A classic combination for Enrique Ledesma, the marrying of sterling and stone, makes this vintage Mexican bracelet an easily recognizable creation by the renowned Taxco modernist. The stone is here azur-malachite, I believe, with greens and browns predominant and the warmth of the silver casings adds a certain "inner glow" to it...

A very rare sterling silver bracelet by Salvador Teran. Depicts a stylized woman praying, carved out of what looks like bone. Also has one curved bone piece on either side of the center section. Marked Salvador, Sterling, Mexico, Design # 510 and Eagle # 36. Measures 7" around and 1 3/8" at the widest. Has a tongue and box closure which snaps tightly and a safety chain. In wonderful condition with a warm patina. Collector quality.

Intricately carved and detailed lobster in sterling silver with marcasite crystals embedded in the back of the lobster,length approx 2.25 inches. Amazing attention to detail!

Circa mid-century, this is a seldom seen design from Margot de Taxco. The original drawing is shown in "Margot Van Voorhies : The Art of Mexican Enamelwork", and is called "Intricate Knot". This is collector quality. The two shades of enamel are blue with gold flecks, and white with silver flecks. Necklace is blue with gold flecks. The pendant doubles as a pin. It's a stunning necklace, nice and long at just over 20" closed, wearable length...

Extraordinary huge vintage sterling and turquoise petit point ring by Zuni Edith Tsatbetsaye , circa 1970. Many silversmiths created petit point pieces but this silversmith took the art to an extreme. The stones are cut with a semi-circular high domed arch that is her trademark, creating a lacework that wraps around the entire front half of the finger. This ring is a size 6 1/2 and measures 1 3/8" long and 1 " wide in the front...

Calling the vintage Mexican silver and black stone "mask" ring I am presenting here massive is not an exaggeration. It is not just the actual ring size (9.5 US) that makes it so; it is also the textured, solid setting, quite masculine in design, and the beautifully carved, stupendous effigy it houses. I am not sure what the stone is - I think it might be onyx but it could also be black agate. I am fascinated by its opaque gravity and the way its satin finish invites the touch...

A sterling silver hand wrought brooch by the mid century modernist studio jeweler, Ruth Berridge, (1921-2004). Looks like rows of randomly placed flattened pebbles. Curved for a multidimensional effect. Measures about 2 3/8" across and 1 1/2" high. Hand signed © Ruth Berridge, Handmade Sterling on the back. Rollover clasp holds securely. Fine condition with minor surface scratches and a little tarnish. This piece is from her estate. Classic Ruth Berridge design.

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...

This mid-century bracelet from Los Ballesteros is a book-piece design, shown in "Warman's Jewelry" by Christie Romero. Certainly one of the most sought after designs from Los Ballesteros, this is a stand-out showpiece. It's large and heavy and supremely gorgeous, with colorful faceted stones in vivid hues alternating between incised stars. Closed, wearable length is 6 3/4", with a width of 1 11/16". Weight is a very substantial 140.9 grams, or over 4.5 troy ounces. Collector quality.

This mid-century kinetic design necklace is the work of Erika Hult de Corral.

It's a stunning signature piece which features an extra-long length of 28 1/2". Erika Hult de Corral studied at the Parsons School of Design in Paris, later on working with both Sigi Pineda and Enrique Ledesma before opening her own shop.

Moon crater balls and long tubes combine on the sides, with a centerpiece which has free swinging pendulums of varying lengths...

A silver necklace with six small and one large fused glass on clay jewels by noted modernist jeweler, Elsa Freund, (1912-2001).

Measures about 15" around. Central drop measures 1 3/4" long and 1 1/4" across. This drop is signed Elsa on the back.

Classic Elsaramics sparkling amber colored jewels. Hook closure on the back fastens securely. A necklace extender could be added to the clasp if needed. Has a little tarnish. Lays wonderfully on the collar...

Handmade vintage pendant necklace in sterling with a very large smoky cabochon stone. The stone is possibly a smoky quartz; I have not had it checked by a gemologist. Circa 1960. Not marked but tests positive for sterling silver. This piece has a great brutalist look, with oblong links, each with a turned up tip, and cut and soldered elements in the center pendant. With a hook clasp. From a Baltimore estate. 18 inches wearable length and the pendant is 2 1/2 inches long...

Gerald Stinn modernist sterling silver ring

1970

Size 6

Solid and well crafted this ring weighs 21+ grams

Face measures 1 1/8" tall x 1" wide

Marked Stinn, sterling

Excellent vintage condition

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...

American Modernist Bronze Vintage Abstract Ring

Carl Tasha - signed

c.1970s

Excellent condition

size 6

front - 1 3/8" x 1"

Made up of heavily “pitted” and oxidized beads, tubular links and a central medallion with asymmetrical dangles this Erika Hult de Corral Mexican silver necklace is an ode to modernism peppered with a touch of brutalism. Ric (as de Corral signs her pieces) has created a few versions of this particular design that I like to refer to as “moonscapes” and they are all a pleasure to wear and to behold. One of the few talented female contributors to Mexico’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance that ...

