This wonderful, sterling silver charm displays George Washington and troops crossing the Delaware River on that cold winter evening, December 25, 1776. The back is marked WASHINGTON'S CROSSING DEC. 25, 1776. It also has a maker's mark of "H" inside a bell, for Heritage (part of the Heritage Collection) and is marked STERLING. This charm has good heft and is in excellent condition...

These sterling silver earrings have a nice swirly design with colorful, inlaid abalone. They are screwbacks and measure 1 1/8" x 1/2" (at its widest). Each is marked MEXICO SILVER.

A vintage 1940s-50s hand engraved sterling silver baby bracelet in the form of a buckle. This 3/8" wide bangle measures 1-3/4" across the interior at the maximum setting of the buckle and pin style clasp; it weighs 7.3 grams, it is marked STERLING with an 8 and it is in excellent original condition with no dents, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs other than being slightly off-round...

Hide a secret in this rectangular shaped sterling silver pill box made in Mexico, comprising a centered turquoise stone framed with a silver twisted rope, marked STERLING, 925, Made in Mexico, makers mark, brushed silver inside. Excellent condition. Measures 1 1/2" x 1".

These cool earrings are best described by the pictures.... The "hook" portion of the earrings measure 1 3/4". The "tear drop" measures (approximately) 3/4" x 3/4" x 3/8" -- again, see pictures. They "hang" 2". They are circa 1980's.

Sterling silver "palette motif" modernist ring with a green Chrysoprase stone. Circa 1950s. The stone is cracked at the bottom near the bezel and only evident upon close inspection. Priced according to this flaw. Ring measures 3/4" x 1/2". Size 6.5. Unmarked.

These Mod earrings dangle 1 3/4". They are 3/4" at their widest. The eyes are translucent: a dark purple. They are in great condition.

This great, puffer fish / blow fish pendant can also be worn as a charm. It measures 1 1/8" from mouth to tail and is 3/4" "tall." It has blue rhinestone eyes and a wonderful, Mexican design. The tail is marked MEXICO 925, below initials that looks like CRL - ( all marks are slightly unstamped--see pictures). It is in excellent condition.

This fine, sterling silver brooch and pendant measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/4" x 1/4". It hasa beautiful, intricate design, along with a fine detail. The back is marked ST. 925 MADE IN ISRAEL. It is in excellent condition. FREE US STANDARD S/H

This Pendant measures 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1/4". It has a Mod Geo Design, accented by its central, dangling "ball." The bail is marked TAXCO MEXICO with FNM in the middle. It also has the Taxco eagle mark with the # 2 in the middle. It has good heft and is in excellent condition.

This pin bridges mid-century modernist and Southwest aesthetics with its angular design and polished ceramic cabochon resembling turquoise. It’s marked 925 for sterling silver at one end; the original rollover clasp is very secure. The pin measures about 3 inches long by ¾ inch wide.

This ring displays "Adam and Eve" in incised oxidation. It is from Mexico. It is a size 9.75. The "top," "face" measures 3/4" x 7/8". It is marked with the eagle / assay mark with 1 in the middle. It is also marked (some marks deeper than the others), 925, then ??, then, MEXICO. It is in excellent condition. FREE US STANDARD S/H

This ring has a cool, mod, textured design. It is a size 8. It has good heft and is in excellent condition. It is marked POLANSKY STERLING.

This mod sterling silver cross measures 1" x 5/8" x 1/4". It is from The Studio genre by famous silversmith Henry Steig. It is slightly convex. The back is marked STEIG and STERLING beneath. Circa 1950's. FREE US STANDARD S/H

These lovely mod, kidney shaped earrings are screw backs. They measure 1 1/4" x 3/4". The design is simple and smart. The back of one is marked R. CAZARES TAXCO 925 MEXICO. They are c. 1050's and in excellent condition. FREE US STANDARD S/H

An ode to overlay, beading and masterfully applied oxidation, this figural little Mexican Deco brooch is a depiction of Ozomahtli, the monkey companion of god Xochipili, associated with play and merry-making. I could have easily sworn that this is an example of Francisco Rivera’s work yet since it is not signed for maker, I can only suggest this might be the case...

Made by Kupittan Kulta of Finland is this pleasant, silver, leaf brooch. The long leaves are slightly concave, curving alongside a bezel-set, amethyst cabochon "bud." The brooch is signed, “anvil mark” (for Kupittaan Kulta), “crown in heart” mark (for Finland), “813H” (silver fineness), city mark for Turku and “H7” for 1961. It measures 2 5/8” tall x 5/8” at its widest point. It’s in excellent condition.

