$385.00 Circa pre-1948, this is a superb deco design from noted Mexican silversmith ACE. I have had this exact design with onyx stones produced by Felipe Martinez with the eagle assay. This necklace, with gorgeous red stones, is an earlier piece. Measures a closed, wearable length of 16". The centerpiece is 2 1/2" tall. Weight is 74.3 grams. Signed and hallmarked "ACE 925 Hecho en Mexico Guadalajara. In excellent vintage condition...

A fine and very early pair of silver cufflinks in the “Maya” pattern by Margot de Taxco. Margot established her own studio in 1948. The “Maya” pattern, displaying a strongly-featured native Mexican man in profile, became one of her iconic designs. The cufflinks are generously sized and retain a nice patina...

Over the years of my career as a vintage Mexican jewelry dealer I have come to love and appreciate the "mask" pieces created by the Los Ballesteros workshop. I have to admit that this was not a "love-at-first-sight" affair. On the contrary, it took me some time to realize that prolific though they might have been, especially in the post-1980 years which witnessed a drop in creativity as well, the specific workshop excelled in the production of superb jewelry centered by carved stone effigies...

This mid-century masterpiece is the work of Felipe Martinez, whose shop was called Piedra Y Plata.

The hand-carved and polished amethyst face is a gorgeous shade of purple and the repoussé silver work is magnificent. Earrings are obsidian...

This mid-century Margot de Taxco brooch is likely one of a kind. The Victorian era high relief Greek goddess is hand-carved and exquisitely detailed. It's either hardstone or black lava, and Margot designed the silver setting expressly to fit the cameo, using a Greek motif with black enamel. Measures 2 3/8" x 2 3/16", with a weight of 35.8 grams. The Greek goddess is Eirene, and she is known as the goddess of peace and the season of spring...

Exceptional workmanship for an exceptional guy, these large square abalone shell and nickel silver toggle back cufflinks were handcrafted in Mexico, circa 1930, beautiful coloration, marked TAXCO, ALPACA and #3 mark of alpaca silver. Size: 7/8"; Condition: minor wear.

A smashing duo in the index of mid-20th century Mexican jewelry design, Cecilia and Tono have created some of the most amazing pieces. More often than not their creations are re-interpretations of ancient motifs with a modernist twist and adaptations of old techniques and materials to fit their contemporary vision...

A handsome pair of sterling silver cufflinks by Georg Jensen. The rectangular faces are severely designed in the Art Deco style, with only a series of parallel raised bands as decoration. The solid connectors are attached to hinged oval backs. The cufflinks are marked with the pattern number 80 and bear post-1945 Jensen hallmarks.

Origin: Denmark, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent. Size: 15/16" x 3/8". Weight: 15.6 grams.

Bearing the signature of maestro Barrera this carefully made figural brooch depicts a richly clad person, most probably a nobleman or priest, with hands forming a very distinct gesture as if he takes part in a ritual or is performing a dance. Barrera , I suspect, worked in Mexico City, and created some impressive jewelry in the style associated with it...

Maestro C. Molina is one of those “enigmatic” figures of Mexico’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance. Even in Bille Hougart’s seminal work on hallmarks and makers there is minimal information about him - namely, two or three examples of the way his jewelry is hallmarked and the photos are really difficult to read...

Circa 1940's, here is a superb pin produced by Chato Castillo. Chato Castillo apprenticed with Matilde Poulat. In the Davis/Pack book "Mexican Jewelry", it's noted that Chato's pieces are all one of a kind. He left William Spratling's Taller de Las Delicias in 1939 to help his brothers start Los Castillo. Many of his early designs were also used as prototypes for pieces later produced by Los Castillo. Measuring 5" tall, 2 1/8" wide, this pin is a sight to behold...

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...

From his first design period, with hallmarks dating 1944-1946, this cuff from William Spratling is massive and spectacular. Collector quality.

This is a book-piece design shown in "William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance" by Penny C...

Hallmarks date this William Spratling brick link bracelet to 1940-1944. This design is shown on the Spratling Silver website. It's a hand-wrought bracelet which feels like silk on the wrist. Certainly a timeless design, and one which is understated in both beauty and elegance. Three rows of brick like links with a foldover clasp give this a completely seamless appearance. The silver has a rich warm glow.

Measures a closed, wearable length of 7 1/2" with a width of 3/4".

...