Crafted in the late 1950s or in the 1960s, this sterling silver Mexican necklace is signed by Victoria or Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti. Victoria is one of the few female designers and silversmiths of Taxco’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance that we know of and she is credited, among others, for perfecting the “metales casados” or “married metals” technique. In this necklace, however, she adds a modernist twist to an otherwise “archeological” design. I cannot exactly pinpoint what it is th...

Beautiful, rare cuff with silver overlay and center deep red coral stone by Master Hopi Silversmith Victor Coochwytewa (1922- 2011) who began producing in the 40's and is best known for his traditional Hopi patterns. His career spanned over 50 years and he retired from jewelry making in 2006.This bracelet measures 5 1/4" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4 opening. It is 1 1/4" wide in the front, tapers to 3/4" in the back and weighs 64 grams. The bracelet is in fine original condition...

Sets of bangle bracelets are bound to lighten the spirit and brighten the day with their music and, if they are also studded with stones like the ones at ... hand, the splashes of color they scatter around. Made in the middle period of Taxco's 20th c. Silver Renaissance and signed by listed yet still unidentified maestros, these two came to me as a pair and this is the way I would like to send them out to their next new, loving home. Perfect to wear as a duo but also ideal to bring the vibrancy ...

One of Taxco’s two “Miguels”, Miguel Melendez started his career with William Spratling at Las Delicias, moved on to work with the Los Castillo and later Margot de Taxco and in the early 1950s opened his own workshop. A talented modernist with deep roots in Mexico’s rich archaeological history, he loved combining silver with hard- and semi-precious stones and excelled in two-sided pendants that married stone or shell inlay with abstract overlay on highly oxidized surfaces. The figural pi...

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

A striking vintage sterling and center coral cuff bracelet by Navajo Kee Joe Benally, active since the 1950's, now deceased. He used only the finest materials and displayed a mastery of traditional and contemporary design. This bracelet measures 5 1/2" around in the inside plus an additional 1" opening. The center piece is 1 1/2" long and 1 1/8" wide. The terminals measure 3/8" wide. Weighing 63 grams, it is in fine original condition. There are no chips or cracks to the vibrant deep red coral ...

A spectacular bracelet by Arizona Modernist H. Fred Skaggs comprised of six sterling silver wired wrapped irregular shaped polished stones including amethyst, white quartz, rose quartz, rutilated quartz, aquamarine and citrine. The bracelet measures 8 1/2 " end to end but because of the thickness of the stones, it fits a wrist of 7- 7 1/2" or so. The stones are beautiful and smooth with lots of natural inclusions. It is in fine original condition, no chips or cracks. This bracelet weighs a heft...

A very striking pair of vintage sterling and aventurine handmade, one-of-a-kind earrings by Israeli Modernist designer Rachel Gera. Hanging 2 3/4" long and 1" wide, they have clip backs and weigh 29grams total. They are in fine original condition and signed as shown. Great green stones and a very fun design. Born in 1936, Rachel Gera passed away in February of this year. Her creations were all very unique.

Stunning vintage 1970s modernist collar necklace in sterling silver with a large genuine rock crystal quartz stone. Marked ALTON SWEDEN 935 STERLING (935 is actually a higher silver content than sterling, which is of course 925). Great statement from all angles. Easy to slip on and off. Inside circumference/wearable length is about 17 to 18 inches, including the gap, which is 2 inches. The rock crystal stone and setting is 3/4 inch. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged...

This ring has a great design and measures just over 1/2" wide. It is a size 11. It is marked MEXICO TM-158 925. It has good heft and is in excellent condition.

This ring depicts a climbing snake. It is adjustable in size. The head of the snake is set in abalone. It is marked TAXCO 925, then (hard to read) MEXICO and maker's initials. It also has the Government assay spread eagle mark with a 3 inside.

A rarely surfacing pair of stunning Miguel Martinez earrings, this set reinterprets neo-Aztec elements in a modernist, almost surrealist way. I consider Martinez's jewelry to be among the best examples of 20th c. Taxco design and silver-smithing, always a feast for the eyes and perfectly finished. Here two different finishes in the silver combine with purposefully applied oxidation to lend body to the appliques and render the fan-shaped element at the top more dramatic against its black backgrou...

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...

Impressively long and beguilingly slick with its glowing tapering dangles half-hiding a bullet-shaped piece of black onyx, this is one of Antonio Pineda’s most eye-catching set of earrings. Simple yet visually strong lines that re-affirm the philosophy of less-is-more in the world of adornment; smooth as silk, dancer-like motion; fleshy geometry (if you allow me the word combination), all come together and become a piece of wearable art in the hands of Mexico’s modernist magician. Measuring ...

