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. Recesses are oxidized, and the design shows great depth and dimension.

Can be worn both as a pin or pendant.

Measures 2 3/8" tall, 1 11/16" wide.

Weight is 39.1 grams.

Signed and hallmarked with...

A book piece for Sigi Pineda, the “boomerang” brooch belongs in a line of jewelry in which the Taxco modernist combined layering, purposefully applied oxidation and vividly colored semi-precious and hard- stones to create slick, modernist, I would even say space-age, designs that seems as relevant today as they did when they were first introduced to the world. What I always found amazing about this brooch is the ingenious - and quite minimal - way the stone (chrysoprase in our case) is incor...

Dating in the earlier period of Matilde Poulat’s extraordinary career, the cross pendant presented here is adorned with Matl’s favorite stones - turquoise, amethyst and coral. Inspired by Mexico’s rich folk art, it belongs in her daringly eye-catching series of “jeweled” creations but here, there is an additional motif that makes the pendant even more precious. Namely, the two small repousse angel dangles, facing each other in a kneeling position with lit candles in their hands. The st...

Spratling designed this "pyramid" buckle in the 1940's. The buckle measures 2 1/8" X 1 1/2". It weighs 40 grams & will fit a 1 1/8" wide strap. The design is pictured on spratlingsilver.com where Phyllis Goddard explains the design was "made in 3 versions with this one being the largest or the "grande" model." The buckle is in great condition with heavy patina and some surface wear. Hallmarked on the reverse SPRATLING SILVER & MADE IN MEXICO. The buckle is pictured in MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Mor...

Generously long and imposing in its presence, this early Mexican Deco silver, copper and stone necklace with cascabeles is a great example of the way ancient Mesoamerican artifacts found their way into jewelry created during the country's 20th c. Silver Renaissance. Statuettes, clay "masks", beads of stone and silver, carved pieces of bone were unearthed on a daily basis in Mexico's countryside either by accident as people worked the land or as a result of deliberate "digging" to find them. Many...

This unique and rare set by the famous Margot de Taxco consists of three matching pieces. All are 1 7/8" wide with one piece measuring 21" long, one measures 10" long and the other measures 2 3/4" long. All pieces have hook closures and can be attached together. The longest and medium pieces are both hallmarked Margot de Taxco, Sterling Made in Mexico along with the design number 5158 and the eagle 16. Very heavy with a total weight of 334 grams. Good condition with light age related tarnish. A ...

For a few years around WWII and possibly up to 1950, Marcel Boucher had a special line of silver jewelry made in Mexico under the name "Parisina". I don't think we know which workshop produced those pieces or whether they were made by a number of different silversmiths. I can, however, say that Parisina jewelry ranges from the very light-weight to the chunkier, more substantial examples and that the same variety is also reflected in their designs. The Cuban link bracelet presented here is defini...

Bold and beautiful with a Modernist design, this stunning bracelet by Antonio Pineda is a fine example of his craftmanship and artistry. At the corner of each heavy thick silver link is a light blue faceted Spinel and another spinel tops the push in clasp. Measures 6 7/8" long, 3/4" wide and weighs 95.3 grams. Hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco Crown, Hecho en Mexico, 970 and the eagle 17. A timeless and elegant bracelet.

Featured in the book Silver Masters of Mexico on page 63 is this early Hector Aguilar Sterling Silver Bracelet. Beautifully designed and crafted with decorative circles connected by three silver bands. Measures 7" long, 1" wide and weighs 70 grams. In good condition with a secure clasp. Hallmarked HA, Made in Mexico, Sterling. A great bracelet that will never go out of style.

Four large heavy sterling silver links set with oval cabochon Amethyst stones create a spectacular bracelet by the famous Fred (Frederick) Davis. Each link measures 2 1/4" by 1 3/4" with a total length of 7". Very heavy at 116 grams. Hallmarked with the joined FD, Silver Mexico. Pin closure. Nice condition, with light wear, tarnish. This is a seldom seen bracelet and a wonderful treasure for the collector.

This unique vintage Necklace is by the wonderful Margot de Taxco whose skill as a designer is considered to be among the finest of the all the Silver Masters. The links are a row of Roman Numerals from 1 to 12 set between small silver beads. It measures 14 1/2" long by 3/4" wide and it weighs 67 grams. Hallmarked Margot de Taxco, 5201, Sterling Made in Mexico with the eagle 16. Secure box clasp. Light signs of wear and tarnish and a great example of the artistry of Margot de Taxco.

