A dainty Victorian pendant or bracelet charm designed as a spray of flowers against a woven background. The flowers are worked in rose and green gold, while the background is in yellow gold. A pendant of this size could easily be worn on a charm bracelet but would look even lovelier on a simple gold chain. Tested and guaranteed 12K gold.

• Origin: England, ca...

Sets of bangle bracelets are bound to lighten the spirit and brighten the day with their music and, if they are also studded with stones like the ones at ... hand, the splashes of color they scatter around. Made in the middle period of Taxco's 20th c. Silver Renaissance and signed by listed yet still unidentified maestros, these two came to me as a pair and this is the way I would like to send them out to their next new, loving home...

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...

The bearer of Zeus's thunderbolts Pegasus, the winged stallion of Greek mythology, is also associated with literary and artistic inspiration. One of my favorite images from that period, he is always depicted striding the air with pride and confidence, his strong, wings working hard to raise that formidable body high into the lofty realms of the divine...

Fabulous fun! Old plastic newly restrung on sturdy elastic. A great dramatic piece. 2 1/2" high, disks 1 3/8" wide.

An early Mexican Deco silver repousse "mask" brooch, this pieces is wrought in sterling and its maker adorned their portrait with a long, dangling earring. It is evident from the piece's craftsmanship that its creator was well-trained maestro. Despite the thinner gauge of sterling sheet used, there is depth and good definition in the repoussage which result in easily "readable" details and good sculpturality...

Circa mid-century, these earrings produced by Hector Aguilar are rarely seen. Each earrings has five turquoise cabochons with tiny silver beading and silver loops. They remind me of baskets of turquoise flowers with handles. They are in excellent vintage condition and are collector quality. They measure 13/16" x 11/16". Weight is 11.8 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the flared "HA", ".940 Taxco", and the eagle assay 9.

A handsome, inventive pair of modernist silver cufflinks with opaque black champleve enamel faces by Meka Reklamegaver (1951-89). The black enamel is pierced with overlapping elongated silver teardrops. The connectors are marked “Meka Sterling Denmark”.

Origin: Holte, Denmark, ca. 1960. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage. Size: 7/8” x 9/16”. Weight: 11.4 grams.

Perfect for those breezy nights by the beach, this vintage Mexican silver Carmen Beckmann brooch is shaped like a starfish (some see it as a sea anemone too) and centered by a turquoise of the softest sea foam color. I love Beckmann jewelry - when she was inspired, she created some amazing pieces. Simple yet not simplistic, the almost abstract a-symmetry of the silver work is reflected in the shape of the stone...

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...

This festive necklace is composed of large, faceted Bakelite beads interspersed with round one. The necklace has been restrung with a new yellow metal spring-ring clasp and jump ring, so is quite secure. The beads come in butterscotch, black, cherry, root beer, dark brown, orange and marbled green, to name a few shades. There is one round bead that appears to be Prystal. All beads definitively pass the Simichrome test except for the black. They are probably from the 1940s...

This is a beautiful pair of cufflinks from Antonio Pineda with an archer shadowbox design said to be inspired by the cave drawings of Lascaux. In excellent vintage condition. T-backs are tight and snappy. Measures 1 1/4" tall. Weight is 23.2 grams. Signed and hallmarked on each cufflink with the Antonio Taxco crown, Hecho en Mexico, 970, and the eagle assay 17. No issues whatsoever.

The groups of Yao minority live in in both China and Thailand. This necklace is of low grade silver which was typical of the Chinese jewelry around the late 1800's and early 1900's. The necklace is light weight and comfortable to wear.

Hand-hammered silver reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts movement and a jade bead that brings to mind ancient Aztec and Maya jewelry combine in this sterling silver ring by the Los Castillo. The specific design does not come up very often. In all my years of buying and selling vintage Mexican jewelry I have only had two examples - the second one being the one offered here...

