Catalog: Archives: Estate Jewelry (469)

A classic Margot de Taxco necklace, here presented in a combination of silver and copper that is truly stunning and doesn't surface that often. I have seen this specific design in all silver, with foiled blue and green glass and, if I am not mistaken, with amethyst cabs as well - I love them all but there is something about the warm glow of patinated copper as it reflects on old silver that really speaks to my heart...

One of the most beautiful early 20th c. Chinese bracelets of this kind that I have seen, this piece is studded with perfectly cut tiger's eye cabochons. The vivid blue, purple and green enamels reflect brightly off the vermeil finish while the extra security of the safety chain is a welcome plus. Measuring 7" long (wearable) by 1 1/2' wide, the bracelet weighs 49.8 grams. It is marked "SILVER CHINA" and in excellent vintage condition.

Based on Margot de Taxco's and the Los Castillo's "Koi Fish" parures, a repousse by-pass ring from the 1950s-60s made by one of Taxco's still unidentified maestros. I admire these miniature masterpieces - they mimic the clamper bracelets of their respective designs yet with the small size, pose a real challenge to the silversmith who has to reproduce amazing detail in such small proportions. The ring here is currently a comfortable size 7.75 but can be adjusted upwards...

One of Salvador Teran's most impressive creations, the "Dancers" are the epitome of modernist Mexican jewelry design. Not very easy to find and avidly sought after, it gives out a strong sense of motion and harmony that is very difficult to achieve. The necklace presented here is not signed by Teran and was probably made by one of his associates during the period that Salvador was also selling his pieces...

Matching the bracelet of the same design that is also currently available at One Good Eye Silver, a set of clip-back Margot de Taxco earrings in taupe, brown, black and white enamel. Small silver polka dots adorn the "yin and yang" motif and the colors have a warm earthiness to them. Each earring is just over 1" in diameter and the set's weight comes up to 18.5 grams. Fully hallmarked with Margot's name (albeit hidden behind on of the clips) as well as Eagle 16 assay mark...

One of the most accomplished Taxco maestros, Miguel Melendez ranks high among my favorite mod designers, his creations successfully combining minimalist motifs with exceptional craftsmanship and gorgeous, faceted gems. The hinged bracelet at hand is adorned with three prong-set amethysts, the stems upon which they rest rising above stylized sterling leaves...

Wonderful Peruzzi, Florence Italian earrings dating in the Deco years, this set is wrought in 800 silver which was the standard for Italian jewelers until 1934. A heart-shaped set, it is adorned with floral and foliate motifs and has tiny little "mock bells" hanging off it. Beautifully made and early they measure just shy of 2" long by 7/8" wide and weigh 13.5 grams (for the set)...

What is there to be said about this Villasana clamper that a careful look at the photos won't reveal in the most detailed, decidedly direct and breath-taking way? Sometimes I just feel that a picture is indeed worth a thousand words... Undoubtedly one of Villasana's most ornate bracelets, this one betrays an almost Art Nouveau-ish influence with its elaborate repoussage flowing in all directions...

Matching the necklace of the same design also currently available in my inventory a hand-wrought sterling silver and lapis bracelet bearing the signature of Ella Cone. Reflecting elements that are also present in the necklace's clasp, the bracelet is formed by links with wirework curlicues and beading while the stones here are set in square bezels...

Based in Mexico City Plateria FarFan made some truly exquisite pieces - I love their massive mesh-style bracelets and necklaces (please take a look at item nos 1074808 and 1090049 for representative examples currently in my inventory) as well as their heavy charm bracelets. What is presented here, however, is a stunning repousse creation that bears their name - exquisitely detailed; elaborate yet carefully executed design; and minimalist carved amethyst "masks" make this a stupendous bracelet...

Stupendous pair of Taxco sterling silver earrings in the shape of dangling crosses made up of thick "x"s with curled ends. I have never seen a more massive set and let me assure you that the visual impact is beyond description. Each earring is 1 7/8" long by 1 1/16" wide (at its widest) and the pair's weight registers at 24.4 grams. They are signed with maker's initials "AJ" which can also be found on Bernice Goodspeed pieces as well as "TAXCO MEXICO 925" and bear Eagle 3 assay mark...

Plateria FarFan created some of the most impressive and well-made collar necklaces - many in the multiple row "mesh" style and others in Cleopatra "puzzle" designs. The necklace here is one of the latter and a pretty handsome one at that! Comfortable to wear, it lies divinely around the neck and looks regal. It measures 15 1/4" long (wearable, measuring the inner, shorter length) by 1" wide and weighs a generous 92 grams...

Undoubtedly inspired by Margot de Taxco's Koi Fish line, a pair of early Antonio Reina repousse earrings showing playful fish among stylized silver waves. I can't get over the detail in this set - just note the depth of the repoussage, the detail in the scales and the hand-hammering in the waves themselves to render them three-dimensional. The earrings are 1 5/8" long by 15/16" wide and weigh 8.4 grams (for the set)...

A truly monumental sterling silver bracelet from Peru, this pieces features intricate cut-outs, dramatic oxidation and figural appliques at the center of each link. The workmanship here is beautiful and the figures are crisp in detail standing out against their textured background. Extra wide at just above 2" the bracelet has an inner circumference of 7 1/8" (clasped) and it weighs 76.9 grams. It is simply marked "PERU 925", dates in the 1950s-60s and is in excellent vintage condition.

A romantic Margot de Taxco floral brooch with long, lean repousse leaves accented by beading and two beautiful amethyst cabochons. The patina on this piece is gorgeous and its medium size makes it very versatile - it can be equally easily worn everyday or just accent a night out. The brooch measures 2 7/8" tall by 1 1/2" wide (at its widest) and weighs 19.0 grams. It is fully signed with Margot's name, des...

Having justly earned a place in the pantheon of those artists whose work changed the way we design and think about silver jewelry, Matilde Poulat created a whole school of silversmiths who emulated her work not only when she was alive and active but even today, in the so called "post-1980" period of Mexican jewelry making. Based on Matl's signature Palomas motif, this is a big, impressive, nicely made bracelet. Coral, amethyst and tiny turquoise beads stud the repousse and wire work ornam...

Not much is known about Gerardo Lopez yet his jewelry bespeaks the man's talent, exceptional craftsmanship and the pride he must have taken in his creations. I wrote in my description of the 980 pectoral necklace that is also available in my inventory (please look for Troc item no 1188446) that I suspect he must have had some association with either the Los Castillo or Margot de Taxco talleres; maybe even with both. Be that as it may, Lopez's repousse is among the best that came out of Taxco in ...

In my opinion the best Mexican modernist designer, Salvador Teran was a maestro of many talents and created some of the most striking pieces of Taxco jewelry. Offered here is his signature "Moon and Star" bracelet, which aptly demonstrates his ability to create exceptional minimalist pieces. The bracelet has an inner circumference of 6 1/2" and is ideal for smaller to medium wrists. Its face is approx. 1 3/4" square and the width of the two "wings" tapers from 1" to 3/4". Measuring 66.9 grams...