Luminous Obsidian stones are at the center of this large and lovely Antonio Pineda Bracelet in a design known as the Swans. Measuring 1 1/4" wide by 7 1/3" long it is a bracelet with a bold modernist style. Very heavy at 108 grams. Secure clasp and attached safety chain. Hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco crown, 970, Hecho en Mexico, Silver and the eagle 17. The Swan design in the form of a Necklace is featured in the book Silver Seductions. This is a gorgeous bracelet with an impressive style.

This Silver Necklace by Fred Davis is a rare and seldom seen piece created in the 1930's. Featuring silver bands that are slightly curved to fit around the neck. It measures 1 1/2" wide by 15" long with a three hook closure. Nice and heavy at 137 grams. Marked with the joined FD, Sterling, Mexico. Light age related tarnish but no other damage. A truly fabulous and highly collectible piece.

This rare and beautiful bracelet by the famous Matilde Poulat features two silver repousse Doves at the center set with Turquoise, Coral and Amethyst stones with side links set with small Turquoise. Measures 7" long by 2" wide at the front and weighs 78.1 grams. Early hallmark of MATL in script with Hecho en Mexico, 0.925. It has not been polished and shows age related tarnish. A superb bracelet and a rare find.

I never tire of the double-sided pendant necklaces Victor Jaimez created for Emma Melendez. The perfect blend of Aztec Revival and modernismo Mexicano, they are unfailingly characterized by craftsmanship of the highest level and meticulous finishing. At the same time dramatic and awe-inspiring, the pendant's two sides showcase several techniques as overlay, oxidation and mozaico inlay come together to create the image of Quetzalcoatl and the abstract figure of a Meso-american monkey. The chain ...

Born in Florence, Italy but spending her life as a designer and silversmith in Lima, Peru, Graziella Laffi found inspiration in the art of her adopted country's old civilizations, respectfully situating ancient motifs in her own, mid-century context. Laffi is habitually referred to by all who loyally collect her work as "the Spratling of Peru", a parallel that bespeaks the originality of her work and the quality of the jewelry, hollowware and decorative items she created. In the brooch presented...

Vintage set of Mexican fine silver concave cufflinks signed by Antonio Pineda, this pair is wrought in the renowned Taxco modernist's .970 alloy. I love the sculptural lusciousness of the flat-bottomed ovoid body and the wave-like motion by which its edges rise and drop around the central hollow. In a slick mid-century design that can be easily enjoyed by just about everybody the cufflinks are 1 3/16" long by 7/8" wide and weigh 23.4 grams (for the set). They are fully marked with Antonio's cro...

My second M Velazquez silver brooch for the day, this Mexican Deco repousse "portrait" I have never had (nor, I believe, seen) before. As opposed to the first figural pin, here the "sitter" is shown in profile, his likeness set in a raised frame against a stippled background. Velazquez's repoussage can be very dramatic and in the piece at hand it is also enhanced by deep chasing and oxidation which brings out the sculpturality of the face and the impressive headdress. The brooch measures 2 1/8"...

A figural repousse Mexican Deco brooch in sterling silver this "portrait" piece bears the signature of early Mexico City maestro M. Velazquez. Over the years of my love affair with vintage Mexican silver jewelry, I have come to know and appreciate Velazquez's work for its "earthiness", its craftsmanship and the interesting designs he created. The specific "mask" motif I have had a few times in the past in necklace, ring and brooch forms but always anonymous. Often described as an Aztec or Maya "...

Being offered is a superb circa 1995 silverplate candlestick made by famous master silver designer Emilia Castillo of Taxco, Mexico. Handwrought candlestick featuring three bamboo columns with an attached three dimensional frog, made of oxidized silver, supporting the silver bobeche & rectangular base. Dimensions: 7 1/4 inches tall by 5 inches wide at the base. Marked as illustrated. In excellent condition.

Being offered is a rare handwrought circa 1955 door plate by Los Castillo of Taxco, Mexico. Handcrafted door plate comprising a brass frame in a floral motif with allover exquisite and masterful abalone inlay. Dimensions are 12 inches diameter; center opening is 1 1/4 inches diameter. No monogram. Marked as illustrated in the photo. In excellent condition.

Being offered is an extra large and superb handwrought circa 1964 mixed metals - silver and copper centerpiece by Los Castillo of Taxco, Mexico. The very large figural swan centerpiece features a heavy gauge handwrought silver body with incised and oxidized detail on the wings; copper beak and applied lapis lazuli eyes. Dimensions are 14 inches high by 18 1/2 inches long by 11 inches wide. No monogram. Marked as illustrated in the photo. In excellent condition. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Being offered is a rare circa 1955 sterling silver bracelet by Bernice Goodspeed of Taxco, Mexico; hand crafted silver cuff bracelet with pre-Columbian motifs featuring masterful and deliberate incision and oxidation. Dimensions: up to size 8 x 1 1/4" wide. Marked as illustrated. In excellent condition.

