Obsidian and 970 silver modernist necklace by Antonio Pineda, Mexico, c.1950's. Made of heavy gauge silver, this famous necklace is in excellent condition. There are 7 tear-drop obsidian stones set in silver. The circumference measures approximately 16" and is signed "ANTONIO TAXCO(in crown) Y569Y 970 HECHO EN MEXICO 17(bellmark). Excellent condition.......$25 for insured USA shipping.

Modernist Joe Dean Sterling Ring w/Stone

c.1960s

excellent condition

size 7 1/2 - front measures 1 5/8" x 1 1/8"

Meka sterling silver and red enamel modernist necklace

Denmark

Mid 20th century

15" x 3/4"

Weight - a solid 45 grams

Marked Meka, sterling, Denmark

Excellent vintage condition

This sterling silver ring features a ‘taco’-like folded design with a zigzag band inside sitting on its edge. The inside of the folded piece has been deeply oxidized with a translucent finish. The ring exhibits various kinds of tool marks. The ring is possibly Norwegian, with a mark of 925S inside the band; there are also maker’s initials of JPC, possibly for Danish silversmith Jens Peter Clausen of Copenhagen (1973-1981). Weight: 9.3 grams

Pictured in the book "Mexican Silver Masters" by Penny Morrill on page 40, plate I-55 is this lovely and unique bracelet by Hector Aguilar. Circa 1945-1950 it features a deep purple oval Amethyst cabochon stone on the clasp with fancy and ornate silver wire links. It measures 7 1/2" long by 3/4" at the widest and weighs 42.3 grams. The hallmark is blurred but the HA mono is clear, a partial mark reads "Ster" and the rest appears to be "Hecho en Mexico"...

A modernist pendant in 830 silver designed by Jorma Laine for Kultateollisuus, Ky of Turku Finland.

This reticulated pendant measures 2 1/4" long and 1" wide. Chain measures 23" long and has a spring clasp that holds securely. Chain may be original, has some marks which are only partially struck which may be 830S. Pendant is marked 830S for the Finnish silver standard, and Finland. Nice condition, minor tarnish.

Fine, classic mid century design.

A modernist brooch by noted mid century silversmith, Frances Holmes Boothby.

This brooch measures 1 5/8" tall and 1 1/4" across the bottom. Has a textured inlay of multicolored enamel. There is a sterling inlay in the center of the enamel for an interesting contrast. Marked with fhb and Sterling on the back. Has a safety rollover clasp that holds securely.

Has a few minor scratches, some tarnish and one nick to the side that touches both the edge and the side of the bezel...

Sterling modernist star earrings by the famous NYC silversmith, Ed Wiener, c.1952. These hand made asymmetrical stars with recessed oxydized silver solid centers and shiny silver forming the raised outline of the stars are expansive and exciting. They measure 1 3/8" at the widest and are in excellent condition. The screwback was put over the mark, so you see "ED ST". This was a frequent occurrence and the complete mark is under the soldered screwback...

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...

A striking and colorful bracelet with sterling wire wrapped caged raw stones by Modernist Arthur King who had a shop on Madison Avenue in New York City in the 1960's. The stones include rose quartz, amethyst, clear quartz, and topaz. The bracelet measures 8 1/2" end to end but the hook clasp can be linked to an inner ring to make the length shorter and have the end stone dangle which may have been the intent of the maker. This piece is in fine original condition and weighs 43 grams...

Modernist handmade sterling ring by the famous NYC silversmith, Sam Kramer(1913-1964), c.1948. It has an alternating circle design and can be worn as a wedding band or not. The ring is signed "STERLING mushroom mark" and is size 5 3/4. Great piece in excellent condition....$11 USA insured shipping plus applicable NY sales tax.

This ornate sterling silver disk pin, by Norwegian maker Ivar T. Holth, is gilded and features an intricate wirework design. It is applied to a scalloped disk of white guilloched enamel and dates from the 1960s-1970s. It appears to have been hardly worn, with a light tarnishing of the gilt that can be addressed with a cloth cleaning. There is a secure rollover clasp on the back as well as the marks for Norway, Holth and sterling...

