1930's - early 1940's, this Fred Davis bracelet is a book-piece design shown in "Mexican Silver". A huge rectangular bezel-set amethyst cabochon is front and center, with six opposing angled silver panels on each side. Closes with a tight and secure tongue in box clasp. Signed and hallmarked with a conjoined FD and Silver Mexico. Weight is 60.2 grams. Amethyst measures 1 1/16" x 13/16", and a depth of 7/16". Closed, wearable length is about 6 1/4", so suitable for a smaller wrist...

Offered on consignment.....

Circa pre-1960, this hand-wrought jeweled necklace was produced by Matilde Poulat .

It's a substantial stunning necklace, measuring just over 16" closed wearable length, with a width of 1 1/2"...

Circa mid-century, here is one of Margot's early and most beloved designs. Hand-wrought with world class repoussé silver work, it's crazy killer gorgeous. Will not fail to be noticed. Measures a closed, wearable length of 6 3/4", with a width of 1 7/16". Weight is 79.6 grams. Closure is a tight and secure tongue in box, with original safety chain. In excellent vintage condition.

This is a gorgeous necklace from Margot de Taxco, her design # 5240. An early piece, featuring winged panels with brass domes and tiny beading. Absolutely fabulous condition, with no dents, dings, or dimples to any of the domes. Measures a closed, wearable length of about 15 1/2". 3/4" tall. Weight is 79.5 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Margot de Taxco 5240 Sterling Made in Mexico", with the eagle assay 16. Collector quality.

This tour-de-force bracelet from Antonio Pineda pulls out all the stops. It's a book-piece design, shown on p. 209 of "William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance".

Composed of thirteen amethyst cylindrical bars and silver cones, it's an amazing bracelet with a very luxurious feel. The amethysts are gorgeous stones with natural inclusions and quartz marbling, well matched in color...

$385.00 Circa pre-1948, this is a superb deco design from noted Mexican silversmith ACE. I have had this exact design with onyx stones produced by Felipe Martinez with the eagle assay. This necklace, with gorgeous red stones, is an earlier piece. Measures a closed, wearable length of 16". The centerpiece is 2 1/2" tall. Weight is 74.3 grams. Signed and hallmarked "ACE 925 Hecho en Mexico Guadalajara. In excellent vintage condition...

Felipe Martinez opened his shop, "Piedra Y Plata" in 1950. A former sculptor who had worked with Hubert Harmon in the 1940's, Martinez was known for his work with beautiful stones which melded seamlessly into his silver designs. This bracelet is an exquisite example of what he was known best for. It's a thick and substantial piece, with six silver panels - each having three sections of azurite stone inlay...

Per the Spratling Silver website, these earrings were only produced between 1958-1967. These William Spratling earrings are stunning, with eight shiny discs and tiny beading. Each disc moves independent of the others, creating beautiful movement. Measures 1 1/2" tall, 7/8" wide. Screw backs work perfectly. Signed and hallmarked with the WS Script Circle and eagle assay 30. Weight is 11.2 grams. In excellent vintage condition.

Offered on consignment... Circa mid-century, here is a large stunning amethyst ring which I believe is from Mexico. It is unmarked. Tested to be 940 silver, so greater than sterling 925. It is a magnificent ring, reminiscent of the work of Fred Davis and Abraham Paz. The amethyst is a gorgeous old stone with quartz marbling, natural inclusions, and lots of character. The stone is free of any flea bites, cracks, or chips...

Offered on consignment......... Circa mid-century, this bracelet is the work of Reveriano Castillo, who shop was called "Reveri". Reveriano began as an apprentice with William Spratling at Taller de Las Delicias in 1934, later working for Hector Aguilar at Taller Borda. He opened his own shop in 1952. This bracelet is composed of eight panels, each with a deeply incised modernist design, oxidized recessed, and silver ball in the center. Closure is a tight and secure tongue in box...

