A picture is worth a thousand words, they say, and in preparing to offer this fantastic find of mine, I am putting my trust in popular wisdom. When one has been dealing in vintage Mexican silver jewelry for as long a time as I have, one tends to hear that little "devil" in one's ear louder and louder, claiming that there is nothing new or exciting left to be encountered. Thankfully though, life and the old maestros of Taxco still keep some aces hidden up their sleeve...
Janiye [Miye Matsukata] modernist sterling silver and pearl earrings
1950
1 3/4" long x 3/4" wide
Weight - 15 grams
Marked Janiye, sterling, 950, Japan
Very good vintage condition
A remarkable sterling ring with a central stone of sodalite and side inlay of sodalite, lapis, onyx, and spiny oyster by Navajo silversmith Gibson Nez. This is a spectacular example of the work for which he is best known, impeccable inlay...
American Modernist Sterling Kinetic Pin
Sam Kramer
c.1950s
Excellent condition
3 1/4" x 2"
Rachel Gera modernist sterling silver ring
Israel
1960 - 1970
Size 6 1/2
Weight 14.04 grams
Marked GERA
Very good vintage condition
A modernist bracelet, 'Zelda' by Bjorn Weckstrom for Lapponia in sterling silver. This is part of his Space Series.
Marked with the Lapponia Hallmark, 925, Finnish silver standard mark, date code for 1977, and scales mark. Also marked with three tiny import marks on the edge.
Measures 7" long and 1" across. Has a ball and socket toggle closure that holds securely. Light texture for an interesting effect. Surface shows some minor scratches and a little wear...
A sterling silver hand wrought necklace with a central fringe of molten, drippy dangles by the mid century modernist studio jeweler, Ruth Berridge, (1921-2004). The necklace measures about 17 1/4" long, and the longest drop is 1 1/2". Marked Berridge in three places on the back of the drops. There are two hooks on the snake chain that hold securely. Fine condition. This piece is from her estate. Amazing work from a gifted artist.
A classic vintage Mikimoto 14K yellow gold pin featuring ten cultured Akoya pearls, ranging in size from 6.25 to 7.58 millimeters. The pearls are estimated at A+ quality, with cream body color and rose overtones, and strong orient. The nacre is thick and lustrous and the surfaces are blemish-free. The back is signed with Mikimoto’s hallmark.
Origin: Japan, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent. Size: 1-7/8” x 1-1/4”. Weight: 12.1 grams.
Antonio Fallaci modernist silver [900] and enamel bracelet
Italy
Mid 20th century
7" x 7/8"
Weight - 66+ grams
Screw type closure
Hallmarked A F, Brev, 900
Very good vintage condition with extremely minor surface scratching
This 14Kt white gold filigree and diamond ring is centered by a fine clean 0.40Ct brilliant cut diamond that is set in a rectangular design. The setting is further enhanced by 38 single-cut diamonds, which brings the approximate total diamond weight to 0.60Ct. The ring is a size 7 but can easily be sized.
Very large 14k scarf pin in Victorian classical design, c.1890. It measures 4 3/8" LONG and rises 1 1/4" high! In excellent condition, it is signed "14" with a SCEPTER mark. Simple and powerful design - very beautiful.....$30 for insured USA shipping plus applicable NY sales tax.
Horacio De La Parra
Sterling and amethyst bracelet
Mexico
1940
Interior circumference - 8"
Each link measures 1 3/8" wide
Weight - a solid 81 grams
Pin type closure
Marked Parra H nos, Mex.
Excellent condition
A rare necklace and matching earrings made of alternating Sterling Silver and Rosewood tubes by William Spratling from Taxco. The marks on this set date them to his Third Design Period: 1951 - 1967.
Necklace measures 17 1/4" long. Marked on the back of the box clasp with the script WS and Eagle #30. Earrings measure 1" long. Marked on the back of one earring with the Script WS and with the Eagle #30 on the back of the other.
The clasp on the necklace snaps securely...
Graziella Laffi signed on both the necklace and bracelet. The enamel is in perfect condition as well as the silver. The length is 7 inches and the necklace has a wearable length of 16.5 inches. 1.25in. for the height for both the necklace and bracelet. When I see these there seems to be some that looks very much the same but there is always a change with a fish or bird in different places and size. For all Laffi collectors, just LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!