Fridl Blumenthal modernist sterling silver screw back earrings

Mid 20th century

1 3/8" long x 5/8"wide

Weight - 7 grams

Marked Fridl, sterling with tulip hallmark

Very good vintage condition

A vintage hammered sterling silver circles necklace by the American Studio Modernist jeweler, John Lewis. This is signed with Sterling and the crossed JL of the artist.

Great hammered texture, circles are all about 7/8" in this example. Measures about 23 1/2" long. Closes with a secure hook clasp.

Fine condition, has some minor scratches and darkened patina. Nice hand wrought feel. Weighs about 31 Gr. We believe this may be the heavier example.

Classic John Lewis design.

A signed Peruzzi Italy sterling silver basket of flowers pin brooch. This well-made 1-1/2 x 1-1/8" pin in the form of a basket of flowers. Signed by Fm (Famille) PERUZZI of Florence, Italy, this pin has a safety catch and it weighs 7.0 grams. This item is in excellent original condition with no dents, bends, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs...

An interesting pair of Sterling Silver dangle screw back earrings with rose quartz caged stones. The cage part is reminiscent of the work of Arthur King.

Measure 1 3/4" long and 7/8" at the widest. Screw backs hold securely. Marked Sterling on the back of each screw back.

Lots of movement when worn. Pretty rose color. Warm patina. Well crafted unusual design.

Valentin Vidaurreta signed pieces are extremely elusive and highly coveted. This bracelet is collector quality. It's a book piece design, shown with obsidian stones on p. 113 of "Mexican Silver", and p. 152 of "William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance". Vidaurreta was extremely talented...

Hans Hansen sterling modernist ring

Denmark

1950

Heavy, solid, bold, architectural

Size 9 1/2

Weight - 42 grams

Face measures 1" in diameter

Hallmarked - HaH, Denmark, 925s

Excellent condition

A vintage modernist sterling silver pendant by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulti Oy, Turku Finland. Has a three dimensional Shadowbox design with three curved links.

Measures about 3 1/8" long including the bale and 7/8" across.

Marked with the Anvil, and 925S and Finland on the back. Also looks like there is a stamp 'S1B' which we don't know the reference to. Has some very minor surface scratches. Has a larger bale so could be worn on a chain or neck ring.

Fine example of Kauppi'...

Before William Spratling brought Taxco to life, popular jewelry all over the world was being made by spinning silver and turning it into beautiful designs in filigree. This is one of those early pieces. This example has 3 glowing gold sheen obsidian stones 1 inch tall. The process was time consuming and Mexican smiths were among the best in the world at producing florals, sweeps, and swirls. The center drop is 1.5in. tall and 17.5in. wearable length. Provenance: from a collection of many Mexica...

Spectacular vintage sterling and 5 stone turquoise cuff bracelet by Hopi Ralph Tawangyaouma (1880-1973). Possibly Lone Mountain, the stones are beautiful and free of chips or cracks. Measuring 5 1/2" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/8" opening, it is 1 1/8" wide. Weighing 95 grams, it is hallmarked as shown. A gorgeous bracelet from this noted Hopi silversmith.

This is a superb modernist bird pin from Antonio Pineda. It's large, dimensional, and substantial, with tiny beading and an obsidian eye. A design which is seldom seen, and collector quality. Measures 2 3/4" wide. Weight is 39.8 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco Crown, Hecho en Mexico 970, with the eagle assay 17. In excellent vintage condition. Pin closes with a roller.

S. Zilka stelring and art glass pendant/brooch

Made in Israel

Pendant measures - 2 3/4" x 3 3/4"

Torque should fit a 14 3/4" neck

Weight - 59 grams

Marked S. Zilka, 925, Made in Israel

Very good vintage condition

A fabulous sterling bracelet with six very large carved and pierced jade stones set in bamboo form frames. Marked CHINA, NO. 23 and SILVER. Circa 1900 - 1930. With a slide clasp and a silver openwork panel at the clasp. The silver panel matches the flower and fruit pattern of the jade stones. The silver has a slightly aged finish and has a light gold wash. From a Philadelphia estate.

Great size -- 1 3/8 inches wide and 7 inches long clasped. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show ...