An American who arrived in Mexico in the 1940s, opened her own workshop in 1945 and by 1950 employed about twenty five artisans*, Doris is one of the few female designers that we know of in the world of vintage Mexican silver jewelry. My first encounter with her creations wasn’t until a few years into my “career” as a Mexican jewelry dealer and I was immediately captivated by the exquisite design, the impeccable craftsmanship and the quality of the materials used. I have seen kept my eyes...

This majestic piece was designed & signed c. 1940's by American & Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). The necklace measures 16 1/2" long X 1 3/4" wide & weighs 226 grams. Originally strung on twine, the necklace has been professionally restrung on sterling silver fox tail chain. Each link is set with a turquoise cab. Excellent condition & patina. The necklace is secured with a slide in pin closure. This rare necklace was purchased from a NYC Park Av. estate. The design is pictured ...

Circa 1930's-early 40's, this necklace is a Fred Davis design, hallmarked simply "Silver Mexico".

It's a gorgeous piece, with large amethyst cabochons and carved malachite stones. It lays perfectly on the neck, measuring a closed, wearable length of 16 1/2". Width is 1 1/16". Amethysts measure 27mm x 20mm, with a depth of 11mm.

Weight is 87.6 grams.

In excellent vintage condition.

It's been a while since I offered a vintage Italian silver cimaruta necklace but today I hope to prove the wait worth-while with this gorgeous set from the first decades of the 20th c.. An ancient talisman associated with Southern Italy, the cimaruta was used to protect against the evil eye and in our days, it has been re-invigorated as a powerful wiccan symbol. Signed by a contemporary to the Peruzzi and Coppini Bros Italian maker whom I haven't been able to identify, the pendant has eye-catchi...

This is a spectacular set of necklace, pin, and earrings which were produced 1930's - early 1940's in Mexico. The design is one which originated from Fred Davis, and also one which is very seldom seen. This set does not bear the FD mark from Davis, but is simply hallmarked "Silver Made in Mexico". It is my belief that this was likely created by the same silversmith who produced the design for Fred Davis - who contracted several master silversmiths to produce his designs. It's an edgy stunning...

Hallmarks date this Hector Aguilar necklace pre-1948. Detachable pendant is original to the V chain, and this piece is collector quality. A book piece in "Silver Masters of Mexico", there shown with an amethyst pendant. The pendant here is a dense green stone with swirls of various hues - absolutely gorgeous. Measures 15 1/2" without the tongue portion of the clasp. Pendant is 1 1/2" x 1 1/4". Signed and hallmarked on both chain and pendant with the conjoined HA, Taxco 940. Quite substant...

In my last treasure-hunting adventure I ended up with a couple of really really nice cross pendants and necklaces. The first one to gain center stage is this two-sided Flli Coppini Italian silver example. Executed in the .800 alloy that was the Italian standard until 1934, the pendant is crisply cast and its profusion of detail and ornamentation is easily readable to the eye. A generously-sized piece, it is shown in one of the photos here with a Peruzzi / Coppini style silver chain so you can ge...

This spectacular ring produced by Fred Davis is a very rare piece. Hand-wrought with superb repoussé silverwork and a huge oval amethyst gemstone, it's a ring which will not fail to be noticed. Measures about 6.375 on a ring sizer. The face measures 1 3/16" north to south. The stone is gorgeous, with quartz marbling and natural inclusions. Setting has four forked prongs. Signed and hallmarked with a conjoined FD and Mexico Silver. Dates 1930's - early 40's. In excellent vintage ...

Sterling silver square pressed powder compact with mirror. Engraved lines on front outside of compact with engraved hearts in each corner, back is plain, no initials. Stamped "Elgin American Made in USA Sterling" on powder lid inside. Mirror has some age marks on the edges. Size: 3.5 x 3.5 inch square Weight: 180.8 grams (116.3 dwt)

Maestro Damaso Gallegos was for years associated in my mind with the Mexican Deco "Christmas jewelry” tradition. His “holly and bells” as well as “bow and bells” designs are a classic way to celebrate the coming of the holiday season yet in the last couple of years I keep stumbling upon totally unexpected pieces by him. The massive, early Taxco combination pin / pendant with the carved stone “mask” at hand is crafted in high purity, .980 silver with overlay, beading and oxidation. ...

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...

This rare and beautiful bracelet by the famous Matilde Poulat features two silver repousse Doves at the center set with Turquoise, Coral and Amethyst stones with side links set with small Turquoise. Measures 7" long by 2" wide at the front and weighs 78.1 grams. Early hallmark of MATL in script with Hecho en Mexico, 0.925. It has not been polished and shows age related tarnish. A superb bracelet and a rare find.

