A lovely late Victorian 18K gold locket, the front and back covers worked in a stippled texture with engine-turned engraving along the borders. The front is further enhanced with a spray of vivid blue forget-me-nots and green foliage. In Victorian flower language, forget-me-nots symbolized true love or the desire to be remembered—either one a very fitting sentiment for a locket. The back cover has a monogram reserve that was never engraved...

Rope designs were used exclusively in Spratling's 1st design period, 1931-46. This amethyst & 980 sterling pendant measures 2" X 1 3/4" X 1 3/8". The box is suspended by a heavy sterling Spratling chain measuring 24" long. Both box and chain are in beautiful condition. The circular clasp is tight and secure. Fully hallmarked WS 980 TAXCO. The amethyst box necklace is pictured in MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill & Carole Berk and in SPRATLING SILVER: A FIELD GUIDE by Phyllis Goddard.

A stand out modernist sterling silver Neck Ring designed by Minas Spiridis, (1938-2020), for Cartier. He was the first non Danish jewelry designer for Georg Jensen.

Marked on the back MINAS in a Greek style font, Sterling and Cartier. Also marked Cartier at the end of one arm.

Measures 11" around with an opening of 3". Meant to sit on the collar bone. Measures 1/2" wide in the center. Can probably be adjusted slightly. Better for a slender neck...

Circa mid-century, here is a Margot de Taxco zodiac pendant bracelet with Taurus the Bull. It's her design #s 5310 and 5233, and it's collector quality. It's a heavy, chunky, absolutely beautiful bracelet and one which shows up beautifully on the wrist. Closed wearable length is 6 5/8". Taurus charm/pendant measures 1 13/16 to the top of the bale, 1 9/16" wide. Weight is 97 grams...

A masterfully crafted, meticulously finished frame of sterling lily pads accented with tiny beading and elegant little wire swirls surrounds a flat-top amethyst gem in the vintage studio ring I am presenting here. This type of silver-work and the specific foliate motif is easily identified as created by Mary Gage, one of the most talented - and indeed most eccentric - silversmiths of the late American Arts and Crafts movement...

Choice of a sterling silver floral neck ring or a modernist sterling and 14K gold brooch by Ed Levin.

The neck ring measures about 14" around with an opening of 2". Measures 3/8" across. Embossed with a repeating stylized flower design. Signed with a partial script © Ed Levin, Sterling. In fine condition. Could probably be somewhat adjusted due to the open nature of the design.

The brooch measures about 2 1/2" across and 1" at the widest. Has an interesting textured finish...

This brooch or pin is in the shape of a bow, made from blue and turquoise plique a jour (translucent) enamel with twisted wire work running through it. (The colors in the photographs may be deceptive, depending on your computer monitor). The enamel over the wire spirals is turquoise, and the rest is a medium blue. “Plique a jour” translates roughly as “light of day.” Measuring 1-1/4” x 7/8", it weighs 3.1g...

This striking lavalier is centered by a light purple amethyst (traditionally good for maintaining clarity of mind), framed by rose gold panels which are a mix of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts in style. It has a pearl dangle with good luster, which is interestingly off-round. Measuring 1-5/8” including the pearl but not the jump ring, by 7/8”. The amethyst measures 3/8” x ¼”. It is marked “9ct” but tests as 10k (this is not unusual)...

A fabulous example of Taxco modernism by Los Ballesteros, this vintage Mexican silver and amethyst bracelet is as beautiful to look at as it is comfortable to wear. A couple of days ago I presented another creation by the same workshop and I will suggest that the two pieces are representative of their line of medium-width modernist link bracelets...

This lovely necklace features 13 madeira citrines, 3 clusters of 3 each, and 4 set singly. (Citrine is the birthstone for November, said to bring optimism and joy into life – just what we all need!) The central cluster has a pearl dangle. The rich rose gold is marked 9ct on the clasp, but it tests as a weak 10kt (not unusual). Wearable length is 18-3/4”. It is in excellent condition...