Circa 1960's - 70's, this Carmen Beckmann cuff pulls out all the stops. It's an exceptional bracelet which I have not seen before, and believe to be very rare. Seven Mexican fire opals of varying sizes are at front and center. The stones are magnificent, and have flashes of green, orange, blue, and purple. Framed on each side with a raised abstract silver shapes with oxidized recesses. Measures 6" inside edge to edge, with an additional gap/opening of 1 3/16". Width is 1 7/16". Weight i...

This Erika Hult de Corral bracelet was produced 1960's - 70's. It's a gorgeous modernist design, with eighteen amethyst cabochons and three large oval gold sheen obsidian stones. Measures a closed, wearable length of 7", with a width of 1 1/4". Weight is 94.6 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Ric Taxco", with the design # 125 and the eagle assay 3. In excellent vintage condition.

Monumental sterling cuff bracelet with a beautiful design of twisted silver loops and arched terminals by Mexican designer Carmen Beckmann. She is one of the few well known women Mexican silversmiths of her time, active primarily in the 60's and 70's and having a shop in San Miguel de Allende. Measuring 6" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/8" opening, this bracelet is 2 1/2' wide at all points and weighs a very solid 218 grams. Signed as shown and in fine original condition. It was per...

A really large and dramatic sterling silver Navajo bracelet by Rick Enriquez, with a large rectangular stone flanked by two full bodied lizards, the band heavily stamped with geometric Navajo designs, unsigned, acquired in Santa Fe before 1980. The bracelet measures 2" wide, the inside dimensions are 5 7/8' and with the gap, it is 7 1/4" for a larger wrist. Artist is Rick Enriquez, he has made bracelets with similar stamp work and usage of Kingman turquoise and large figural elements. One o...

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...

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...

A graduate of the Parson's School of Design in Paris, Erika Hult de Corral is one of my favorite modernist designers and silversmiths in the context of Mexican silver jewelry. Spanning a few decades, her work is unfailingly of the highest quality with attention paid not only to materials but also to finishing and, of course, imaginative design. The ring presented here, wrought in sterling and centered by a scrumptious tiger's eye stone, can also be found with Enrique Ledesma's signature. Since ...

I was always in love with beaded necklaces but as I grow older I appreciate their elegant comfort even more. Whether worn alone or combined with similar pieces, with stones or all-silver, they can be counted on to save the day whatever the occasion. This specific design by Carmen Beckmann is one of my absolute favorites - I have one in my jewelry box and I will never let go. Made up of two sizes of beads, one plain, the other embellished with ornate wire-work, it is most usually found in choker ...

Slender, elongated, hand-wrought fine silver feathers that end in a playful curl make up this set of "swan wing" modernist earrings by Antonio Pineda. I have to admit that this is one of the most unexpected Antonio creations I have ever encountered. When I first saw it, I thought that the clip-ons would have to surely be a later replacement yet I have since seen a similar pair and that one too had the same findings. Now these are earrings for those not afraid to ... spread their wings and reach ...

Absolutely stunning very big Danish sterling silver modernist vintage 1960s statement size ring with luminous blue green abalone shell inlay, by Danish jewelry maker Arne Johansen. Marked 925S and DENMARK, and signed AJ. Ring size 7. Great size -- the top is 1 3/8 inches long, 5/8 inch wide, and stands 1/4 inch off the finger. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.

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. Very rich in detail and exhibiting a crispness that makes the various motifs easily readable to the eye, the earrings have aged wonderfully, with their oxidation adding depth to the relief and enhancing 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...

A rare, spectacular Erika Hult de Corral set consisting of two square sterling silver bangles with wood inlay (I believe probably rosewood) this pair is a feast for the eyes and such a treat for the vintage Mexican jewelry collector who also seeks out the few (but amazingly talented) female designers of the field. Ric (as Hult de Corral signed her pieces) studied at the Parson's School of Design in Paris and before opening her own workshop during Taxco's "middle period", she worked for both Sigi...

A beautiful and rare 950 silver bracelet with cabochon stones of amethyst,green beryl, pink tourmaline, and citrine by Brazilian jeweler Haroldo Burle Marx who was the brother of Roberto Burle Marx, also a jeweler and notable landscape architect. This bracelet was designed for and sold at The Altomar Collection, which was a small boutique in the Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C. from 1982 until 1999. It measures 5 3/4" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening. It is 1/2" wide at t...

An amazing 'checkerboard' sterling silver modernist necklace by Georg Jensen, #191. Designed by Ernst Forsmann. Measures 15" long and 1/2" wide. Has a hook closure and two secure safety clasps. Marked Georg Jensen in a dotted oval, 925S, Denmark, and 191. Wonderful condition. Heavy and intricate, looks spectacular on! A very special piece.