Striding the divide between classic Mexican and Native American / Southwestern design this sterling silver bracelet is one of the most beautiful examples of the “marriage” I have seen. This hybridization is not, in fact, accidental as it is known from the relevant literature that Mexican maestros were a significant factor in the development of Native American silversmithing...

Bigger in size than the most frequently encountered version of the specific design and executing a different step, this vintage Margot de Taxco “ballerina” brooch is Mexico’s contribution to the ballet craze started by Van Cleef et Arpels in the 1940s, with the issuance of their gem-studded “ballerina” jewelry...

Maestro Velazquez is one of my favorite early Mexican silversmiths. Based on the hallmarks on his work, he was most probably based in Mexico City and his creations are almost always in the so-called Mexico City style of repousse. Very well made and carefully finished, this figural fish brooch is also characterized by a fun, cartoon-ish air that will put a smile on your face every day of the year...

A lovely Georgian mourning pin worked in 9K yellow gold, the center crystal-covered compartment bordered in faceted jet. Lighter-colored hair is somewhat less common that dark hair, and it contrasts particularly nicely with the black border. The reverse is engraved "Wm Dumelow/ob. 16 Mar/1811 At 42." Tested and guaranteed 9K.

Origin: England, 1811. Condition: excellent, all original. Dimensions: 1" x 9/16". Weight: 3.3 grams.

Gorgeous vintage 1960s signed Kramer bracelet in goldtone metal with amazing huge brilliant headlight glass stones in prong settings. Marked KRAMER. With box slide clasp with matching smaller rhinestone. 6 3/4 inches wearable length and 9/16 inch wide. Excellent condition. Display form is life size. Photos enlarged to show detail.

The epitome of minimalism and the best proof that when it's done correctly, it is the most elegant style, this vintage Danish sterling silver and banded agate ring is signed by Bruno Jorgensen who was active in Virum until his death in 1973...

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...

Based on one of William Spratling's most classic, early designs this Mexican Deco silver and amethyst ring is an anonymous beauty from the same period the renowned designer was active. Lean and mean in its constitutive motifs, it nevertheless packs a powerful visual punch what with the mysterious depths of its cloudy cabochon and the curves of the beading on either side of the stone. Classic and classy indeed the ring is currently a sz 6 US (yet easily re-sized by your jeweler) with its face mea...

Matching the "festoon with teardrops" necklace I recently sold, this set of earrings by the Los Castillo workshop is truly glamorous! I love the flair of the bifurcated element at the top with its curvaceous central semi-sphere which mirrors the sculptural elegance of the teardrop. And, please, note the playful articulation of the semi-circular links forming the main dangle. Aren't they just a pleasure? The earrings measure 1 3/4" long by 1 1/4" wide and weigh 17.5 grams (for the set). They are ...

Distinctly Egyptian Revival in its inspiration, the set of Mexican Deco dangle earrings at hand reminds me very much of elements in Margot de Taxco's "Cleopatra" parure; more specifically, the feathers of the "vulture crown" the pharaoh is wearing. More stylized in our case they are here involved in an elaborate knot forming sculptural dangles that hang off the sweetest repousse rosettes. I admit that I have never encountered this specific design before and would also like to draw your attention...

This great necklace is circa 1970. It is composed of sterling silver and vibrant, turquoise mosaic inlay-style. It measures 17 3/4" long and consists of 17 links that measure 7/8" x 1/2". Each link is slightly convex. It is marked TAXCO MEXICO 925 in a circle, with LVR in the middle and marked TU-08 below. It has a V-Spring and Box Clasp. It has good heft, weighing 70 grams / 2.5 ounces and it is in very good condition.

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 delightful and very rare Victorian pin depicting a woman's "safety bicycle". With a chain drive connected to the back wheels and structural supports that left room for petticoats, these bicycles gave women unexpected freedom. Susan B. Anthony claimed that bicycling "had done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world." This pin is worked in silver gilt and set with rose cut Bohemian garnets. The detailing is very nice. The back of the pin retains its original clasp and exten...