Deeply carved ancient Aztec motifs adorn this Mexican Deco cuff bracelet by Taxco’s foremost designer, William Spratling. This is one of his earliest and probably quite popular cuffs since it was kept in production for a while as alluded to by the late Phyllis Goddard. Wrought in sterling silver in our case, its labyrinthine beauty makes it difficult for the eye to disengage and its comfortable weight feels divine around the wrist. With an inner circumference of 7" (including the 1 1/2” gap...

Vintage 1980s Talleres de Los Ballesteros Mexican modernist bracelet wrought in Antonio Pineda’s favorite .970 alloy which is richer in silver content than the standard sterling, this is a heavy, architectural piece adorned with clear, faceted, gem-quality amethysts. The stones are open on the back to maximize the effect created by the light as it passes through them and the all-silver links are substantial and very sculptural. I don’t offer post-1980 Mexican jewelry very often unless the qu...

This sterling silver and copper bolo was designed by Antonio Pineda c. 1950's. The bear claw measures 3" X 2 3/4". Each of the arrowhead tips are 3/4" L. The piece weighs 78 grams. The overall length of the adjustable bolo cord measures 33" from arrow tip to arrow tip. Fully hallmarked. All in fine condition.

This Antonio Pineda ring features an oval turquoise cabochon alongside a pearl in this very flattering modernist design. It's a book piece design shown with a jade stone on p. 136 of Silver Seduction : The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda. Size is a generous 6.5. Face measures 3/4" x 13/16". Weight is 9.6 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco crown, JVL Taxco 970, and the eagle assay 208. In excellent vintage condition.

This charming ring was made from 10kt (marked and tested) yellow gold, with a marquise or navette-shaped ruby flanked by two tiny accent diamonds. (Ruby is the birthstone for July, and is a symbol of devotion, love, and immortality – so lovely!) It also has a maker’s mark, which is either “QI” or “OJ”. The 2 diamonds are set in white metal – it’s not possible to tell whether it is silver or platinum. It’s size six and could be re-sized. The photos are part of the description; p...

This striking stick pin was made in the shape of an arrow head. It features a sparkly cognac-colored diamond of approximately 10 points (a tenth of a carat), but it looks bigger. Above and below the diamond are 2 lovely (cultured?) champagne-colored pearls. It weighs 2.3g and is of unmarked but tested 14k yellow gold, which has been hammered to enhance the “arrow head” look – a great reminder that the Arts and Crafts era overlapped the era of the Wild West! It measures 1/2” x 7/16” x 2...

This is a magnificent Antonio Pineda bracelet which I've never seen before and believe to be very rare. Likely dating to the 1950's, this bracelet showcases three natural untreated blue star sapphire stones. The center stone is approx 5 ct. Each stone sits in a star setting. Very unique, and certainly a statement piece. You can see the star It's a huge bracelet, with a weight of 155.2 grams. Closed, wearable length is 6 1/4". With is 1 1/2". Depth is 9/16". Signed and hallmar...

Silver lipstick cases / holders from Italy are not a rare occurrence yet how often do you come upon a signed Peruzzi example? As difficult to find as it is beautiful, this one has it all - the signature, the warm patina, the delicate floral etched decoration and tiny little sparkling red rhinestones at the center of each dainty flower. Even the tab that holds the pop-up mirror is shaped like a multi-petaled bloom. A collector's dream-come-true the case measures 2/3" wide and deep by 2 3/8" tall....

The story of this Mexican Deco silver and turquoise hinged bangle is an interesting one. When it came to me, it had a rather hastily applied gold plating that looked both out of place and, should I say?, garish. I cannot understand why anybody would do such a thing yet many a time, in discussions with older bench jewelers, I have been told that a few decades ago this was indeed a trend of sorts. Very rarely do I decide to intervene in a similarly dramatic way on old jewelry but this was a very ...

A reversible gold pendant featuring a green and amber colored jade koi fish. The pendant is marked 14k Gump's. The gold shows some discoloration and would benefit from a buffing. There is also light wear with a very tiny nick on the gold edge of the jade side ( see first picture upper right). It measures 1" x 3/4"" and weighs 6.23gr.

