An ode to overlay, beading and masterfully applied oxidation, this figural little Mexican Deco brooch is a depiction of Ozomahtli, the monkey companion of god Xochipili, associated with play and merry-making. I could have easily sworn that this is an example of Francisco Rivera’s work yet since it is not signed for maker, I can only suggest this might be the case...

One of the most talented Taxco maestros, Gerardo Lopez was exceptional in the art of repoussage and his jewelry is sought after and avidly collected for its quality and inventive motif combinations. I have suggested in the past that he must have worked for the Los Castillo and / or Margot de Taxco because many of the motifs he uses are also found in the famous workshops' creations...

Offered on consignment....

Dating 1930's - early 40's, this Fred Davis bracelet feels silky and luxurious on the wrist and is a superb example of his work.

Panels of four amethyst cabs and tiny beading alternate with angled silver cylinders, joined top and bottom by double ribbed connectors. Forty eight amethyst gemstones in total, it's an intricate piece, exquisitely executed, and it is collector quality. There is a beautiful patina throughout...

Circa mid-century, this Antonio Pineda bracelet features ten oval moonstone cabochons nestled between ten curved silver panels.

This is a chunky modernist piece executed in almost pure 97% silver. The moonstones are magnificent, exhibiting a beautiful blue adularescence when the light hits it. It has a seamless appearance when closed, as the push button for the clasp is topped with a moonstone.

Measures a closed, wearable length of just over 7" and a width of 5/8"...

A luxurious tassel, its sterling threads spilling out of a brushed silver bead, catches the eye instantly in this vintage Mexican charm bracelet. A classic rendition of the specific design, it has a thick twist rope chain that has acquired a soft, silky glow over the years. Striding the divide between Deco and Retro jewelry, this is a veritable statement bracelet and if you decide to add the matching earrings and lariat necklace you see in one of the photos to it, you will not be disappointed...

Exceedingly difficult to find (I will not say "almost impossible" because I am an optimist at heart!) these Mexican Deco silver repousse hinged bracelets with rows of stone cabochons come in all widths and material combinations. In my experience, the ones with turquoise tend to be the most sought after but amethyst is also popular and I have had examples with black onyx and even colored glass before...

Rings by Victoria of Taxco, one of the few ladies of Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance that are known to us, are such rare finds, they actually touch upon the impossible. If one is really lucky, one might find a shadowbox example from her "angel" parure but I have never before seen a "mask" ring with her signature. Yet here it is - the black onyx "mask" set in elaborate sterling worked such as to represent a headdress and breastplate...

Fleshy, slick and so mod this set of vintage Mexican Antonio Pineda earrings is wrought in his favorite fine (.970) silver alloy in the form of heart-shaped leaves. Antonio's jewelry, no matter how many elements combined in a design, if unfailingly sculptural and shamelessly tactile. It is very difficult to restrain oneself and not keep passing one's fingers over the masterfully worked, perfectly finished silver...

Matching the highly geometric cuff bracelet that is also available in my store, this vintage Los Castillo Mexican silver modernist ring still cherishes the austere angularity of the Deco years. Set in channels defined by sterling wires, the saturated blues and greens of the azur-malachite inlay clearly mark it as belonging to the workshop's "mozaico Azteca" line...

A twist to Margot de Taxco's classic all silver zodiac pendant / charms this sinewy Sagittarius rises above a background of multicolored confetti enamel. A true feast for the eyes, the archer faces the viewer but has his head turned to the right in the direction of his outstretched bow-holding arm. I love these enameled examples by Margot because the confetti, especially the primarily blue / green version like here, reminds me of clear nights when thousands of twinkling stars light up the skies...

Dating in the first period of the Los Ballesteros workshop but after their 1941 move from Iguala to Taxco, this combination pin / pendant is an "archaeologically inspired" piece. A multitude of techniques come together in the creation of the figural scene that dominates here. Azur malachite inlay provides the canvas within which the combined copper and silver praying (?) figure is laid in...