Circa 1940-1945, this early Los Castillo necklace is a very rare design with the centerpiece. Collector quality. Twenty-six winged repoussé links with a center floral panel make this a standout necklace. Likely a Margot de Taxco / Margot van Voorhies Carr creation, as Margot was married to Antonio Castillo during the early years of Los Castillo, and designed for them. Measures a closed, wearable length of 17 1/2". The winged panels are 1 3/8" wide. Centerpiece measures 2 1/8" x 1 3/16". ...

Circa 1940-1945, this pin was produced by Los Castillo. It's an early piece which was designed by Margot van Voorhies Carr / Margot de Taxco. This is a superbly crafted piece, showing a koi fish swimming atop a blue glass stone which is filled with bubbles. Exquisitely detailed with wonderful repoussé silver work, it's a gorgeous showpiece. Measures 3 3/8" x 2". Weight is 29.8 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Made in Mexico", with the design # 514. In exc...

Dating in the first decades of the 20th c. this Italian Renaissance Revival necklace is wrought in .800 silver and adorned with flat-cut and cabochon sodalite. In the same style as “Grand Tour” jewelry popularized by the Peruzzi and Coppini houses in Florence, this piece features grape clusters and leaves while also showcasing shell, floral garland and rosette links in its ornate chain. Good casting and beautiful patina render the design three-dimensional and I do love the unexpected brown s...

Possibly the most "surrealist" early Mexican Deco "mask" brooch I have ever had, this piece is the source of so many questions for me. What is it exactly that it depicts with its "portrait" surrounded by an elaborate headdress, the two arms emanating right from its top with no actual body present? And what is the "mask" itself made of? It registers as a stone in my gem-tester but I am not sure if it is onyx or a different type of opaque, black stone. I find myself in one of those instances in wh...

For someone with a song in his heart, this vintage pair of sterling silver toggle back cufflinks takes the form of a G clef, marked on the link STERLING and Pat 2472953, circa 1940. Measures 1 1/4" high. condition is excellent. May need cleaning.

CROSS 500.00 NECKLACE 250.00 We have a Los Castillo, huge 3in. long cross weighing 37 grams. The silver is thick and layered to achieve more dimension. The condition is excellent with no damage. There is a spot in my pictures that looks like a scratch but it is not and not in all pictures. While hunting for a necklace to display the Castillo cross on I came across this one. How could it be any more perfect? It came filled with all the 8 small crosses and the weight is a hefty 91 grams. It is al...

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...

Beautiful Art Deco diamond and emerald ring in white gold. Circa 1930. Marked 14K. With a center square cut diamond of about 4 mm by 4 mm, or .40 carat, and ten other small round diamonds including four at 2 mm and six at 1 mm. With two emeralds of about 1 mm by just under 2 mm. It weighs 2 grams. Ring size 7. The top is 3/8 inch by 5/16 inch. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.

A very attractive pair of late Arts & Crafts or early Art Deco silver cufflinks by Saethers Gull og Solvvarefabrikk, a Norwegian silversmith known for inventive designs. One face of each cufflink is hinged for ease in putting through the cuff. The connectors are fully hallmarked.

Origin: Norway, ca. 1920. Condition: excellent. Size: 27/32” x 1/2. Weight: 15.5 grams.

Circa pre-1940, this set of Matilde Poulat bird pins are signed with her early hallmarks. Collector quality, beautifully hand-crafted, with superb repoussé silver work, this matching pair of doves feature turquoise eyes, with one bird facing left and the other facing right. Absolutely fabulous.

Each measures 1 3/8" x 1 1/8". Pins close with rolling "C" clasps.

Signed and hallmarked on each pin "Matl 925".

Weight for the pair is 12.4 grams.

In excellen...

Beautiful early vintage Chinese apple jade beaded necklace with a very finely carved and pierced oval element mounted with prongs in a 14KT gold setting with a slide clasp. Circa 1930. Marked 14K and tests positive for 14KT gold. The beads graduate from large to small and back again to large at either end of the center element. 15 inches wearable length and 1 inch wide at the center. The carved gold mounted element is 1 5/8 inches side to side and 1 inch top to bottom. The beads graduate...