One of the most beautiful early Taxco brooches I have had over the years, this glorious butterfly combines delicate repoussage and the marrying of copper and 980 silver with a richly colored piece of azur-malachite. Copper-plating fine silver is not something everything would think to do - after all, one is a precious metal, the other, though very important throughout history, is not. The Mexicans, however, at least some of them, the famous Los Castillo included, seemed to have found the techniq...

An Arts & Crafts style sterling bracelet by Jensen designer, Laurence Foss. Marked with the Foss logo Sterling. It measures 7-1/2" x 1/2" " and weighs 47.5 gr.

Ca 1940 A signed, solid gold piece by Preformed Parts, manufacturer of Tiffany and Cartier jewelry. George Schuler design. The piece weighs a substantial 13.2 grams and measures 1-1/4" x 2". Similar designs by both companies may be found on the web.

Circa mid-century, this Los Ballesteros bracelet is a tour-de-force statement piece which immediately garners compliments to the wearer.

It's an iconic book-piece design, shown in "Warman's Jewelry" by Christie Romero, there with amethysts. I have the amethyst bracelet in my shop, as well.

This bracelet features eight faceted stones, in an array of vivid colors, in high five pronged settings. The stones alternate between four and five pointed incised stars with oxidized rec...

This pin is unusual due to its length: it measures 2-1/4” x ½”. The fancy engraving is enhanced with black enamel, and the pin is centered by a faux pearl. The central element makes us think of a gear – this would be great to wear to a Steampunk event, or any event with a Victorian theme! It shows a little wear, but it’s still very pretty. The clasp might be a replacement. If so, it’s an old repair. The photos are part of the description. Please examine them carefully. Thanks! Shipp...

A modernist Sterling Silver shadowbox pendant with a 14K Gold orb suspended from the original chain by Ed Levin. The pendant has a brushed finish. The chain goes through the orb.

The pendant measures about 1" high and 7/8" across. The chain is about 18" long. The pendant is signed © EL Ed Levin, Ster and 14K.

Fine condition with minor surface scratches and some tarnish. The chain has a large stylized hook which holds securely.

Well crafted design. No longer available.

A pair of pierced Mid Century Modern vintage sterling silver earrings with swish overlays on contrasting oxidized areas. Opposites so frame the face when worn.

The earrings measure 1/2" at the widest and 1 3/8" tall including the hooks. Unsigned.

They are in fine condition, with very minor surface scratches and some tarnish. Looks like the backs have been replaced.

Lots of movement when worn. Comfortable to wear, weigh 6 gr together.

An interesting pair of earrings fro...

I have had this mod Taxco bracelet a few times over the years - also in ring, earrings and brooch form. And I never tire of it! The example at hand is signed by maestro Moreno and it has the beguiling sculpturality that makes the design memorable. Two perfectly crafted silver spheres sitting on stylized leaves - that is all yet it is so much more. Gutsy, slick and eye-catching at the same time - definitely a bracelet for the daring among us. With an inner circumference of 6 7/8" (clasped) it is...

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...

A mid-century Los Castillo Mexican silver and stone inlay belt buckle, this is a piece out the workshop's "onix negro" series. I have said before that the specific technique is a challenging one both for the silversmith and the lapidary as the stone has to be cut exactly to the dimensions of the silver elements that will be inlaid in it. Yet here too the prowess of the maestros who created the buckle is evident in the absolutely smooth "image" they created by combining the two materials - if you...

This pair of 10kt yellow gold cuff links, sporting an ivy motif, is a favorite of ours! Both because they are pretty, and because of ivy is symbolic of marriage and friendship. Sweet! The decorated ends measure ¾” x ½”, and the total weight is 3.2g. Unmarked, they test at 10k, and we believe them to be from the Victorian/Art Nouveau period. In excellent condition. They would be great for historical reenactment events! The photos are part of the description, so please examine them carefull...