A contemporary of Matilde Poulat's, maestro M. Velazquez also worked in Mexico City and created jewelry primarily in the repousse style associated with the capital and Matl, its most famous practitioner. Velazquez was a true master of his art - his jewelry is bold and his repoussage confident, sculptural and nicely finished. The inspiration for the fish brooch at hand was obviously an ancient Maya or Aztec glyph or carving...

Superbly crafted, profusely decorated and visually powerful this early Mexico City repousse figural brooch is an a rather rare example of vermeil silver jewelry from the country's 20th c. Silver Renaissance. I will admit that I am not particularly fond of vermeil - I love the look and feel of aged silver without "enhancements" that make it look like something it is actually not. Yet there are those very very scarce moments when a piece like this shows up and it makes me reconsider. Worn after ye...

Early, sweet little ring from Taxco, this pinky is wrought in silver and adorned with what I believe to be an ancient bi-cone stone bead out of which emanate two playful, musical cascabeles. It is not uncommon for vintage Mexican jewelry from the first decades of the country's 20th c. Silver Renaissance to incorporate ancient beads and small artifacts as it was not illegal at the time for individuals to buy and sell them. What makes the specific ring attractive for me is that it's an example fro...

Being offered is a superb and exceedingly rare circa 1968 gold modernist ring by Antonio Pineda of Taxco, Mexico, the bypass design of yellow gold with pink gold wire accent mounted in 14k gold. Size is illustrated - 6 1/2. Stamped 14k and Pineda Marked. In excellent condition. 13.8 grams. Rare rare rare!!

Slender, elongated, hand-wrought fine silver feathers that end in a playful curl make up this set of "swan wing" modernist earrings by Antonio Pineda. I have to admit that this is one of the most unexpected Antonio creations I have ever encountered. When I first saw it, I thought that the clip-ons would have to surely be a later replacement yet I have since seen a similar pair and that one too had the same findings. Now these are earrings for those not afraid to ... spread their wings and reach ...

A Mexican version of the classic "giardinetto" jewelry, this set of Matilde Poulat earrings is rather unusual with its all-silver vase that holds the flowers. All tell-tale characteristics of Matl's creativity are here though: the silver has a hand-hammered texture, the wire-work with its tiny beading surrounds the vase like an undulating silk ribbon, there are small round dangles hanging off each earring's bottom and, last but not least, we have intense splashes of color from the coral and turq...

One of the Mexican designs inspired by Far Eastern cultures, the koi fish are a signature creation of Margot de Taxco and the Los Castillo yet its popularity prompted many of their "less celebrated" or anonymous contemporary maestros to come up with their own versions of it. And thankfully so because one can now find a beautiful example by a talented maker without having to break the bank - or at least not in a truly dramatic way! The all-silver necklace at hand is just such a welcome find. Very...

Chunky fine, .970 silver and gorgeous, appetizingly curvaceous tiger's eye spheres come together in this set of Mexican cufflinks by Taxco's renowned modernist, Antonio Pineda. The specific design is very popular in necklace and bracelet form but when it surfaces, it is usually with chrysoprase or aventurine or some other green stone. This is the first time I have seen it with tiger's eye and I have to admit, I love the combination. What I also find very tempting is that the cufflinks seem to ha...

Offered on consignment.........

Circa mid-century, this is a seldom seen clamper cuff bracelet from Margot van Voorhies Carr / Margot de Taxco.

It's a truly spectacular clamper with superb craftsmanship. The repoussé silver design is chock full of swirls and flourishes and features a multi-dimensional nouveau foliate design with a tulip at the center

This piece is certainly one for the discerning collector of Mexican jewelry.

Fully closed, this measu...