Circa mid-century, this bracelet is the work of Felipe Martinez / Piedra Y Plata. Martinez, who had worked with Hubert Harmon in the 1940's, opened his shop "Piedra Y Plata" in 1950. Before opening his shop Martinez had been an expert sculptor. Features six dense green stones and a superb modernist design, Martinez was known for selecting spectacular stones, and this bracelet does not disappoint. Measures a closed, wearable length of 6 3/8", with a width of 11/16"...

Circa pre-1948, this bracelet was produced by M. Velazquez. Velazquez was known for his superb repoussé silver work, and this piece is a killer example. Composed of five floral panels, each with a coral center, the design is elaborate and speaks to the amazing skill of this artisan. The center panel is 1 5/8" wide, and this bracelet measures a closed, wearable length of 6 7/8". Seamless when closed. Deep, rich patina. Signed and hallmarked M. Velazquez Made in Mexico 925...

Circa 1930's - 1940's, this early Mexican necklace is an absolute work of art. Signed and hallmarked "Ingrid's Silver". Ingrid's was a shop which retailed silver and hollowware from various silversmiths, among them Jorge "Chato" Castillo. This necklace pulls out all the stops. It's a fabulous modernist/deco design, composed of alternating cylinders of amethyst and sterling silver. The center silver cylinder measures 1 13/16" x 7/8", with a depth of 5/8". The silver panels graduate in size. Th...

Signed by a listed “middle period” Taxco maestro primarily known for his repousse work, this 1950s carved azur-malachite and sterling “mask” pendant necklace is as stunning as it is unexpected. Dark blues, deep greens and earthy browns add depth and gravity to the stone, making the ancient figure’s features as stern in sleep as they must have been in that life lived centuries ago. The “mask” is big and bold and I love the generous prongs holding it in place at the top like bent ant...

Dating in the first decades of the 20th c. this Italian Renaissance Revival necklace is wrought in .800 silver and adorned with flat-cut and cabochon sodalite. In the same style as “Grand Tour” jewelry popularized by the Peruzzi and Coppini houses in Florence, this piece features grape clusters and leaves while also showcasing shell, floral garland and rosette links in its ornate chain. Good casting and beautiful patina render the design three-dimensional and I do love the unexpected brown s...

One rarely sees work produced by La Joya. La Joya designs are unique and original, the craftsmanship superb. This necklace dates to pre-1948. It's a definite statement piece, adorned with 7 amethyst cabochons. The largest of them measures 7/8" x 7/16", and sits on the center "ribbon". Centerpiece measures just under 5 1/2" across. The amethysts are beautiful stones, well matched in color, with natural inclusions. Necklace measures a closed, wearable length of 18". Weight is 78 grams....

Felipe Martinez opened his shop, "Piedra Y Plata" in 1950. A former sculptor who had worked with Hubert Harmon in the 1940's, Martinez was known for his work with beautiful stones which melded seamlessly into his silver designs. This necklace features chrysocolla stones with a trapezoidal shape which alternate with concave silver panels in front. Stones and silver panels graduate in size, with the upper sides of the necklace all silver. Closure is a tight and secure tongue in box, with a safet...

In my last treasure-hunting adventure I ended up with a couple of really really nice cross pendants and necklaces. The first one to gain center stage is this two-sided Flli Coppini Italian silver example. Executed in the .800 alloy that was the Italian standard until 1934, the pendant is crisply cast and its profusion of detail and ornamentation is easily readable to the eye. A generously-sized piece, it is shown in one of the photos here with a Peruzzi / Coppini style silver chain so you can ge...

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...

Less-is-more would be the term I would use to describe this Carmen Beckmann modernist ring if it weren’t for that stone! Molten caramel golds fill the tiger’s eye slab almost in an ombre arrangement so that the ring changes the way it looks as the light that hits it changes. A true chameleon with a strong, “masculine” (am I even allowed the term any more?) setting, all angles and straight lines and a veritable show-stopper by one of the few female contributors to Mexico’s 20th c Silver...