This mid-century masterpiece from Talleres de Los Ballesteros is a book-piece design shown on p. 227 of Warman's Jewelry 3rd Edition. It's an iconic bracelet, with gorgeous faceted amethysts and incised stars which are oxidized in the recesses. The amethysts sit high in four pronged settings. Opens wide to easily fit over the wrist and closes with a tight and secure tongue in box clasp. Closed, interior length is 6 3/4", with a 1 3/4" width. Weight is 122.3 grams. A very substantial pie...

This beautiful pendant/pin has a stylized floral motif, with enamel that shades from green to yellow, in a design reminiscent of a French fleur-de-lis. It is centered by a small diamond (approx. 5 points), surrounded by a pearl-set modified starburst which accents the enameled “petals.” In 14k rose gold, it measures 1” in diameter at the widest point. The bale folds down nicely when it’s worn as a pin. We had the enamel touched up a little at the edges, to restore it to its original exce...

Three pieces of modernist sterling jewelry by noted Vermont jeweler, Luella C. Schroeder, (1918-2004), who worked at the Cranbrook Institute before going off on her own to open a jewelry studio are available. They may be purchased individually or in any combination.

The first item is a sterling silver modernist brooch with a layer of three stylized fish on a contrasting darkened silver background. Measures 2 1/4" long and almost an inch across. Has a rollover safety clasp that holds secur...

This strikingly beautiful pin is an interesting mixture of the Art Nouveau and Victorian styles. The Victorians loved to use real insects in jewelry. This particular type was a favorite.The Nouveau jewelers loved naturalistic motifs, but generally didn’t incorporate organic substances – yet the design of the framework is very Nouveau. Marked “14k”, the pale gold setting contrasts nicely with the deep green of the beetle. The pin stem assembly is original. The clasp has a nice safety leve...

One of the better known "less celebrated" maestros of Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance, AEM (or, as I like to refer to him, AE Heart because of the heart-shaped M that hugs the signature's other two initials) lived and worked in Mexico City. Of good weight and exhibiting very good craftsmanship, AEM's jewelry often emulate pieces by his more famous contemporaries but he created many original designs himself as well. I am particularly attracted to his hinged bangle bracelets and I also love hi...

Offered here as a pair, these beautiful vintage heishi necklaces are made up of slender shell disks, turquoise, silver and glass beads and what I think are most probably shark teeth. They have been with me for a long, long time and I always thought I would combine them into one longer piece yet never gotten around to it. So it's time for them to go to a new, loving home where they will be worn and enjoyed once again. Please note the rich colors of the turquoise chunks and the wonderful patina th...

This sterling silver buckle features translucent (plique a jour) enamel in a floral motif. These sash buckles with plique are quite unusual. The enamel is red, green, and two shades of blue. It is signed with a “JK” above another “JK” in a box. There are marks for London, 1886, and a duty mark. Measuring 3-1/8” x 2-1/4", it weighs 32.7g or 1.16 oz. It is in very good condition. (The plique has a few hairlines and some bubbles, which is normal for this type of enamel.) The red and blue ...

We found this sweet pair of earrings in London, England. Rubies symbolize love and immortality. Pearls symbolize purity and harmony. What a perfect combination for these pretty earrings! They test as 10kt gold, although they are marked 375 for 9kt (this often happens in older jewelry). The hanging flower basket motif is quite charming. They contain a total of 16 rubies and 18 seed pearls. The total length is 1-7/8”, and together they weight 4.3g. As is often the case with older earrings, it’...

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...

Big and early as indicated by the .900 silver alloy used to craft it, this Mexican Deco silver repousse "mask" brooch I particularly love because of the gorgeous stone out of which the portrait is carved as well as the pronounced repoussage of the frame that surrounds it. If you follow my "journey", you already know that I am drawn to Mexican "mask" jewelry. I consider them quintessentially "Mexican Deco" and believe that they epitomize the spirit of the period in which they started being made...