A classic early Matilde Poulat Mexican silver bracelet, its textured sterling wire-work adorned with beading and coral and turquoise cabochons, this piece was made in the 1934-48 period of Matl's creative life as is indicated by its hallmarks. Part of her "flat" as opposed to "repousse" jewelry, the bracelet is perfectly articulated and responds to the wrist's every move in a effortless, gracious way. Its "solid" construction bestows a welcome weight to it that feels warmly familiar when you hav...

Lariat necklaces are a favorite of mine and when I come upon a good Mexican example, I make every effort to bring it to One Good Eye Silver. Truth be told, they don't come up as often as other forms but it is an exciting quest to pursue. The late Deco / retro piece I am presenting here is a clipless version - you can adjust it by tying a loose knot at the desired height and change the way it looks whenever you feel like it. Luxuriously thick, the twist rope chain glows with the beauty of a life ...

A lovely 18K gold locket, the front cover bezel-set with Persian turquoise cabochons. The stones are nicely matched for color. The gold surface is stippled and engraved in a rayed pattern with a foliate border. The engraving on the back takes design elements from the front. The interior has a glass cover. The locket is deep enough that it was likely intended to contain both a portrait and a keepsake of some sort. The original bail, also engraved and set with a turquoise cabochon, is stamped with...

This large Fred Davis amethyst brooch was produced 1930's - early 40's. Measuring 4 1/2" long, 2 3/16" wide, it features a gorgeous hand-carved amethyst tulip. Pin closes with a roller. Signed and hallmarked with a conjoined FD and Silver Mexico. Weight is 32 grams. In excellent vintage condition. Some very minor abrasions on the edge of the tulip, but nothing seen without magnification.

This Antonio Pineda brooch is a superb modernist design featuring three amethyst "peas" in a "pod". Beautifully executed in 97% pure silver, this pin is collector quality. Measures 3 1/2" long, with a hefty weight of 29.7 grams. Pin closes with a roller. Signed and hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco crown, Hecho en Mexico 970 Silver, with the eagle assay 17 and design # PR571.

Straddling the divide between Aesthetic and Arts and Crafts design, this hinged sterling silver buckle bracelet was, I believe, made in the USA based on its hallmarking. The entire surface of the front "wing" is etched with ivy leaves, a motif beloved by the Victorians it seems, while the back is left blank, as is usually the case with bracelets of this type. I love the curve of the buckle's prong that brings to mind avian talons and the way the end of the silver "belt" rises slightly beyond the...

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 early Taxco treasure, this Mexican Deco cuff bracelet is both generous in weight and wrought in fine, .980 silver. The design is classic for the period and I have seen all-silver versions of it over the years by anonymous and recognizable names, that of Emma and La Cucaracha being among the most famous. The marriage of silver and copper that we are treated to here, however, I have never encountered before. Not only is the mixing of the metals unusual - the incorporation of the specific silver...

A superb Ventian Etruscan pendant or charm set with citrine, smoky quartz, green and green tourmaline, aquamarine, blue topaz, hessonite garnet, and almandine garnet. These large pendants come in many different shapes, but this is the first time we've seen one in the shape of a six-pointed star (Star of David.) The gemstones are nicely colored and all the gold surfaces are enhanced with intricate ropetwist and beaded decoration. Tested and guaranteed 18K.

• Origin: Italy, ca 1955
• Co...

A lovely 18K gold locket, the front cover bezel-set with rhodolite garnets. The garnets have very fine color with bright shots of violet. The gold surface is stippled. The back cover is ornately engraved in a checkerboard pattern. The interior has a hinged glass cover. The locket is deep enough that it was likely intended to contain both a portrait and a keepsake of some sort. The bail is stamped with French 18K gold marks.

• Origin: France, ca. 1870
• Condition: excellent
• Dim...

