Matching the set of earrings that is also available in my store (you can see the demi together in two of the photos) this Mexican silver and azur-malachite ring by maestro Felipe Martinez is an ode to the power of color. Striking greens and dark, rich blues delight the eye while the elegance of the sterling ring shoulders complement in the best possible way the magic of the stone. Currently a sz because of the size it comes with (easily removed) the ring is an sz 7 (can also be easily resized). ...

One of the best lapidaries in Taxco’s jewelry history, Felipe Martinez created amazing jewelry in many styles. The classy sterling silver and azur-malachite earrings at hand follow the “mozaico Azteca” line that was introduced by the Los Castillo workshop. Rich, dark blues, understated safe and a breath-taking splash of electric green come together in the stone inlay held securely in the most minimal “gypsy” setting. Simple does not mean simplistic! The earrings measure 3/4” square a...

This piece has a diameter of 1 7/8". The front has a great Aztec design. The back is marked HECHO EN MEXICO, STERLING 925, with assay 28 (stamping is blurry). The front is in excellent condition. The back shows some surface scratches.

Elegant and romantic, this vintage Mexican silver and amethyst brooch bears the signature of Margot de Taxco, one of the few female designers of Mexico’s 20th c Silver Renaissance known to us today. Reflective of the 1940s trend towards jewelry inspired by nature, the brooch looks delicate and tender yet its silver-work is confident, substantial and perfectly finished. I love the soft curve of the floral stem and the way the amethyst bud rests serenely on the pierced leaf. Measuring 3” tall...

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. It is marked with make...

Extraordinary and bold, this Spratling design was created & hallmarked c. 1951. In exquisite condition with 70 years of unpolished patina, the pin measures 3 3/4" X 2 3/4" & weighs 40 grams. The carved, heart shaped obsidian stone hangs freely and catches light beautifully. Hallmarked WS and SPRATLING OF MEXICO. A Spratling sketch of this pin is included in the Portfolio of Spratling Drawings.

This great brooch / pin / pendant has a diameter of 1 1/2". It is slightly convex. The turquoise stone is inlaid (not enamel), very nicely. The back is marked TAXCO 925 STERLING (blurry) in a circle with very blurry initials of silversmith in the middle. The eagle assay mark is number 3, very lightly stamped.

Stunning in its towering smokey brilliance, this minimalist solitaire by Carmen Beckmann is a modernist Mexican beauty! Based in San Miguel de Allende Beckmann is reported to have started her activity a little later than the big Mexico City and Taxco workshops with most of her pieces dating in the 1950s and 1960s. In the ring at hand, the generously sized faceted gem is raised above a substantial geometric shank, held in place with sterling prongs in a crown-style setting. The stone has the colo...

Reddish brown jasper with light, almost invisible striations attracts the eye in this absolutely minimalist necklace and earrings set bearing the signature of Felipe Martinez and his Piedra y Plata workshop. Martinez was one of Taxco’s best lapidaries and the tight settings, the seamless transitions from sterling to stone in the demi at hand more than attest to the level of his craftsmanship. I love the warm, molten milk chocolate color, the perfectly graduated rectangular links, the hand-made...

This early-mid 1940's William Spratling necklace is a magnificent showpiece. The tassel centerpiece features flawlessly inlaid azur-malachite with mesmerizing shades of blue and green. From Spratling's first design period. Measures a closed, wearable length of 20.5", with a hefty weight of 90.8 grams. The center pendant measures 3.5" wide, 2.5" tall. Signed and hallmarked with the WS Print Circle and Sterling. Fold over clasp. In excellent original vintage condition with a beautiful patin...

One of Salvador Teran’s original designs that is difficult to find especially in the form of earrings, the “crouching man” is also a favorite of mine. Its rarity makes copies by Salvador's contemporary maestros avidly sought after and I am happy to present here an example by “3m”, a Taxco workshop known for emulating the renowned modernist’s work. Sterling silver, amethyst and strategically applied oxidation combine in this modernist interpretation of an ancient Aztec motif. The ear...

An iconic motif in the index of Mexican Deco jewelry design, “masks” can be found carved in stone, molded in glass, created in inlay or enamel but also en repoussage like in the brooch presented here. Made by maestro Barrera in Mexico City most probably, its workmanship follows that city’s school of repousse jewelry of which Matilde Poulat is the most renowned creator. A stippled and oxidized background accentuates the raised, warmly glowing elements of the design, bringing to the fore in ...

Substantial and quite unusual in its design this modernist Mexican silver bracelet is an Enrique Ledesma creation and it is adorned with two faceted color-change sapphires. The bracelet’s shape reminds me of ancient torques yet here the two ends bypass each other in a tight, determined embrace. I love the way the sterling tube grows in diameter as it progresses to the bracelet’s front where it is abruptly cut at an angle to accept the gemstone in a crown setting. Enrique Ledesma - always ori...

Erika Hult de Corral, the award-winning modernist Taxco designer who studied in the Parson’s School of Design in Paris and worked with Sigi Pineda and Enrique Ledesma, is one of the few exceptions for which I will cross the 1980 terminus in my jewelry selection. de Corral came into her own in the 1960s and 1970s, a bit later than most of the Taxco maestros, and her creative streak took her well into the 1980s. Brilliant when she feels truly inspired, she feels at home with modernist, abstract ...

These interesting turquoise and sterling silver earrings were made in Mexico. The clover shape looks like three hearts with a stem, with the turquoise inlay separated by the sterling silver. The back of one of the screwbacks is marked HECHO EN MEXICO 925 (of which only HECHO EN M and 9 are legible). They also have the maker's initials: a curved BEH, of which the H is not fully stamped. These earrings measure 1" x 3/4". The patina is great as are the turquoise colors.

Rare sterling silver punch ladle. Made by Spratling in Taxco, Mexico. Round hand-hammered bowl with curved spout. Mount has tooled bands and applied rope band and is inset with tapering stained-wood handle. An early piece by this maker. 1940s marks. Very good condition with beautiful patina.

Dimensions: H 13 x W 3 3/4 x D 1/4 in. Gross weight: 5 troy ounces. #BR829

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...

A vintage sterling silver parure by Margot de Taxco, (Margot Van Voorhies Carr), design number 5127, in a classic design.

Necklace measures 15 3/4" long with the central pendant measuring 1 1/2" high and 2 1/2" across. The central pendant can be detached and worn as a brooch. The pin part is missing and would have to be replaced. The part of the catch that swings over to hold the pin in place is also missing. The necklace has a box clasp that holds securely.

The bracelet measures 7"...