Made in the 1960s, this vintage Mexican sterling silver bracelet consists of figural disks developing in a row defined by lengths of double-woven, thick chain. I have seen this combination featuring three different kinds of disk designs. While here we have depictions of the country's history as well as symbols of its old religion (a jaguar warrior portrait, Quetzalcoatl, Mexico's state Eagle) the specific bracelet design can be found with Mexican coins or representations of the zodiac cycle. I l...

This graceful pin is from the Edwardian/Art Nouveau era. The round peridot is framed by an oval of seed pearls, between delicate arabesques of gold set with more seed pearls, for a total of 30 (2 are replacements). Stamped 14k on the back, with an illegible maker’s mark, it measures 1-½” x 7/16" and weighs 2.0g. The peridot is slightly scratched, and the safety is a little loose and fussy, but in overall very good antique condition and with a nice patina. Circa 1910. Brought to Europe by th...

This unusual enameled sterling pendant comes out of the Arts & Crafts movement, roughly 1880-1920 (it can be argued that it still continues!) The enamel colors are associated with the women’s suffrage movement in the UK: green (Give), white (Women the), and violet (Vote) – or at least, that’s the story! The free-standing wire work (so unusual!) interlaces around the body of the piece, and holds an oval of mother-of-pearl in place. Also unusual is the use of some brown enamel. There is a li...

Traditional Balinese bangle and ring, sterling silver with silver pearl filigree and gold inlay. 1950’s (?), marked 925 and 22 K. The inner width of the bangle is "2 ½ / 6.8 cm, inner diameter of the ring "2/3/ 18 mm. Condition: some wear to the bangle’s gold inlay (cf. pics).

This sweet little lavalier is centered by a blue sapphire cabochon within an Art Nouveau framework of 14kt yellow gold. Above is a pearl. It was made by the well known Whiteside & Blank company of Newark, NJ, and stamped “14”. When we found it, it was a ring that had been made from a stickpin, so we felt free to remake it into a lavalier (it didn’t work very well as a ring). It measures just under 1 inch from the top of the bail by 1/2” at the widest point. Circa 1900. We have 14kt gold ...

This sweet brooch depicts two adorable cupids, a boy and a girl, looking serene and loving. Their plique a jour (translucent enamel) wings are a pale purple or mauve color, nicely complimenting the 900 silver. The girl is wearing a tiny necklace of roses. The pin measures 1” x 1-3/4” and weighs 5.7g. The clasp might be a replacement, but the rest is all original, and the pin is in excellent antique condition. It is stamped “DEPOSE” (“patent or registration in France,” but other count...

A rarely seen design this elegant bracelet by the famous Antonio Pineda has a unique design with links in a curved, open work design. It measure 6 7/8" long by 7/8" wide and weighs 49.8 grams. In good vintage condition with only light wear and tarnish, it has a lovely deep patina. With a secure box clasp and attached safety chain. Hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco Crown, 970, Made in Mexico and the eagle 17. A lovely bracelet with a great design that you'll wear for a lifetime.

One of Hector Aguilar's most iconic designs done in his signature 940 silver. Known as the Fertility Bracelet it is featured in the books "Mexican Silver" and "Silver Masters of Mexico". It measures 7" long by 7/8" wide and is quite heavy at 91.1 grams. Signed with the HA mono, 940, Taxco Mexico and the eagle stamp. It has the early style pin closure and is in good condition with no damage noted. An iconic bracelet by one of the finest Mexican Silver Jewelry artist.

A modernist sterling silver heavy pendant necklace signed Gra-Wun for the Scottsdale Arizona jeweler Ray Graves. The central pendant is textured and layered for an interesting effect. The hand wrought links are concave on two sides.

The pendant measures 2 1/4" across and 1 3/8" high. The necklace measures about 26" in total. Weighs 75 gr. Has no closure, meant to be slipped over the head.

Etched Gra-Wun, Sterling and Handmade on the back. Has a date inscription that reads Aug. 14 1980.