Signed by Mary Gage, the eccentric yet talented silversmith (among other vocations!) of the late American Arts and Crafts movement, this wide sterling silver band ring is entirely hand-wrought and features her signature "lily pads" motif. It seems that Gage crafted this ring in 14k yellow gold as well which probably explains why, if you look really closely to the clusters of tiny beading separating the lily pads, you will spot two or three that are made of gold. Generously wide, with a fantastic...

An elegant pair of 18K yellow gold earclips by Haroldo Burle Marx set with intricately carved jelly opals in the “forma livre” (free form) style. Burle Marx was particularly known for his use of stones fashioned by carving or tumbling rather than faceting, a technique he invented in 1948. The moonstones have bluish overtones with broad flashes of pinkish-orange. The elongated shape of the stones, mirrored by the shape of the settings looks very good on the ear. The gold surfaces are worked i...

Signed by Victoria who is often credited in the relevant literature with having perfected the "mixed metals" technique this big, bold combination pin / pendant brings together sterling silver, copper and brass in an Aztec Revival design. I am fascinated by the seamless marrying of the metals in "casados" pieces and Ana Nunez de Brilanti excelled in their design and crafting. Here, the round "shield" element is slightly concave and catches the light in ever-changing, fascinating ways. Wear it as ...

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...

Heavy, early and wrought out of fine, .980 silver this Mexican Deco cuff bracelet is one of William Spratling's "archaelogically-inspired" creations of the renowned maestro's First Design Period. Thick silver sheet is carefully shaped and deeply hand-chased here with the gravitas of the labyrinthine geometric motifs further enhancing the piece's physical heft. This is a bracelet that makes itself known to the wearer not only with its weight but also with the confident, almost possessive way it w...

Stunning Los Castillo "doorknocker" dangle earrings, these beauties are breath-taking and beguilingly curvaceous. I love this design and it has been a long time since I had a similar set. Sensual curves, sculptural teardrops, discrete little scrolls and confident, masterful repoussage - there is nothing about the pair that was not paid attention to. Even the concave round elements that hide the screw-back at the earrings' top have been enhanced with oxidation. Measuring 2 1/4" long by 1 1/8" wid...

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. Perfect to wear as a duo but also ideal to bring the vibrancy ...

A very fine French Art Nouveau 18K yellow gold festoon necklace comprising three gold plaques exquisitely engraved in a pattern of roses and their foliage. The plaques are curved to create a "festoon" look, and are suspended from a gold chain set with natural seed pearls. The backs of the plaques are lightly engraved with a reverse image of the roses—a hidden luxury that speaks to the quality of the piece. Each plaque also includes stems with pronounced thorns, perhaps as a reminder of the sel...

Spectacular execution in this sterling and saw tooth bezel set coral ring by Santo Domingo silversmith Julian Lovato. He began working in 1938 and was a silversmith for Frank Patania Sr. in the Thunderbird Shop. This ring was made during his time there as it has his own signature as well as the Patania Thunderbird Shop mark, sterling IHM (Indian Hand Made). Julian Lovato was the winner of numerous awards for his fine creations during his lifetime. This ring is a size 8 and the face measures 3/4"...

Elegant peaked link necklace in 940 silver by Mexican silversmith Hector Aguilar. This necklace is a choker style that sits perfectly on the neck and terminates with a hook closure. It is 14 1/2" end to end and the links are 1" wide and 7/8" long. Surprising hefty, it weighs 123 grams and is in fine original condition. Signed with the 1940-48 Aguilar hallmark as shown. A very wearable and beautiful piece.

Bold, clean lines on this sterling and coral ring by Frank Patania. The center coral is a deep, dark Mediterranean coral at its best. The ring is a size 6 1/2, measures 1" long and 5/8" wide and weighs 13 grams. Fine original condition with no chips or cracks to the stone. Signed as shown. A great mid-century design.