Exquisite Matl Salas Mexican silver, coral and turquoise brooch, I believe this piece to have been made in the years following Matilde Poulat’s death in 1960 based on the quality of the materials used and the high level of craftsmanship. Maestro Salas, Matl’s nephew, worked alongside his aunt for most of Matilde’s career and upon her demise, he (and later his family) took over the workshop and continued making jewelry based on Poulat’s designs. Steeped in Mexico’s folk tradition, the b...

Circa 1930's to early 1940's, this is a spectacular early Mexican necklace. Hand-wrought repoussé featuring two koi fish with bubbles coming out of their mouths and large amethyst cabochons. Highly detailed with oxidized recesses, this is a gorgeous necklace. The side links are of waves. A very rare necklace. Measures a closed, wearable length of 18". Weight is 75.1 grams. Hallmarked "Mexico Silver". In excellent vintage condition.

I love vintage Portuguese silver bracelets, the repousse hinged bangles more specifically, for which makers like Topazio and Safir are well known. They come in all sizes and designs, they are ideal for bracelet stacks but can be just as easily enjoyed worn alone. The example at hand is floral, with sculptural roses and dahlias in full bloom and in bud running its perimeter, rendered more dramatic by the patina time has bestowed upon them. The bracelet has an 7” inner circumference (clasped) an...

This mid-century bracelet by Antonio Pineda is unique and unusual. And a real stunner. It reminds me of a tiara, or a crown. Tipped with nine pearls, executed in 970 silver, it's a heavy and substantial hand-wrought showpiece. Hinged at both sides to open wide and easily fit over the wrist, closure is a tight and secure tongue in box. Collector quality. Closed, wearable length is 6 3/4". Width in front is 1". Weight is 108.8 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco crown, ...

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. And even though we don’t have sparkling diamonds and fine gold here, the sense of harmony and serenity our long-, slender-armed dancer seems to exude is equally precious and h...

Circa 1949-1953, this bracelet bears the "Jewels by Antonio" hallmark - one which is not often seen. It's an elegant and exquisite bracelet, with eight panels, each with a gorgeous round moonstone. I believe the silver to be a very high purity. I have not seen this exact design before. The push button tongue box clasp is topped with a moonstone, creating a seamless appearance when closed. This is a bracelet which both looks and feels amazing on. It's silky smooth, with a very luxurious feel. ...

This Fred Davis ring was produced in the 1930's to early 1940's. It features a large hand-cut and polished amethyst cabochon, and is a generous size 7. The face of the ring is 13/16", with a depth of 3/8". The stone itself is gorgeous, with natural inclusions and quartz marbling. Weight is 9.8grams. Signed and hallmarked with the conjoined FD and Made in Mexico Silver. In excellent vintage condition.

Confident in his prowess as a warrior and comfortable in his ceremonial attire this Margot de Taxco silver and enamel Aztec figure can be enjoyed both as a brooch as well as a pendant. Though experimentation with the art of enameling started while Margot was still part of the Los Castillo workshop, it was after her divorce with Antonio that she focused on perfecting it in her own, independent taller. And perfect it she did. So much so that today, when one thinks of Mexican enamel jewelry, one un...

This mid-century chili pepper bracelet is the work of Salvador Teran. Teran worked with William Spratling at Taller de Las Delicias before leaving with his cousins, the Castillo brothers, in 1939 to work with them at their new taller, "Los Castillo." Considered by many to be a genius at designing, Salvador worked at Los Castillo for many years before establishing his own taller "La India Bonita" in 1952. This is a stunning modernist piece, with two chili peppers front and center, and a bird cage...

An American who arrived in Mexico in the 1940s, opened her own workshop in 1945 and by 1950 employed about twenty five artisans*, Doris is one of the few female designers that we know of in the world of vintage Mexican silver jewelry. My first encounter with her creations wasn’t until a few years into my “career” as a Mexican jewelry dealer and I was immediately captivated by the exquisite design, the impeccable craftsmanship and the quality of the materials used. I have seen kept my eyes...

