones used in Mexican jewelry are alway mesmerizing. each at 126:
(A) Signed: SANCHEZ TAXCOMEX 925 (a listed mark) & assay #3 bypass style w/ 12mm color change Alexandrite crystal stone ~7 1/2 a...

Early, sweet little ring from Taxco, this pinky is wrought in silver and adorned with what I believe to be an ancient bi-cone stone bead out of which emanate two playful, musical cascabeles. It is not uncommon for vintage Mexican jewelry from the first decades of the country's 20th c. Silver Renaissance to incorporate ancient beads and small artifacts as it was not illegal at the time for individuals to buy and sell them. What makes the specific ring attractive for me is that it's an example fro...

When it comes to classy Mexican jewelry, nobody can beat Margot de Taxco. Margot had that rare, innate ability to instinctively create elegant designs which defied the whims of fashion and remain as relevant today as they did when they first became available. The set of repousse earrings presented here is, I believe, a very good illustration of what I am trying to say. I have had pieces of her des. 5337 parure many times over the years and yet whenever I discover another example, I find myself e...

An elegant gilt sterling silver oval brooch by Kirk in the "Repousse" pattern. Kirk made a range of jewelry in this pattern but only a few were then gilt. With the addition of a bail to the back, this pin would make a very striking vertical pendant. The back is stamped with Kirk's hallmark from the 1932-61 period.

Origin: America, ca 1950. Condition: excellent, no wear to gilding. Dimensions: 2-7/16" x 15/16". Weight: 18.5 grams.

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...

I always preface Jose Luis Flores's jewelry by saying that, in my opinion, he was one of the most talented Taxco maestros during the town's heyday. His creations are usually modernist re-interpretations of ancient Meso-american motifs, always dynamic and quite often magnificently layered. The set of dangle earrings I am presenting here, though two-dimensional except for the repousse semi-spheres, impart a strong sense of fluidity and motion with their ribbon-like design twisting and turning in l...

Here is an interesting portrait in silver, of a wind-swept young person clad in a cloak and hood. It’s very detailed and just lovely. We think it’s a boy (very unusual in jewelry), as the hair seems to be quite short under the hood. The hood itself looks like a cap made from a flower, as seen on fairies in Victorian children’s books. It measures 1-1/8” wide, is hollow, and is marked “STERLING TOP GERMAN SILVER BACK”. The sterling front is in very good condition. “German silver” ...

Hallmarks date these Hector Aguilar earrings 1940-1948. Perfect flowers, each with a domed center, leaves, and tiny beading, make these earrings both elegant and classy for everyday use or a special occasion. Screwbacks work perfectly. Measures 7/8" wide. Weight is 12 grams. Signed and hallmarked "HA 940 Taxco. Excellent vintage condition.

True to the philosophy of the Arts and Crafts movement which valued artistry and craftsmanship at the expense of ostentatious materials this early 20th c. ring is wrought in silver and centered by a glorious Peking glass cabochon. The ring’s bezel is supported by laurel leaves, their layering given depth by oxidation while the white swirls in the green cab bestow it the dynamism of turbulent water. Currently a sz 4.25 US the ring is easily resizable. Its face is 1 1/8” N-S and 5/8” E-W, h...

Cufflinks with Viking ornaments of Celtic knots, copied from a detail of the famous archaeological Norwegian Oseberg finding, a 9th century Viking ship now exhibited in Oslo. Museum copy model by David Andersen, the back inscribed “Osebergfunnet Kopi Ca 850 e Kr” and D-A Sterling Norway 925 S. Width of motif "¾ / 2 cm, height "½ / 1.3 cm. Condition: fine.

One of my favorite “less celebrated” early Mexican maestros, AEM (or AE Heart as he is also referred to because of the way he signs his work) had his workshop in Mexico City and he created some really nice pieces. It has been a long time since I presented something by him but this set of “mesh and bead” dangle earrings more than compensates for the gap. This type of “mesh” or “chainmail” designs is an area where AEM excelled and I am very happy for having come upon these earrings...

This rare find is a cross pendant, decorated with maracsites and a central ruby. It measures 1 1/4" x 7/8". The back is marked STERLING 925 with amark in the middle. It also has an eagle mark that looks like # 36; but, I cannot be sure. It is in excellent condition.

Reply to Ms KD: as noted here, these have perfectly working turn wheel SBs, Please see image 2.
Earrings are the first to go! These Art Deco 12mm simulated green jade stone Peking art glass bead earrings on sterling silver, no less, are a must have! The globule infused beads, made to resemble green jade, are referred by some as Chinese peking glass a sought after collectible.

The Sbs back findings are working turn wheels that are stamped: Sterling. Please see image 2.
North to Sou...