This sterling silver necklace was designed and signed (c.1940) by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). The pendant measures 3 1/4" X 3 1/4" and can be worn as a brooch by easily detaching the 20" long sterling silver chain. The pendant with chain weighs 110 grams. Both silver and the beautiful amethyst stones are in excellent condition. Shown and described on spratlingsilver.com. Also pictured in SPRATLING SILVER: A FIELD GUIDE by Phyllis Goddard and in MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Mor...

Hallmarks date this Matilde Poulat pin to the 1950's. Measuring 2 1/2" wide, 2 3/4" tall, this pin has two stately doves on each side, with a center teardrop amethyst, turquoise cabochons, and five dangles with coral. Pin closes with a roller. Weight is 18.1 grams. Signed and hallmarked Matl Mexico 925 M Reg 10592, along with the eagle assay 129. In excellent vintage condition.

Felipe Martinez was a sculptor, then a stone cutter for Hubert Harmon, before he opened his own taller "Piedra Y Plata" in 1950. This is a gorgeous necklace with highly polished onyx stones and a modernist design making this a standout piece. Measuring just over 16" wearable length, it lays perfectly on the neck and will not fail to be instantly noticed. The centerpiece is 3" wide, 3 3/8" tall. Weight is 79.4 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Taxco Martinez Sterling". In excellent vi...

Bearing the signature of Pedro Castillo this bracelet is, for me, a fusion of classic Taxco "arhaeological" as well as modernist elements. The overlay is immaculately crafted - one would never expect less from a Castillo - and the design lends itself to several readings. Is it a stylized butterfly? Two human forms positioned sideways, mirroring each other? An elaboration on ancient Mesoamerican motifs with a mod twist? Be that as it may, the bracelet has an intense visual presence that is only e...

An unusual and elegant sterling bracelet with saw tooth bezel set carnelian by Frank Patania. Measuring 5 3/4" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/2" opening, it is 1 3/8" wide and weighs 85 grams. Fine original condition and signed as shown. A bold mid-century design with great stones.

Circa 1930's, this Fred Davis pin is very striking, with a design which I've not seen previously. The craftsmanship is superb with exquisite repoussé silver work. Measures 2 11/16" tall, 2" wide. Weight is 25.3 grams. Signed and hallmarked with a conjoined FD Made in Mexico Silver. In excellent vintage condition. Pin closes with a simple early spiral C clasp, and is very secure.

Calling the vintage Mexican silver and black stone "mask" ring I am presenting here massive is not an exaggeration. It is not just the actual ring size (9.5 US) that makes it so; it is also the textured, solid setting, quite masculine in design, and the beautifully carved, stupendous effigy it houses. I am not sure what the stone is - I think it might be onyx but it could also be black agate. I am fascinated by its opaque gravity and the way its satin finish invites the touch. And what about tho...

A rare, spectacular Erika Hult de Corral set consisting of two square sterling silver bangles with wood inlay (I believe probably rosewood) this pair is a feast for the eyes and such a treat for the vintage Mexican jewelry collector who also seeks out the few (but amazingly talented) female designers of the field. Ric (as Hult de Corral signed her pieces) studied at the Parson's School of Design in Paris and before opening her own workshop during Taxco's "middle period", she worked for both Sigi...

Circa 1940's, this large brooch is said to be named after Spratling's parrot "Lorenzo". It's a huge and spectacular pin, measuring 4 1/2" tall and 1 3/16" wide, with a weight of 49.4 grams.

This left facing parrot has a 1 1/2" long amethyst body and exquisite repoussé silver work. Pin closes with a roller. All original and collector quality.

It's a published bookpiece, shown on p. 38 of "Mexican Silver", as well as on the spine of the dust cover. Also shown on p. 46 ...

Circa mid-century, this Margot de Taxco ring has exquisite repoussé silver work with scrolls and tiny beading.

This is Margot's design #5337. The face of the ring measures 1 3/8" x 1", with a band that is adjustable. Current size is 9 1/4.

Weight is 19.1 grams.

Hallmarked with the eagle assay 16 and the design # 5337.