Decorated with classic Nordic scene of a manned sled drawn by a moose in a snowy landscape, framed by a colorful aurora borealis. The enamel exposes nice guilloche work underneath, in a modified lozenge-shaped frame. The back bears the mark of Ivar T. Holth and the Norway mark for sterling silver. The silver is gilded. The pin measures 1 3/8 inches long by 7/8 inch wide. Weight: 5.7 grams

A rather rare design - I have never encountered it before - by Enrique Ledesma, this pair of earrings brings to mind classical representations of the Aztec Sun Disk yet, in fact, the figure centering them is Tlaltecuhtli, one of the Mexica Earth deities, often referred to as the Earth Monster...

One of the most talented Taxco maestros, Gerardo Lopez was exceptional in the art of repoussage and his jewelry is sought after and avidly collected for its quality and inventive motif combinations. I have suggested in the past that he must have worked for the Los Castillo and / or Margot de Taxco because many of the motifs he uses are also found in the famous workshops' creations...

Dating in the first period of the Los Ballesteros workshop but after their 1941 move from Iguala to Taxco, this combination pin / pendant is an "archaeologically inspired" piece. A multitude of techniques come together in the creation of the figural scene that dominates here. Azur malachite inlay provides the canvas within which the combined copper and silver praying (?) figure is laid in...

Composed of two rectangular layers of sterling silver, top one curved and with a cutout comma-shaped design exposing a highly oxidized interior. The ring is marked sterling and has Joseph Skinger’s script signature mark. Skinger was a Vermont studio metalsmith who was most productive during the 1950s and 1960s; he died in 1967. I am told by Carol Skinger, Joe's daughter, that the design is known as 'Mountain Shadow' and was produced as choker necklaces, bracelets and pins...

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...

Who among lovers of vintage Mexican silver jewelry does not know Margot de Taxco's zodiac treasures? Charms, pendant, charm bracelets and brooches, they come in all those forms and they are avidly collected. Yet how many times have you come upon a mini, almost lingerie size, Margot astrological pin? Rare and sweet as can be, this 1 1/2" Aries beauty is irresistible. I can easily see it worn alongside one of its.....

An early Los Castillo design and very much in keeping with the 1940s' love for sweeping flourishes this set of earrings, carefully hand-cut, overlaid and oxidized will add just the right amount of festive spirit to your outfit. Bold and confident, the swirls seem to twist upon themselves in excitement and then reach high up for the skies with abandonment. Got to love the Los Castillo and the myriad ways in which they still make our day...

The "queen" of shadowbox designs, Victoria - otherwise Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti - also excelled in the "married metals" technique. Her work is inspired, of the highest quality and today it is considered part of Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance design index. The adjustable sterling silver ring I am presenting here is out of her coveted "angel" parure. The form does not come up very often and I am happy to have come upon a beautifully aged example...

After working for Spratling in Las Delicias and Hector Aguilar in Taller Borda, Reveriano Castillo opened his shop Reveri in 1952 with the co-operation of his wife, Maria. His jewelry is known for its impeccable finishing and the good quality of materials used so I am always happy to come upon one of his creations. The set of earrings at hand in an abstract floral design with articulated stamen dangle is as sweet-as-can-be and ideal to celebrate the coming of Spring this year...

I am a big fan of Carmen Beckmann’s Etruscan style jewelry - her domed Etruscan ring is a foundational piece in my collection and I enjoy it thoroughly...

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...

A retail shop in Taxco, Margarita was a place were one could buy jewelry by many local maestros, according to Bille Hougart. The long, beautifully made dangle earrings presented here bear only the shop’s name without a specific maker’s signature yet this does not affect their quality at all. Obviously hand-wrought with deeply chased details that have been oxidized to add depth to the design, the set combines scroll and feather motifs with beading and glows with the silky patina of a life wel...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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” ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 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

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 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...

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.

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...

I am partial to long chain necklaces - irrespective of origin and style I am attracted to them and love to wear them. Provided, of course, they are older… The thick twist-rope example offered here is, I believe, a US-made piece; the hallmark looks familiar, I know I have encountered it before but right now I just can’t identify the maker. My failure notwithstanding, this is a luxurious, beautiful chain with a warm patina that accentuates each strand of silver wire as it embraces and twists a...

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...

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...

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 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 ...

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...

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.

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. I have in the past offered examples of the work c...

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...

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.

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; ...