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...

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...

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...

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"...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...