Known for her bold modernist designs and her love for big, gem- and stone-studded bracelets Carmen Beckmann was equally creative when allowing the Spanish Colonial tradition to influence her work. That “old way” of doing things manifests itself here in the heart-shaped wire-work appliques that support the luscious tiger’s eye cabochon, bringing to mind the more delicate, ornate filigree jewelry every silversmith in the country knew how to make. Everything else, however, from the oversized ...

This mid-century Margot de Taxco brooch is likely one of a kind. The Victorian era high relief Greek goddess is hand-carved and exquisitely detailed. It's either hardstone or black lava, and Margot designed the silver setting expressly to fit the cameo, using a Greek motif with black enamel. Measures 2 3/8" x 2 3/16", with a weight of 35.8 grams. The Greek goddess is Eirene, and she is known as the goddess of peace and the season of spring. Signed and hallmarked "Margot de Taxco Made in Mexi...

Felipe Martinez opened his shop, "Piedra Y Plata" in 1950. A former sculptor who had worked with Hubert Harmon in the 1940's, Martinez was known for his work with beautiful stones which melded seamlessly into his silver designs. This bracelet features five chrysocolla stones with a trapezoidal shape alternating with concave silver panels. Closure is a tight and secure tongue in box, with a safety chain. The stones are absolutely gorgeous, with various shades of green and copper. The silver is...

This mid-century bracelet was produced by "RMM", and is based upon an Antonio Pineda design. I have the Antonio bracelet, with amethyst stones, listed in my shop. It's a fabulous hand-wrought modernist piece, with twelve rectangular aventurine bars which are angled on the ends. Stones are all hand-carved and polished. The aventurine stones alternate with silver cones. This is a heavy and substantial bracelet which looks gorgeous on the wrist. Weight is 107.5 grams. Signed and hallmarked...

Breathtakingly beautiful this vintage sterling silver cuff bracelet, Navajo or Southwestern based on the style, is one of those pieces that become heirlooms. Exceptionally well crafted, it is centered by a huge oval lace agate, the color of the stone showing at times powdery blue, at times light grey. Set in a fine saw-tooth bezel, the agate is surrounded by beading and beautiful, richly layered foliate and floral overlay. This is a signed piece, as you can see in the last photo, but I have not ...

Hallmarks date this Hector Aguilar Fertility necklace 1948-1962. Collector quality, this piece is superbly crafted and lays perfectly on the neck. Links are hand wrought, deeply carved, with oxidized recesses and a beautiful patina. Measures a closed, wearable length of 16 1/2". Signed and hallmarked ".940 HA Taxco Mexico", with the eagle assay 9. Weight is 70.8 grams. In excellent vintage condition.

Very rare and stunning vintage Georg Jensen Denmark sterling bracelet no. 181 designed by Ibe Dahlquist in the 60’s. The interlocking links are very sculptural and the clasp is invisible and ingenious. Measuring 7 1/2” end to end, it is 1” wide and weighs 58 grams. It is in fine original condition and signed as shown. This bracelet and its matching necklace are pictured on page 177 of Janet Drucker’s book GEORG JENSEN A TRADITION OF SPLENDID SILVER. Spectacular Modernist design.

Expertly crafted vintage sterling cuff bracelet from the Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild which was formed in 1941 under the auspices of the U.S. Government’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board and the Navajo Tribal authority to help young Navajo silversmiths learn from the masters in order to preserve the quality of classic Navajo silver work. This fine cuff has precise and intricate chiseling and wonderful unusual stamping. Measuring 5 3/4" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening, it is...

A great vintage sterling pin by Frank Patania Sr. designed for the Southeast Arizona Sports Car Club. It was originally a car hood or grill ornament that a previous owner had made into a pin. Measures 3” long and wide and weighs 36 grams. It is signed as shown. No need to be a member of this club to love the pin!!

