Based on an Antonio Pineda design this Mexican modernist silver necklace by Cheo I would go as far as to describe as "industrial"! The oblong sterling links and the concave oval connectors are characterized by strong geometry and have an intense "utilitarian" vibe about them. And the opaque green "onyx" glass bars they encompass mirror that "no fuss" attitude. Cheo is one of those workshops we don't know much about but I have seen their work several times over the years...

The early hallmarks on this brooch date 1940-1945. This pin was designed by Valentin Vidaurreta. Shown with onyx stones on p.79, II-12 in "Silver Masters of Mexico", also noted in this book is that Vidaurreta produced work both in his own workshop and at the Taller Borda, and that the pieces sold at Taller Borda were marked with the HA mark until the 1950's. This is an outstanding piece, large, exquisitely hand-crafted, and collector quality...

Spratling was known to have a large collection of Pre-Columbian Mayan & Olmec objects. He designed this necklace using hand wrought sterling silver beads, coral beads & hand carved obsidian Olmec figures most likely acquired from locals in the surrounding areas of Taxco, Mexico. The wearable length of the necklace is 16 inches and weighs 32 grams. Each carved image is unique and about 1/2" high. The necklace is in excellent condition. Clasp is tight & secure...

Crafted in the late 1950s or in the 1960s, this sterling silver Mexican necklace is signed by Victoria or Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti. Victoria is one of the few female designers and silversmiths of Taxco’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance that we know of and she is credited, among others, for perfecting the “metales casados” or “married metals” technique. In this necklace, however, she adds a modernist twist to an otherwise “archeological” design...