This brooch features an ancient Celtic design: two birds (probably swans) with enameled wings, bodies and eyes, with interlaced silver above and below. The enamel is in red, blue, green, and white. It is marked 925 for sterling silver, and has several other marks which are illegible. 1-1/2” X 1-1/4”. There are a couple places where the enamel isn’t quite perfect – please see photos. Probably a more recent casting of an older piece, and very pretty indeed! The photos are part of the desc...

A spectacular pair of vintage Antonio Pineda Earrings with a bold modernist design. With a half dome at the top it features an elongated trumpet shape silver dangle with a cone shaped Amethyst stone set slightly inside so that it hangs from the end. They measure 3" long and together they weigh 26.6 grams. One earring has the Antonio Taxco Crown mark and the other is marked with the eagle 17. In good vintage condition with the typical screw backs. A very special and rare pair of earrings by a tru...

This large deep blue lapis stone is enhance with the gold speckles running diagonally across its center. The irregular form is set in a copper frame with leaves and scrolls to add interest. The pendant is a vintage delight, versatile, and bold.

Condition is very good to excellent with minor oxidation on the top loop.

Dimensions
Height: 3 1/4 inches - total height
Width
1 1/2 inches

This pretty stickpin is made of (stamped) 14kt white gold and is set with an unidentified colorless gemstone - not diamond or one of the common substitutes for diamond. Not glass or plastic - it's a real stone. Also a real mystery. Whatever it is, it's a perfect complement to the setting. There is an illegible maker's mark. Overall length is 2 3/8" and it’s C. 1915. (Stick pins are pins similar to small dressmaker pins, except that they are longer and often have quite ornamental tops to them. ...

This rare Hector Aguilar Mexican Silver Bracelet is featured in many books on Mexican Jewelry including "Silver Masters of Mexico" by Penny Morrill on page 136. He called this the Pillow Bracelet and it has a bold modernist design. Measures 7" long by1" wide and weighs 57.6 grams of silver. Signed with the HA mono, Sterling Made in Mexico" and dates to the early 1940's. In good condition with no damage noted, a nice patina, and a secure button topped box clasp. A classic Aguilar piece with great...

This William Spratling Mexican Silver Bracelet is from his first design period 1931-1946 and consider one of his most iconic designs. It measures 7 1/4" long by 1" wide and weighs 70.6 grams of sterling silver. Hallmarked with the WS mono, Spratling Made in Mexico, and Spratling Silver. It is in good vintage condition with some light wear, tarnish, and has developed a lovely patina. Early style pin closure and attached safety chain. A great vintage bracelet for any collector.

A great, 950 sterling silver cuff bracelet by Haroldo Burle Marx with a large bezel set 'Forma Livre' opaque black carved stone.

Marked 950 and BURLE MARX on the inside. Measures 6 3/4" around with an opening of 1 1/4". Measures 1" at the widest. Weighs 104 gr.

Fine condition. There are some minor surface scratches to the finish. There is a slight separation at the underside of the bezel but the stone is stable.

Stunning example.

Our C1970's unisex southwestern native American "Thunderbird" Eagle signet ring symbolizes power, strength and leadership. The Thunderbird eagle is a mythological bird which gets its name from its forceful wings that create thunder in their wake with lightning shooting from the bird's beak. The thunderbird was responsible for ensuring the earth was watered and vegetation came up. Lightning was believed to flash from its beak, and the beating of its wings represented thunder. This is a substan...

Renaissance 22 Carat signet ring with a deeply carved intaglio puzzle in the form of a pictogram which uses pictures and letters to spell out words that convey its meaning. The rebus reads "Love You" with the heart symbolizing love and the V (based off the old Latin alphabet) for the letter U, representing the vowel U which represents "You". The ring is unmarked and a size 6 and in excellent condition.

A renaissance era poesy ring (spelled posy, posie, or posey), the outer ring of our posy has a chequerboard pattern with the darkly romantic inscription "Yours till death". The u in the letter Yours is written as a V because it is based off the Latin alphabet which used the letter V to represent both letters. Posey rings were popular in France and England between the 1400's and 1700's and were often given as gifts between lovers. Religious messages and messages of love and fidelity were engr...