Charming sterling and white coral clip back earrings with a flower motif by Carmelo "Pat" Patania who was the brother of Frank Patania Sr. They measure 1 1/4" by 1 1/4" and are in fine original condition. Weighing 22 grams total, they are signed as shown. Lovely on.

The screw backs of this elegant pair are made in 14K gold, each marked “14KT.” The natural jadeite looks un-treated and finely crafted in the leaf shape. The mountings attached to the jadeite are not gold. Size: 5.7 cm long, 1.2 cm wide. Condition: Very good vintage condition.

Delicate and quite romantic with their Spanish Colonial bows and a half-hidden heart motif this set of Los Castillo earrings is elegant and nostalgic at the same time. Crisp finishing and a beautifully glowing patina complete the "package" - I will let the photos say the rest while I provide the specifics: 1 3/8" long by 1 1/8" wide, weighing 11.2 grams (for the set). Fully signed with maker's name as well as "TAXCO" and Eagle 15 assay mark. The set dates in the 1950s-60s and is in excellent vin...

An elegant Art Nouveau silver brooch depicting a maiden smelling a rose. She is surrounded in a bower of climbing roses and enclosed in a frame of whiplash curves typical of French Art Nouveau. The clasp is marked for silver and bears the maker's mark of Fernand Boursot, who opened shop in Paris in 1894. THe brooch could be converted to a pendant with the addition of a bail at the top or a pair of bails and a split chain at the upper corners.

• France, ca 1895.
• Excellent condition; ...

Large ring with beautiful detail work and a large deep green cabochon stone which might be jade. With unknown European hallmarks as pictured. Approx. size 7.

The "less-is-more" philosophy of modernism and the classic, for Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance, marriage of silver and amethyst come together in this minimalist by-pass ring signed by Doris Corpus Artisans. A daring, Texas-born American who decided to move to Mexico in the 1940s, Doris Smith Chamberlin had her own workshop by 1945 and her commitment to perfection and inspired design resulted in the creation of some truly exceptional jewelry. I have in the past offered examples of the work c...

French 800 silver pin with lovely front and back designs. The front shows a beautiful dimensional woman that says "MIREILLE" on the left and "F.GILBAULT LC(maker)" on the right. The back has a floral design and "LC". It is signed "LC with anchor in a lozenge(maker) and boar's head" (mark for 800 silver) on the lock. It measures 1" and is of good weight. Very beautiful....$8 USA insured shipping plus applicable NY sales tax.

This very early Mexican brooch is unsigned as to the maker, hallmarked simply "Mexico Silver". The style is certainly similar to the work of Matilde Poulat / Matl.

Entirely handwrought with exquisite and intricate detailing. A rare and stunning pin. Three amethysts of varying sizes form the center body sitting between the wings.

Measures 2 3/4" wide and 1 3/4" tall.

Weight is 16 grams.

In excellent vintage condition.

These amethyst earrings have no hallmarks. They were converted to posts, and whatever marks were present are now gone. The design is one which I've only seen from Matilde Poulat. Amethysts are gorgeous, perfectly matched in color with natural inclusions. Each earring measures 1 1/16" x 7/8". Weight is 21.1 grams. No dings, dents, dimples. Amethyst are free of any cracks or chips.

One of Taxco's most famous modernists Sigi Pineda was also a very prolific designer and at his best moments, truly inspired. I am used to seeing minimalist, fluid pieces by him and the brooch at hand, wrought in sterling silver and adorned with a teardrop-shaped obsidian, is the result of a good moment indeed. This is a pin that invites the touch unabashedly - it might be the glowing silver body; it might be that magical piece of obsidian with its silvery depths but it simply invites the fingers...

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...

A nice silver pendant depicting the solar system and the attributes of the sign Scorpio—a scorpion a depiction of the god Mars representing the planet that rules those born into Scorpio. The pendant is signed “AC” and is stamped with French silver hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca. 1970
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 15/16” x 1-3/8”
• Weight: 8.6 grams

Large 14k and sterling Gemini astrological pin showing an applied dancing man and woman with fourteen 14k applied stars. This large domed pin measures 2 1/4" in diameter and is made of heavy gauge silver. It is signed "TN(stylized) STERLING", and is in excellent condition......$9 for insured USA shipping & applicable NY tax.