Wonderfully designed seven oval cornflower blue sapphires(approx. 1/3 carat each) alternating with eight diamonds(approx 1 pt. each) set in a 10k ring, c.1940's. The ring is signed "CCC 10K" and is in very good condition. It is size 6 1/2 and curved front is 1/2" wide.....$25 for insured USA shipping plus applicable NY tax.
American Abstract Modernist Copper Brooch
Rebajes
Titled, "Amoeba"
c.1950s
Excellent condition
and measures
3 1/4" x 2 1/4"
This fabulous bracelet by Schaverien & Eastmead of Birmingham, England, is 7” long and 3/8” wide at the widest points. Each panel features enamel shading from dark green to pale green to magenta and back again. In between each panel is a round blister pearl. Each connecting link has a hard-to-read mark, probably a lion, also the marks for Birmingham, 1909, and “S&E”. The clasp has a safety chain...
A very stylish 14Kt white gold sapphire and diamond ring in a shape of a belt buckle. The ring is set with 33 round natural blue sapphires with the approximate total weight of 1.20Ct. The buckle loop is decorated by 10 single-cut diamonds. The width of the ring at the top is 11.5 millimeters.
A Valentin Vidaurreta design made in Hector Aguilar's taller. Hallmarked Altamirano as Hector Aguilar gave him permission to hallmark this design. A rich and tasteful size with the center link 1.25in. tall. The velvet has been cleaned and is in perfect condition. I will give a custom made velvet for what ever length that you prefer. The weight is 51 grams heavy and there are no dents or repairs. An absolute dream to wear with anything, just LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!
Many virtues recommend this large finely hand carved cameo brooch, including numerous artistic inputs from the cameo artist, the goldsmith, and the diamond jeweler. The female bust is gracefully rendered and adorned with a diamond necklace all framed with a 14K gold ornate frame. The top has a loop for wearing as a pendant. The condition is magnificent though the pin for the clasp has a warp in it. It is marked 14K.
Dimension: 2 1/4" l
A Victorian 18K gentleman's chrysoprase signet seal ring, fully hallmarked for London, England 1860 1861. This antique size 5-1/2 or 5.5yellow gold ring has an inset green stone which measures 1/2" x 3/8" . The initials are carved en intaglio and are either PG or GP, and this Victorian ring has a CG&S maker's mark...
A heavy 18K yellow gold fob Etruscan-style fob, charm or pendant in the form of an ancient Greco-Roman amphora. The gold surfaces are covered in an ornate pattern of twisted rope and rosettes. The upper shoulders of the urn are set with a pair of cabochon citrines of dark amber color and the lower portion is set with a pair of cabochon garnets. The design is finished by a pair of rope-twist handles. The charm is marked “750” for 18K.
Origin: Italy, ca. 1960...
A vintage sterling silver necklace, #27 designed by Georg Jensen in a delicate floral pattern. Signed with the GI mark in a dotted oval used from 1915-32. Also marked with Sterling Denmark, and 27 for the design number. The style number is double stamped.
Measures 16" long and 1/4" wide. Has a hidden clasp and a safety catch.
In fine condition with a warm patina. Great example of Georg Jensen's classic work. Hard to find design.
Being offered is an exceedingly rare circa 1960 sterling silver and spectacular azurite en suite by Enrique Ledesma of Taxco, Mexico. Includes a modernist geometric linked (vertical links of silver and cabachon jade) necklace size 16 1/2” x 1/2” wide; bracelet 7” by 1/2 inches wide; screw back earrings 7/8 inches long by 1/2 inches wide. Marked. In excellent condition.
This Victorian pin is a gorgeous Egyptian Revival design executed in plique a jour (translucent) enamel framed in gilded silver. The design is a noble vulture holding feathers with lotus blossoms in his (or her) talons. The vulture’s wings are detailed in both opaque and translucent enamels; the tops of the wings are opaque enamel in yellowish green, and the feathers are detailed in yellow-green plique a jour shading to burnt orange...
