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.

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

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 "less-is-more" philosophy of modernism and the classic, for Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance, marriage of silver and amethyst come together in this minimalist by-pass ring signed by Doris Corpus Artisans. A daring, Texas-born American who decided to move to Mexico in the 1940s, Doris Smith Chamberlin had her own workshop by 1945 and her commitment to perfection and inspired design resulted in the creation of some truly exceptional jewelry...

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.

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...

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...

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...

I love Portuguese silver hinged bangle bracelets - the variety of designs, the beguiling fleshiness of their repoussage and the possibility of stacking them for a Bohemian look fascinates me. Presented here is narrow version of the "harvest fruits and flowers" motif and it looks stunning! The oxidation enhances the rounded bodies of corn, grapes, apples and pears while there is a touch of Art Nouveau elegance in the florals next to the hinge and clasp...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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.

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...

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...

Quite substantial and very very mod this sterling silver bracelet by Danecraft is comprised of hefty links that have also been textured and oxidized to enhance their sculptural appeal. One of the most famous and prolific American jewelry manufacturers, Danecraft created various qualities of sterling pieces and I consider the bracelet presented here an example of their best lines. I find the finish very attractive and love the way it wraps around the wrist making itself felt but not overwhelming ...

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.

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” ...

Sweet vintage 1930s/40s carved coral cameo pendant accompanied by a fine, .950 silver chain, this is a romantic, elegant necklace that defies the whims of time and fashion. Featuring the portrait of a "matron" in the classical style the cameo is set in a sterling oval frame embellished with delicate floral overlay. The pendant's swivel-out bail makes me think that it might have started its life as a pin or at least a combination pin / pendant; if so, the conversion was done a long time ago. What...

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...

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...