Anders Andersen modernist pewter necklace

1960's

Denmark

Pendant - 2 1/2" long x 2" wide

Neck chain - 26" in circumference

Very good vintage condition

Based on Hector Aguilar's often referred to as the "fertility" parure, this anonymous Mexican Deco sterling silver band ring is a rare find. I love the combination of the two cross motif variations, the deep hand-chased details and the sense of depth enhanced with oxidation. Interestingly enough, though, and if I remember correctly, when asked about the specific design's meaning in an interview many years ago, Aguilar said that this was the sign the Aztec used to mark locations with gold deposit...

A nice 1950's 14K yellow gold tie bar set with rectangular step-cut synthetic rubies. The tie bar is quite short, dating it to the mid-century period when ties were very narrow. Narrow ties are once again in fashion, so this is still the perfect gentleman's accessory. Marked "14K".

Origin: America, ca. 1955. Excellent condition. Size: 1-1/4" long. Weight: 3.4 grams.

Gorgeous vintage very long necklace in blue and green glass seed beads sewn in the style of early 20th century Wiener Werkstatte sautoirs, with long tassels with very big poured foiled glass beads in blue green, and large very detailed silvertone cast metal elements in leaf form motif. Probably later, circa 1970. 47 inches wearable length, not including the tassels, which are each 6 3/4 inches long. The large poured foiled glass beads are 1 1/8 inches by 7/8 inch. Excellent conditio...

Gorgeous heavy vintage circa 1950 French necklace with three strands of large blue glass beads wired in dark goldtone metal with a matching slide clasp with a large matching cabochon poured glass stone. With large and medium size poured glass beads in honeycomb shapes, and faceted transparent beads with a slightly iridescent finish. 16 1/2 inches wearable length on the inside strand and the center drops 2 1/2 inches. Excellent condition with a side loss to one small honeycomb bead; pictured but ...

Playing the violin with abandon as is evident by their determined expression, Margot de Taxco’s “musician putti” come here in earring form which is a rather rare occurrence. The specific angelic musician is usually found hanging off Margot’s charm bracelet of the same design, one out of a band of nine, and even though I have had the bracelet a few times in the past, this is the first pair of earrings I have found. Big, beautifully aged over the years of their long life, sitting on a rose...

A classic design for renowned Taxco modernist Enrique Ledesma, this set of vintage sterling silver Mexican mid-century earrings comes with clips and is set with green inlay, possibly azur-malachite or some kind of agate. There is nothing fussy about the pair - good, honest materials, clarify of form and fluidity of lines. Isn't that the essence of modernism? Measuring 1 1/8" tall by 3/4" wide the earrings weigh 9.8 grams (for the set) and are fully and appropriately signed with maker's name as ...

A rare mixed material Art Deco necklace made in the 1930s or 1940s. Condition: excellent. 46cm (18 inches) long

Jewelry hosting carved stone hearts in silver settings was very popular in the Mexican Deco period. Teased out of jasper and agate and oftentimes even dyed calcite, the hearts are unfailingly curvaceous as if pulsing with life, their sculpturality shamelessly inviting the touch. The carvings usually dominate the piece with the silver-work providing discreet framing and even though the motif was taken up again in the post-1980 period, the later examples lack the vivacity of the old pieces. Here i...

An antique silver - most probably sterling - watch fob with original chain and dog clip, this sweet little find is, I believe, from the late Victorian / Edwardian period. There is nothing mundane about it either - I find the basketweave ribbon that runs the fob's perimeter at the waist eye-catching as well as the wire-work above it. Both elements enhance the orb's sculpturality which is, of course, underscored by oxidation and patina. The chain is comprised by "infinity" links and the dog clip a...