Modernist handmade 14k and onyx ring by the famous Danish jeweler, Bent Knudsen(Bent K), c. 1950's. It is signed:"BENT K 14K" although the mark is hard to read. The ring is made of heavy gauge gold and is size 6 and measures 15/16" long and 3/8" wide. Architecturally strong design and beautiful.....$14 USA insured shipping.
This Quetzalcoatl necklace and brooch is a true sculpture. Beautifully detailed with 107 grams of heavy silver repousse. The wearable length is 18 inches long. The drop / brooch is 3in. and 3.75in. tall. There is no damage and a gorgeous natural patina. The feathered repousse chain links easily unhook to become a brooch. Signed Made in Mexico which indicates made in Mexico City and very early as later Silversmiths signed their names or hallmarks. Tests higher than 925 just LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!
Margot Van Voorhies was definitely the Queen of the Mexican Silver Renaissance. After her divorce from Antonio Castillo she began her Taller Margot De Taxco and created the most wondrous of jewels. This repousse necklace shows her finesse with movement. The reverse repousse gives great dimension plus the drop will detach then becoming a brooch. (look at the underside photo to see the hooks) The drop is 1.5in. tall and 1.25in. across...
Doris Silver was a shop in Taxco during the Spratling era. She offered her space to craftsmen to produce quality and stunning jewels. This necklace is very heavy repousse with a wearable 17in. long with it's widest point being 7/8th in. The patina is naturally dark and thick. The design is floral with twisting and turning vines. Hidden within is a drop of 2.5in. across and 2 in. tall. I have never seen another like this one. No damage, just LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!
Signed Ace. Known for quality and this parure is no exception. The Chrysoprase stones sit high in their clean bezels with no crumples and no cracks or damage. The bracelet is 7 inches long and .75in. tall. THe earrings are a perfect match to the links size at .75 tall. The necklace is 16in. wearable and the drop measures 2.25 across and 2.25in. tall as well. This is heavy silver with a weight of 145 grams. Price is for the full parure. This will not disappoint for fun or dress, just LOOK AT THAT...
A very fine, large vintage silver knifewing pin with multi stone inlay of spiny oyster, turquoise, jet and mother of pearl, circa 1940. Knifewing represents the Zuni god of war. This symbol was worn by warriors to protect them in battle, but also represents courage, honor, wisdom and strength. The pin measures 3 1/8" by 2 3/4" and weighs 35 grams. It is in fine original condition. The stones are free of chips or cracks. A beautiful example of vintage Zuni lapidary work.
This rare Fred Davis bracelet features Amethyst cabochon stones set in links of ornate silver repousse. Circa 1930, it is included in the book Mexican Silver on page 27, plate II-11. Measures 6 3/4" long by 1" wide and weighs 46.5 grams. Hallmarked "FD, Silver Mexico" and is in good condition with a lovely patina. A beautiful and rare find.
The spectacular appearance of this vintage couture necklace owes to its dazzling rainbow of colored glass bulbs dangling from a double linked gold plated chain. The bulbs are drizzled with gold for added bling. This necklace is most likely from the 1970s and used in a runway appearance for high end fashion models. If you need stage presence, this necklace will get you there. Superb condition.
Sculptural sterling cuff bracelet by important North American modernist Bill Tendler, c.1950's. Signed: "Tendler, Sterling." Measures 1.75" in width but is somewhat adjustable and will fit a medium to large wrist. Excellent Original Condition. For more photos of this item, please see my website PlanetGlass.net.
Unusual Abstract Design Silver Necklace with large drop Pendent. Finely Detailed and Set with a Geode Center Stone. Signed Betsy Stoinhoff. Very Good Condition. Approx. Weight 1.089 Troy Ounces. Measures 15-1/4 Inches Long. Pendent Measures 3-1/8 Inches Tall by 1-3/4 Inches Wide. Circa 1970s.
This is an unusual McClelland Barclay necklace. This is the only one I have ever seen like this. These were manufactured by Rice-Weiner & Co of Providence, Rhode Island but designed by McClelland Barclay. It is gold plated metal with ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst colored rhinestones, accented by clear rhinestones. The necklace is 15 3/4" long. The center piece is 2 1/2" x 1 3/8".The chain has open rectangular links with a fold over clasp.