A rare sterling overscale hinged six panel bracelet in an overlapping petal motif by Danish Modernist Bent Knudsen. Each heavy gauge silver petal has a slightly concave design, is hinged and has a smooth edge. The clasp is an ingenious screw bolt. It measures 7 " end to end, is 2" wide and weighs a very substantial 138 grams. The scale and weight set this bracelet apart from all others of similar design. Fine original condition and signed and numbered as shown. A very bold, beautiful, powerful p...

Circa 1940's, here is a huge conical amethyst ring from Hubert Harmon. An absolutely spectacular ring, one which instantly commands attention. It's a published book-piece, shown on page 190 of "Silver Masters of Mexico". The amethyst rises to almost 7/8" above the finger, and is surrounded by silver beading. The ring is adjustable, currently at a size 8. Weight is 23.2 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Hubert Harmon Sterling Mexico". Collector quality.

Beautiful vintage sterling handmade cuff bracelet signed H&H. The design and execution reflect the talent of a master jeweler but I have been unable to identify the hallmark. The bracelet measures 5 3/8" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening. It is 1 1/4" wide and weighs 76 grams. Signed H&H Handmade Sterling. Fine original condition. A mystery piece that is exquisite.

A striking sterling cuff bracelet with an amazing textured design by Navajo Harvey Begay (1938- 2009). He is the son of noted silversmith Kenneth Begay. When a teenager, he worked alongside his father at the White Hogan Shop in Scottsdale, AZ. He opened his own shop in Steamboat Springs, CO. which he operated with his wife from 1972- 79. This cuff measures 6" around in the inside plus an additional 3/4" opening, so for a small wrist. It is 1 1/4" wide in the front and tapers to 1/2" at the ter...

This mid-century bracelet is a superb hand-wrought piece produced by Miguel Garcia Martinez for Rancho Alegre. Plateria Rancho Alegre opened in 1956 by Pedro Pérez. Pérez had been a shop manager for William Spratling prior to establishing Rancho Alegre. The shop carried work from many designers and silversmiths. Miguel Garcia Martinez was the primary designer. This is a huge bracelet, with intricate, exquisitely executed silverwork and a multi-dimensional Pre-Columbian warrior design. ...

Matching the set of earrings that is also available in my store (you can see the demi together in two of the photos) this Mexican silver and azur-malachite ring by maestro Felipe Martinez is an ode to the power of color. Striking greens and dark, rich blues delight the eye while the elegance of the sterling ring shoulders complement in the best possible way the magic of the stone. Currently a sz because of the size it comes with (easily removed) the ring is an sz 7 (can also be easily resized). ...

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. Simple does not mean simplistic! The earrings measure 3/4” square a...

Elegant and romantic, this vintage Mexican silver and amethyst brooch bears the signature of Margot de Taxco, one of the few female designers of Mexico’s 20th c Silver Renaissance known to us today. Reflective of the 1940s trend towards jewelry inspired by nature, the brooch looks delicate and tender yet its silver-work is confident, substantial and perfectly finished. I love the soft curve of the floral stem and the way the amethyst bud rests serenely on the pierced leaf. Measuring 3” tall...

Less-is-more is definitely the way Carmen Beckmann chose to go with this vintage Mexican sterling silver and amethyst ring. Set in a disk adorned with overlay and oxidation, it brings to mind a perfectly round stone as it touches the water causing it to ripple. Easy to wear whatever the occasion and a beautiful example of Mexican modernist jewelry. Currently a sz 6 US (easily resizable by your jeweler) the ring has a face that is 7/8” in diameter and it weighs 8.3 grams. It is marked with make...

Extraordinary and bold, this Spratling design was created & hallmarked c. 1951. In exquisite condition with 70 years of unpolished patina, the pin measures 3 3/4" X 2 3/4" & weighs 40 grams. The carved, heart shaped obsidian stone hangs freely and catches light beautifully. Hallmarked WS and SPRATLING OF MEXICO. A Spratling sketch of this pin is included in the Portfolio of Spratling Drawings.