Amazing very big antique circa 1910 leaf form brooch in sterling silver with a large egg yolk butterscotch Baltic amber stone in a bezel setting. With a C clasp. Not marked but tests positive for sterling silver. Fabulous Arts & Crafts design with a beautiful dimensional textured hammered finish. Substantial at 51 grams. Great size -- 3 7/8 inches long by 2 3/4 inches wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.

A nicely made open heart shaped 10k white gold and diamonds pendant necklace circa 1970s. The heart pendant measures 3/4 x 1/2", it has three single point diamonds and this necklace weighs 1.6 grams. The white gold chain is very fine and both the pendant and chain are stamped 10K. Great something old bride necklace or a valentine or birthday gift. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are noted; all items are vintage or antique and may have slight signs...

A multi-talented award-winning artist, Arno Malinowski worked for Georg Jensen for several years and created some iconic designs for the company. His most popular pieces are brooches wrought in sterling and inspired by the natural world - deer, birds, dolphins, alone or in delicately depicted foliage, their bodies rendered with such sensitivity, one feels compelled to constantly run one's fingers over them. The bird portrayed in the brooch at hand is illustrative of what I am trying to say. The ...

The size of Pendant: 1"L x 7/8" W x 5/16" H
The size of Opal: 5/8" L x 3/8" W x 1/4" H (18mmx10mmx7mm)
The length of Silver chain 18 1/4" Long
Material of Stone: Mexican Fire Opal in oval shape design.
This is Beautiful Mexican Fire Opal mounted on artist made as Pendanton
Sterling silver base. It is signed on the back as, BG engraved, artist name.
It has Sterling marking on necklace chain.
Age of pendant and necklace not known but at least
30 years old. P...

A simple and elegant Christmas gift, this Victorian period cross form stick pin, c. 1890. The handle is bezel set with a ruby, sapphire center and flanking either side two old European cut diamonds. The pin is unmarked but tests 14K. The top is 3/8" and the pin is 1 3/4". Excellent condition.

An interesting silver pendant depicting the solar system and the attributes of the sign Leo—a lion and a depiction of the sun representing the heavenly body that rules those born into Leo. The pendant is signed “AC” and is stamped with French silver hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca. 1970
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 3/4” x 1-1/4”
• Weight: 5.2 grams

The Arts and Crafts is one of my favorite periods in jewelry design - emphasis on motifs from nature, design that focuses on craftsmanship while allowing the viewer to follow the artisan's hand, "honest" materials without necessarily seeking out the most expensive metals and gemstones, it was a real break with the fussy excesses of Victorian aesthetics. The silver and banded agate intaglio ring presented here is an example that brings together all the above. Impeccably carved into the stone taki...

An elaborate sterling silver knot hanging off a classic repousse semi-sphere takes center-stage in this set of vintage Mexican dangle earrings by renowned Taxco maestro Pedro Castillo. I love Pedro Castillo's work for its complexity and layering and the modernist twist it adds to motifs derived from Mexico's rich cultural past. And even though these beauties are of medium length, they do pack a strong visual punch with their strategically applied oxidation and the warm patina they have developed...

c 1930 not commonly found hand made sterling silver articulated pin in a fan and dangle basket design marked "Lillian Pines" and Sterling. She was a contemporary of Mary Gage. Ms. Pine's store was in New York City's Madison Avenue from 1930’s- 1950’s. Similar piece can be seen in Paul Somerson's chicagosilver.com site. A must see site for all collectors of Arts & Crafts works.
Ms. Pines was born in Manchester NH. She may well have participated in Boston's Society of Arts Crafts as a ...

Two Mexican sterling silver color change Alexandrite synthetic or lab created stone rings to view and select. The color change is so rich from purples with hot pink red flashes in sunlight to yummy blues with lavenders under a lit loupe back to hot pink magenta under incandescent light. These stones used in Mexican jewelry are alway mesmerizing. each at 126:
(A) Signed: SANCHEZ TAXCOMEX 925 (a listed mark) & assay #3 bypass style w/ 12mm color change Alexandrite crystal stone ~7 1/2 a...