Beautiful patina, excellent vintage condition.

This bold and edgy Margot de Taxco bracelet is heavy and very substantial, with wide incised oxidized recesses. It's a design which is not often seen and most certainly a statement piece.

Will fit up to a 7 1/8 wrist, and has a width of 2 1/8".

Weight is 121.2 grams.

Signed and hallmarked with a partial Margot de Taxco "De Taxco", Hecho en Mexico 925, with the eagle assay 16 and design # 5634.

In excellent vintage condition. No safety chain, but loo...

From Spratling's first design period, hallmarks date this pin 1040-1944. This eagle serpent pin has superb repoussé silver work. Oxidized recesses and a highly detailed design really make this a standout piece. Measures 2 5/16" x 1 7/8". Weight is 26 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the WS Print Circle and Spratling Silver. Pin closes with a roller.

Circa 1940's, this bracelet was produced by Hector Aguilar for Coro at the Taller Borda.

In 1943, Hector Aguilar formed a financial partnership with Gerald Rosenberger, the owner of Coro, to design and produce jewelry at the Taller Borda. This partnership was dissolved by 1950.

The bullet bracelet is one of the most elusive and iconic designs produced by Hector Aguilar. This bracelet is identical to the Aguilar, with the exception of the tongue in box closure instead of a p...

Hallmarks date this Hector Aguilar pin 1940-1945.

It's a book-piece design, with a slightly different version shown in "Silver Masters of Mexico". Highly detailed and whimsical in appearance, it's a large stately piece. Collector quality.

Measures 4 3/8" x 3 3/8".

Weight is 27.2 grams.

Signed and hallmarked with a conjoined HA, Sterling, and Made in Mexico.

In excellent vintage condition. Pin closes with a roller.

An elegant pair of 18K yellow gold earclips by Haroldo Burle Marx set with intricately carved jelly tourmalines in the “forma livre” (free form) style. Burle Marx was particularly known for his use of stones fashioned by carving or tumbling rather than faceting, a technique he invented in 1948. The tourmalines have greenish blueish overtones. The elongated shape of the stones, mirrored by the shape of the settings looks very good on the ear. The gold surfaces are worked in both the stippled...

Offered on consignment.......

Hallmarks date this William Spratling bracelet 1951-1956.

From his third design period, this cuff features half discs which alternate with azur-malachite and silver, with a band of three striated lines across the center. Shown on the Spratling Silver website as well as in the book "Spratling Silver: A Field Guide, Spratling described this bracelet as "slip-on heavy forged azurite half discs."

Inside edge to edge measures 5", with an ...

Circa pre-1948, this tour-de-force cuff bracelet is the work of Silver Corpus Artisans of Mexico.

I know this mark to be associated with Doris Silver, although this piece is not marked as such.

Quite possibly one of a kind, this is an amazing cuff with superb silver work. Measuring 4" tall, the design has koi fish with bubbles coming out of their mouths, amidst huge waves.

Should fit up to a 7" wrist. A good jeweler can adjust the size smaller or larger to fit th...

This mid-century pendant/pin/necklace can be worn several different ways. Pin on its own, necklace with pendant, and pin and necklace separately.

It's a very rarely seen design, and it is most certainly collector quality.

The shadowbox design has a darkened background which is absolutely flawless.

Pendant/pin measures 1 7/8" x 1 3/8". Closed, wearable length is 17".

Weight is 79.7 grams.

Signed and hallmarked "Sigi Tasco Sterling Hecho e...

A graduate of the Parson's School of Design in Paris, Erika Hult de Corral is one of my favorite modernist designers and silversmiths in the context of Mexican silver jewelry. Spanning a few decades, her work is unfailingly of the highest quality with attention paid not only to materials but also to finishing and, of course, imaginative design. The ring presented here, wrought in sterling and centered by a scrumptious tiger's eye stone, can also be found with Enrique Ledesma's signature. Since ...