Maestro C. Molina is one of those “enigmatic” figures of Mexico’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance. Even in Bille Hougart’s seminal work on hallmarks and makers there is minimal information about him - namely, two or three examples of the way his jewelry is hallmarked and the photos are really difficult to read...

A smashing duo in the index of mid-20th century Mexican jewelry design, Cecilia and Tono have created some of the most amazing pieces. More often than not their creations are re-interpretations of ancient motifs with a modernist twist and adaptations of old techniques and materials to fit their contemporary vision...

Bearing the signature of maestro Barrera this carefully made figural brooch depicts a richly clad person, most probably a nobleman or priest, with hands forming a very distinct gesture as if he takes part in a ritual or is performing a dance. Barrera , I suspect, worked in Mexico City, and created some impressive jewelry in the style associated with it...

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

This very fine pair of Modernist sterling silver pyramid rope form cufflinks could have come from the fashion pages of any current menswear magazine, circa 1945, toggle backs, marked on the back STERLING; Measurements: 5/8 in long x 1/4 in. wide; Excellent condition; may need cleaning.

This mid-century masterpiece is the work of Felipe Martinez, whose shop was called Piedra Y Plata.

The hand-carved and polished amethyst face is a gorgeous shade of purple and the repoussé silver work is magnificent. Earrings are obsidian...

Over the years of my career as a vintage Mexican jewelry dealer I have come to love and appreciate the "mask" pieces created by the Los Ballesteros workshop. I have to admit that this was not a "love-at-first-sight" affair. On the contrary, it took me some time to realize that prolific though they might have been, especially in the post-1980 years which witnessed a drop in creativity as well, the specific workshop excelled in the production of superb jewelry centered by carved stone effigies...

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

A nice pair of sterling silver stirrup cufflinks, the ends set with black onyx sugarloaf cabochons. This style of cufflink was popularized by Cartier. The cufflinks bear Swiss import marks used until 1934 and are stamped "935", indicating that they have a slightly higher pure silver content than sterling silver.

Origin: Continental Europe, probably France, ca. 1925. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: faces, 9/16" diameter. Weight: 8.7 gr.

Gorgeous vintage translucent cherry amber Bakelite necklace with large 15mm beads on a continuous strand. 1930s. Tests positive for Bakelite with Simichrome. 140 grams. Tiny inclusions here and there but mostly translucent. Glowing dark red color. Wearable length is 30 inches. Beads are 15mm or 9/16 inch wide. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.

Vintage Bakelite bypass bangle in marbled Mississippi mud with carved stylized snake heads. It has a slightly oval shape. Tests positive for Bakelite and guaranteed vintage and original. Circa 1935. 1 inch wide at crossover. Inside diameters are 2 1/2 and 2 5/8 inches. Just under 1/2 inch thick. This piece is slightly larger than average diameter. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.

Stunning necklace in 14KT yellow gold with carved softly pyramid shaped carnelian stones in bezel settings. Marked 14K on the spring ring and also tests positive for 14KT gold. Circa 1930, from the same estate as the German Deco sterling and coral necklace I have listed. Art Deco, with elements of Arts & Crafts Tudor revival style. The stones are slightly graduated from the center. A beautiful, tailored, very wearable piece. It weighs 33 grams...

Elegant and "quiter" than most Matilde Poulat jewelry, this early repousse bracelet by the big maestra exhibits nonetheless all the attributes Matl's work is avidly sought after and venerated for. Repoussage that creates a body with impeccable texture and perfect finishing, a gorgeous golden sheen obsidian cabochon and, of course, the Mexico City style silver-work which to me represents Mexico's Arts and Crafts movement...

A wonderful pair of Art Deco 18K yellow gold cufflinks by Ravinet d Enfert, probably retailed by Hermès. Each of the faces is crafted as a different suite in a deck of cards and is finished with red or black opaque enamel. The faces are connected with chains. Each cufflink is marked for 18K and with the maker’s mark for Ravinet d’Enfert...

This very early Matl / Matilde Poulat pendant is a rare find. Dating 1930's - 1940, this pendant is studded with turquoise and branch coral, with gorgeous birds and kneeling angels holding turquoise tipped candles. Measures just over 3" from top of bail to bottom, width is 2". A nice heft at 28.5 grams. Signed and hallmarked "MATL 0.980". Collector quality.

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...

Circa 1940 rose gold eternity band with rubies set in white gold flowers going around the entire ring. Ring size 6.5, cannot be sized.

Stunning 1930s Art Deco riviere necklace in silvertone metal with large brilliant bezel set openback faceted glass crystal stones. Marked GERMANY. The stones are held by prongs at the front. The backs of the bezels are decorated with a finely detailed flower form motif. The stones have pointed backs. Spring ring clasp. Wearable length is 16 1/2 inches and the stones and settings are 7/16 inch or 12mm. Excellent condition. Some tiny flea bites on some stones; most are only visible with a loupe. D...