An amazing sterling and fire opals bracelet by Mexican designer Carmen Beckmann. The stones are varied and vibrant in color and are all in beautiful condition. Beckmann is one of the few well known women Mexican silversmiths of her time, active primarily in the 60's and 70's and having a shop in San Miguel de Allende. Measuring 8" end to end, this bracelet is 7/8" wide and weighs 103 grams. No condition issues, secure push in clasp. Signed as shown. A rare and spectacular Beckmann piece.

Classic Antonio Pineda bangle bracelet wrought in the maestro's favorite, .970 fine silver alloy with deep notches all around it that appear more dramatic thanks to the intentionally applied oxidation. There is something about Antonio's jewelry that bring them close to your heart as soon as you first see them and this piece is no exception. Enjoy it alone or, if you are lucky enough, add it to the stack of his bangles you already have. The bracelet has an inner circumference of 7 3/4" (2 1/2" i...

This mid-century bracelet was produced by RTA. I've had a few RTA pieces over the years, all based on Antonio Pineda designs, all of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This design is known as "birdcage", and it is absolutely stunning. It has everything going for it. Large and quite substantial, it weighs 126.5 grams. Wears beautifully and feels luxurious on the wrist. Measures a closed, wearable length of 7". Width is 1 9/16". Depth is 3/4". Signed and hallmarked "RTA Hecho en Mexic...

Slick, a modernist dream-come-true, crafted with the highest quality of craftsmanship and studded with the most beautiful tiger's eye you have ever seen, this slick Mexican silver necklace was made in Taxco in the 1950s-60s. It is made up of graduated links in a design that has also been used by maestros like the unsurpassed Felipe Martinez, and the stones glow like melted gold! Classically elegant and a pleasure to wear the necklace measures 14 3/5" long and its width varies between 13/16" and...

This is a gorgeous pendant from Finland is by Kupittaan Kulta Oy. It measures 2" x 5/8". It is marked 925S with the Kupittaan Kulta, anvil hallmark. It is in excellent condition.

This past year seems to have been a Carmen Beckmann year for One Good Eye Silver. And even though I cannot claim it was because of planning, it has not been entirely out of luck either. One of the few female contributors to Mexico’s 20th c Silver Renaissance that we know of, Beckmann’s jewelry are works of a confident designer, impeccably finished and at her best moments, incredibly creative as well. In the ring presented here I see a marrying of ancient motifs and modernist sensitivity as t...

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...

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.

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.

This exquisite pendant has a great mod design. It is slightly concave and measures 1 ¼” x 5/8” x ½”. The lapis cab is bezel-set. The back has a hallmark of WWL and is marked STERLING. This pendant has good heft and is in excellent condition.

Tane Orfebres is an important silver house in Mexico City, known as the Tiffany of Mexico. This bracelet is wide, heavy, and gorgeous. It has a sleek modernist design, with the one half shiny and mirror like, and the opposite half bearing a slightly matte finish. I have never seen this design before, and it is a stunning bracelet. Signed and hallmarked "Tane Sterling Mexico", with an "A" within a triangle. No eagle assay on this one, but I believe it to be 1953-1980. This will fit up to...

This beautiful band ring is inlaid with 2 bands of azur-malachite stone. The blue and green stone is colorful and stands out nicely in its 1/4" sterling silver band. It is marked TAXCO MEXICO 925 in a circle with with ESE in the middle. It also has the assay mark with 3 inside. The ring is a size 7 1/2 and is in excellent condition.

Extraordinary vintage sterling and red coral petit point earrings by Zuni Edith Tsatbetsaye , circa 1970. Many silversmiths created petit point pieces but this silversmith took the art to an extreme. The slender marquis petite points are cut with a semi-circular high domed arch that is her trademark. These earrings measure 7/8" by 3/4" and have posts for pierced ears. They are in fine original condition , weigh 6 grams total and there are no missing stones and no chips or cracks to any stone. Si...

Admittedly my favorite Mexican modernist, Salvador Teran seems to have never had a "bad" moment during his career. There is not one piece of his that I have come upon which I have not loved for its quirky abstraction, its sometimes tongue-in-cheek genius, its magical way of playing with layers, abstraction and oxidation. The mod pendant presented here provides a good illustration, I believe, of the point I am trying to make. The rendering borders on cubism yet at the same time, the pendant regis...

Circa mid-century, this belt buckle is collector quality. It's a huge and heavy piece produced by Antonio Pineda, using his "Lascaux" design. Referred to as Lascaux because it is thought that he was inspired from the ancient cave drawings of Lascaux, France. Pineda had a series of pieces with this design, including pendant necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pin. I've not had this particular buckle before, but it is spectacular. Executed in almost pure 97% silver. This buckle measure...