A fabulous fringed necklace, wearable for day or night, in sterling silver with very big glittering purple openback and unfoiled glass stones in prong settings. Circa 1935. The clasp is marked STERLING and the other elements test positive for sterling. The color is much more intense and slightly warmer than the photos depict. Huge stones, statement necklaces, and the color purple are all very significant current fashion trends. Also perfectly of the moment because it is a classic Art Deco p...

A classic pair of Art Deco chrysoprase cufflinks set in 14K yellow gold. The chrysoprase have very good yellowish-green color and are cut in high-domed cabochons. The faces are connected by chains. Tested and guaranteed 14K.

Origin: America, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, all original. Dimensions: 3/8” diameter. Weight: 7.1 gr.

A striking 14K yellow gold ring, the medallion depicting a yachting scene in engine-turned engraving of extraordinary quality. The scene depicts a yacht in the foreground with a more distant boat in the background. The design is completed with waves, seagulls and a lighthouse atop a rocky cliff. Originally an Edwardian blazer button, our jeweler added a 14K gold shank to make a wonderful seafaring ring. The back is stamped "14K" and has an unidetified American maker's mark.

• America, ca. 1...

A reminder to be timely, this novelty pair of Art Deco milk glass and rhinestone toggle back cufflinks features a circular clock face with four rhinestones depicting the quarter hour, raised dial with black detailing framed in gold, unmarked, American, Circa 1930. Size: 7/8" dia. Good vintage condition with minor wear to gold, adhesive exposed on back.

An unusual pair of Art Deco cufflinks, the faces featuring cabochon cut aventurine glass (goldstone) set in 18K yellow gold bezels. The faces are connected by gold chains to torpedo backs, also worked in aventurine glass. Aventurine glass was invented in Venice in the 1600s, and enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the 1920s. The mountings are stamped with French 18K gold marks and an unidentified maker's mark.

Origin: Europe, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent; all original. Dimensions: rou...

Stunning necklace in 14KT yellow gold with carved softly pyramid shaped carnelian stones in bezel settings. Marked 14K on the spring ring and also tests positive for 14KT gold. Circa 1930, from the same estate as the German Deco sterling and coral necklace I have listed. Art Deco, with elements of Arts & Crafts Tudor revival style. The stones are slightly graduated from the center. A beautiful, tailored, very wearable piece. It weighs 33 grams.

15 1/2 inches long and 5/8 inch wide at cent...

A very attractive Retro bracelet worked in 18K yellow, rose and white gold. The design has the industrial look typical of French Retro pieces. The gold is strongly colored, so there is very good contrast in the design. The clasp is stamped with French 18K marks and an unidentified master goldsmith's mark.

Origin: France, ca. 1935. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 5/8" wide; 7-5/8" long. Weight: 46.0 gr.

Bird doll motif. Pre assay era Made in Mexico bird pin brooch. Early - tested at least sterling - colossal 4 3/4" north to south with 2 turquoise beads. This figural exhibits flowers in the style of Fred Davis or Matilde Poulat. Repousse and chase workmanship.
The native peoples were known to make dolls representing the local animals for their children to play. Today those same children are being taught the value in Nature Tourism.

This Quetzal bird parrot pin is stamped: SILVER...

Superb Necklace by the famous Fred Davis featuring cabochon Amethyst stones set at the center of round silver links alternating with silver links in a shield shape. One of his most iconic designs, it measures 16 1/2" long by 7/8" wide. Hallmarked on one link with the FD mono along with "Silver" on a second links and "Made in Mexico" on a third. Good condition with light wear and tarnish, stones have the typical inclusions (one stone has a very small surface chip on the stone's reverse. Fred Davi...

A handsome pair of 18K white gold cufflinks, the faces set with octagonal mother-of-pearl plaques centered by small square blue sapphires. The mother-of-pearl surfaces are finely crosshatched to match the engraving of the gold at the corners. The faces are joined by chains. Marked "18Ct."

Origin: England, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent. Size: 7/16" x 7/16". Weight: 7.0 grams

This is a vintage Art Deco style sterling silver and marcasite ring featuring a raised sterling ribbon set with marcasite flowing down the center of a black onyx cab and three marcasite set on the base of band, circa 1920, oval shape, marked ND "925". Size: 7 3/4, measures 3/4 in H x 5/8 in W; Excellent condition.

This amazing and beautiful necklace by Hector Aguilar is crafted in his favorite 940 Silver and is known as his "Six Spheres" design. It measures 19" long by 1 1/2" wide and weighs an impressive 233.4 grams. Hallmarked "HA, Taxco, 940". Secure box clasp. No damage noted. This necklace is featured in many books on Mexican Silver and is a fine example of this style.