An early Mexican Deco bracelet, made in Mexico City as indicated by its hallmarks, this massive piece is as well-crafted as it is impressive. Impressive might even be an understatement, actually. Though it is true that vintage Mexican silver jewelry is not of the delicate, demure kind, even after so many years of researching, buying and selling them, I find myself at a loss for words when a piece like this shows up. I love the Spanish Colonial air of the wirework adorning the convex panels with ...

A vintage early sterling silver heavy brooch by Hector Aguilar.

Signed with the conjoined HA, Taxco and 940 for better than sterling silver. Pre Eagle, (pre 1949).

Measures 3 1/2" across and 3 1/8" high. Has a rollover safety clasp that holds securely. The brooch has some minor tarnish and surface scratches.

Classic Taxco design.

A well crafted sterling silver three dimensional pendant with a lapis cabochon. This pendant is suspended from a 28" long sterling chain meant to be slipped over the head. Pendant measures 2" long and 1 1/2" across. Bezel set stone measures 1/2" long and 3/8" across. Has some tarnish and minor surface scratches. Interesting layered design.

My second belt buckle for the day, this is a completely different piece from the Los Castillo example I already presented. Hand-wrought in sterling silver it is big, bold and absolutely beautiful. Inspired by the world that surrounds us, it is just one of those treasures that defy my photographic skills and I am afraid I failed to impart the silky sculpturality of its heart-shaped floral motifs. Not signed for maker yet obviously studio-made and reflecting the 1940s naturalist turn in jewelry de...

Caricaturesque in the most endearing, spirit-lifting way this vintage Mexican silver fish brooch will put a smile on your face no matter rain or shine! Executed in confident repoussage which adds sculpturality and drama to a highly detailed body, it has a cheerful amethyst eye and thick, exaggerated lips. It looks to me as if it's singing down there in the deep - I can almost see tiny air bubbles coming out of its mouth. Measuring 2 3/4" long by 7/8" wide the brooch weighs 12.6 grams. It is sig...

A fanciful and fabulous early vintage Brooch by the important Taxco silver artist Antonio Pineda in the shape of a pea pod filled with three oval black Onyx peas at the center. Measures 3 1/2" long by 7/8" wide and weighs 23.7 grams. Hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco Crown, Silver, Sterling, 970, Mexico, PZ 571 and the eagle stamp 17. Light age related wear and tarnish with a pin closure. A unique and special piece.

Not much is known - if anything at all - about Ars Plata whose signature is found on the Mexican silver and amethyst dangle earrings at hand. Bille Hougart lists an "Art Plat." in his book on Mexican silver hallmarks but I am not sure the two workshops / retailers (?) are the same. This lack of information is part of the field's reality yet it is always exciting to find a name not often encountered. Especially if it is stamped on beautifully made, slick jewelry like this set ever so reminiscent ...

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...

Los Ballesteros beads are not often seen and these are exceptional. The half inch wide beads are quite heavy at 50 grams and 8in. long. The fit is more like a 7 inch bracelet. Each bead is 1 in. long. Properly hallmarked as shown and with eagle. If you collect beads, you will love these.

Glowing with the patina of time that adds precious depth to recesses of the design, this vintage Los Castillo repousse brooch has a more romantic air about it than most of their work. I love the combination of twists and twirls with the stylized "trumpet" flowers at the top and even though the elements which have been called into service here are definitely floral, I can't stop seeing the eyes of a night owl staring back at me in wise contemplation. Measuring 2 3/4" wide by 1 7/8" tall the brooc...

A vintage sterling silver necklace with a claw-set sterling shell cameo pendant c1930s. The chain is 19-3/8" long, and the cameo pendant measures just over 1-1/2" x 3/4" (including bale). The sterling silver chain with a spring-ring catch, which is stamped 925. The cameo setting looks hand made, but is not stamped (but it tests as high grade silver). The cameo pendant has an older rhodium finish, so the chain may have been changed at some point. This cameo necklace is in excellent condition wit...

Vintage Topazio Portuguese sterling silver hinged bangle bracelet in a classic for the genre "harvest calendar" design in which different months of the year are illustrated by either a flower, fruit or other staple that characterizes them. I love these bracelets for their representation of the cyclical nature of time and their allusion to earlier decades when the availability of food depended on one's location and the specific season. In the example at hand the figural decoration is distinct and...