Being offered is a rare and fine circa 1963 sterling silver brooch by Sigfrido ‘SIGI’ Pineda of Taxco, Mexico. Modern boomerang design with an oxidized background; and non faceted amethyst stone. Sigi, cousin of Los Castillo founder, Antonio Castillo, spent years working with Los Castillo, Salvador Teran, Felipe Martinez, and Margot de Taxco before opening his own shop in 1952. Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 1 3/8". Marked. In excellent condition.

Being offered is a large and superb circa 1955 sterling silver bracelet by master silversmith Jose Anton of Taxco, Mexico. Anton was one of the earlier prominent silversmiths during the Spratling era. Handcrafted bracelet featuring large circular links with incised design each with purple purple amethyst stone inlay (pictures do not illustrate the deep purple color of the amethysts). Dimensions: size 8; links are 1 3/4" diameter. Marked as illustrated. In excellent condition.

Being offered is a rare and fine circa 1965 sterling silver bracelet by Sigfrido ‘SIGI’ Pineda of Taxco, Mexico. Heavy gauge handcrafted silver bracelet in a modern biomorphic design. Sigi, cousin of Los Castillo founder, Antonio Castillo, spent years working with Los Castillo, Salvador Teran, Felipe Martinez, and Margot de Taxco before opening his own shop in 1952. Dimensions: size 6 1/2"; 1 1/4" wide. Marked. In excellent condition.

Being offered is a rare and fine circa 1965 sterling silver necklace by Sigfrido ‘SIGI’ Pineda of Taxco, Mexico. Handcrafted silver necklace in a modern biomorphic design; necklace features a tongue & box closure to attach both pieces. Sigi, cousin of Los Castillo founder, Antonio Castillo, spent years working with Los Castillo, Salvador Teran, Felipe Martinez, and Margot de Taxco before opening his own shop in 1952. Dimensions: up to size 15. Marked. In excellent condition.

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. What is there not to love here? I am very attracted to the size which allow...

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 ...

Being offered is an exceedingly rare circa 1965 handmade sterling silver pill box by Janna Thomas of Taxco, Mexico. Handcrafted pill box in a layered rope design with a moving silver tassel finial. Thomas designed for Tiffany & Company before moving to Mexico and opening up her own shop. Dimensions: 1 1/2 inches diameter by 1 inch high. Weight 3 1/2 ounces. Marked as illustrated in photo. In excellent condition. Incredible designer!

Being offered is an exquisite circa 1955 sterling silver bowl by Conquistador, of Taxco, Mexico. Modernist footed bowl with a stylized lid featuring a three dimensional flower motif. Dimensions: 5 inches diameter by 2 1/2 inches tall. No monogram. Marked as illustrated in photo. In excellent condition. Superb design and construction.

Being offered is an exceptional and rare pair of circa 1944 sterling silver votive candle holders by William Spratling, of Taxco, Mexico. Entirely handcrafted flared bowls with silver wire & ball feet. Dimensions: 3 1/2 inches diameter by 2 inches tall. No monogram. Marked as illustrated in photo. In excellent condition. These are usually offered as salt cellars, and can be used as salt cellars, but Spratling’s original design was for votive candle use. Other pairs are available.

Being offered is an exceptional and rare circa 1955 sterling silver coffee & tea set by Hector Aguilar, of Taxco, Mexico. This rare grouping features entirely handwrought bulbous form pieces that include a teapot, a coffee pot, sugar & creamer; INcREDIBLE matching tray with carved wooden handles. Dimensions: Coffee pot is 8 3/8" tall by 9 3/8 inches across the handle; teapot is 8 inches tall by 9 inches across the handle; sugar bowl is 5 inches tall by 6 inches across the handle; creamer is ...

Being offered is an exceptional and rare circa 1963 sterling silver box by William Spratling, of Taxco, Mexico. Entirely handcrafted rectangular heavy gauge silver lid covering a carved Mexican wood box. Dimensions: 4 1/4 inches long by 3 1/4 inches wide by 1 1/2 inches high. No monogram. Marked as illustrated in photo. In excellent condition.

Being offered is a rare circa 1963 sterling silver dinner bell by renowned silversmith Antonio Pineda of Taxco, Mexico. Scarce handcrafted bell featuring three cone shaped bells with applied decorative bands; supported by pierced stem handle with a tiger eye carved turtle finial. Dimensions: 3 3/4 inches tall x 2 inches diameter. Marked. In excellent condition. The sound is that of a sleigh with bells on s snowy night,

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...