Stunning in its towering smokey brilliance, this minimalist solitaire by Carmen Beckmann is a modernist Mexican beauty! Based in San Miguel de Allende Beckmann is reported to have started her activity a little later than the big Mexico City and Taxco workshops with most of her pieces dating in the 1950s and 1960s. In the ring at hand, the generously sized faceted gem is raised above a substantial geometric shank, held in place with sterling prongs in a crown-style setting. The stone has the colo...

This early-mid 1940's William Spratling necklace is a magnificent showpiece. The tassel centerpiece features flawlessly inlaid azur-malachite with mesmerizing shades of blue and green. From Spratling's first design period. Measures a closed, wearable length of 20.5", with a hefty weight of 90.8 grams. The center pendant measures 3.5" wide, 2.5" tall. Signed and hallmarked with the WS Print Circle and Sterling. Fold over clasp. In excellent original vintage condition with a beautiful patin...

A symbol of good luck, abundance and contentment the “laughing Buddha” medallions adorning the links of this Chinese silver bracelet are carved out of turquoise and have rich detail. Slightly graduated in size the are held against classic Deco tight mesh panels overlaid with filigree tendrils, tiny beading and delicate plants in full bloom. The stone’s blueish green hue soothes the eye and its natural matrix enhances the medallions’ sculpturality. The bracelet has an inner circumference ...

An iconic motif in the index of Mexican Deco jewelry design, “masks” can be found carved in stone, molded in glass, created in inlay or enamel but also en repoussage like in the brooch presented here. Made by maestro Barrera in Mexico City most probably, its workmanship follows that city’s school of repousse jewelry of which Matilde Poulat is the most renowned creator. A stippled and oxidized background accentuates the raised, warmly glowing elements of the design, bringing to the fore in ...

Wonderful deep carving on this sterling silver bracelet, signed by artist, titled "The Bear", 1970s era. Measures 1 1/8" deep, is 6 1/4" on the outside, with a gap of 1 3/8", and is slightly flexible. In the traditional Northwest Coast form, the bracelet is curved, with abstracted form lines creating a cultural figure, in this case, a bear. The work is especially fine, very deep carving with cross hatching and detailing over the entire surface. The eye forms have hammered surfaces, all visib...

Expertly crafted vintage sterling cuff bracelet from the Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild which was formed in 1941 under the auspices of the U.S. Government’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board and the Navajo Tribal authority to help young Navajo silversmiths learn from the masters in order to preserve the quality of classic Navajo silver work. This fine cuff has precise and intricate stamping . Measuring 5 1/2" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening, it is 7/8" wide and weighs 58 grams...

Extraordinary huge vintage sterling and coral ring by Zuni Edith Tsatbetsaye who is most well known for her stunning petit point jewelry. There are 25 individually bezel set stones and this coral is the remarkable deep blood red color . The ring is a size 9 and measures 7/8" long and 1 1/8" wide in the front. It is plain in the back so could be sized. Weighing a solid 18 grams, it is in fine original condition. There are no missing stones and no chips or cracks to any stone. Signed as shown. A...

Spectacular design and execution in this sterling and coral cuff braclet by Santo Domingo silversmith Julian Lovato. He began working in 1938 and was a silversmith for Frank Patania Sr. in the Thunderbird Shop in Santa Fe, NM. This bracelet was made during his time working there. It measures 5 1/4" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening. It is 1 5/8" wide at the center coral stone and 3/4" at the terminals. Weighing 64 grams, it is in fine original condition with no chips or cra...

Tone Vigland modernist sterling silver ring

Norway

Mid 20th century

Size - 6 1/2

Weight - 21 grams

Front - 1" x 1"

Hallmarks pictured

Excellent condition

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...

Offered on consignment............. This mid-century creation from Plateria FarFan is crazy killer gorgeous. The necklace measures 15 1/2", with the centerpiece 4 1/2" wide and 1 9/16" tall. Seven large pendulum shaped amethysts are set in reflective curved silver panels. The matching earrings measure 2 1/8" tall.

It's a magnificent collector quality set, and one rarely seen. This is the necklace to wear when you want to be noticed as it is certain to be the focal point of any o...