This is a reverse painted pair of cuff links set in unmarked gold plate on sterling with a double sided racing scene depicting a jockey on horseback jumping a gate, finely hand painted enamel on mother of pearl encased in crystal, English. Measurements: 5/8 in long x 1/4 in wide. The design is in excellent condition, wear to the gold on sides and the shank and jump ring on the back.

An 18K yellow gold and platinum brickwork strap and buckle ring by J. E. Caldwell. The buckle and the tongue of the strap are worked in platinum and set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. The diamonds are graded as H/I color and VS clarity. The buckle is fully functional, so the ring can be adjusted from size 2 to 8. This style of ring was popular in the Retro period, but only Caldwell, Tiffany and few other luxury makers crafted them with adjustable mechanisms such as this. Stamped with Ca...

The Clouds is one of the most sought after Spratling designs. It is shown full page in the book WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE by Penney Morrill. With a silver quality of 980 and weighing 132 grams it displays a rich presence. An inner diameter of 4inches which is approximately 16.5 + inches allows the necklace to fit most. The links are built on a curve and are 1in. tall. The stones are a lovely well matched and warm teal colored turquoise. There is no damage to the silver...

Beautiful patina, gold link bracelet with detachable safety chain, push button closure. 8.125 inches long, 7/16 inches wide, 21.3 grams. Can be shortened by removing links.

Vintage Bakelite necklace simulating cherry amber, with very large graduated oblong beads ranging in size from 30 mm long to 12 mm long. It weighs 62 grams. Circa 1930. It has been professionally restrung for security. Tests positive for Bakelite and guaranteed old and original. 18 1/2 inches wearable length and 7/8 inch wide. Excellent condition. One large bead has three small flaws, as shown, but this is not noticeable when the piece is worn. Photos enlarged to show detail.

A wonderful Art Deco 14K yellow gold baton-link long chain, studded at intervals with oval moss agate cabochons. The long chain was a traditional Victorian style, but in this case was updated by replacing the usual small links with long baton-style links. The resulting linear look would have been considered much more modern and stylish. The links are interrupted by nine 7.5x9.0mm moss agate cabochons. The gemstones have very nice medium- to dark-green lacy moss-like inclusions against the co...

Fabulous and unusual apple juice Bakelite bangle with applied chrome plated metal decoration, and inset brilliant colorless strass stones. This piece is French, circa 1930. Tests positive for Bakelite. Guaranteed vintage and original. 7/8 inch wide, 3/4 inch thick, and 2 1/2 inches inside diameter. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail. Display form is lifesize.

Bold vintage German silver Art Deco locket and stylized geometrical patterned chain combine to create neck pizazz. The locket opens easily to hold two large pictures. The chain measures approx. 11 3/4"L and the locket measures 2" x 1 1/2" x 1 3/4" wide approx. The bale adds another 3/4" to the locket length. Excellent vintage condition. Wonderful piece that commands attention.

Here is a supremely rare necklace from Los Castillo, with their earliest hallmarks dating 1930-1940. Likely designed by Margot. Executed in 980 silver, it is a spectacular piece with a pre-Columbian design composed of seven repoussé silver glyph panels and tubular beads and balls. Lays beautifully upon the neck and certainly commands attention. Collector quality. Measures a closed, wearable length of 16", with a width of 1 1/4". Weight is 85.6 grams. Signed and hallmarked "980 Los Castillo...

An interesting pair of American sterling silver Art Deco cufflinks, each face featuring a stylized leaf. The design has a deeply three-dimensional sculptural quality. The design appears to be in the Skonvirke style--the Scandinavian expression of Art Nouveau, but the cufflinks are definitely American. The back of each face is signed "NAE" or "MAE" and the toggles are marked "Sterling".

Origin: America, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, sharp detail. Dimensions: 13/16" diameter. Weight: 12....

A heavy and finely made pair of 18K yellow gold stirrup (étrier) cufflinks set with calibre-cut blue sapphires designed by the Russian émigré jeweler Olga Tritt for sale at her Park Avenue boutique in New York. The arches of the cufflinks are set with rows calibre-cut intensely-colored blue sapphires.

Tritt specialized in antique jewelry, but supplemented her selection with an array of her own luxury designs, mostly made in France to her specifications. Her client roster included many ...