Generously long and imposing in its presence, this early Mexican Deco silver, copper and stone necklace with cascabeles is a great example of the way ancient Mesoamerican artifacts found their way into jewelry created during the country's 20th c. Silver Renaissance. Statuettes, clay "masks", beads of stone and silver, carved pieces of bone were unearthed on a daily basis in Mexico's countryside either by accident as people worked the land or as a result of deliberate "digging" to find them...

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...

Circa mid-century, this Margot de Taxco creation is a rare version of her hibiscus design with a centerpiece. An intricate design, exquisitely crafted, and one which lays perfectly on the neck. It's also a very flattering piece. Collector quality. Measures just shy of 16" closed, wearable length...

Circa mid-century, here is a Margot de Taxco zodiac pendant bracelet with Taurus the Bull. It's her design #s 5310 and 5233, and it's collector quality. It's a heavy, chunky, absolutely beautiful bracelet and one which shows up beautifully on the wrist. Closed wearable length is 6 5/8". Taurus charm/pendant measures 1 13/16 to the top of the bale, 1 9/16" wide. Weight is 97 grams...

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...

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...

This bracelet is a seldom seen design from Sigi Pineda. It's a spectacular modernist piece with three faceted stones which graduate in size. At first glance the stones appear to be hematite, but they may well be onyx. Opens at the back nice and wide to easily fit over the wrist. Original safety chain attached. Closed, wearable length is 6 7/8". Width is 1 7/8". Weight is 91.3 grams. Signed and hallmarked "Sigi Tasco Made in Mexico Sterling", with the design #47 and the eagle assay 3...

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...

Two different sizes of sterling silver barrel beads adorned with a myriad of hand-made florets in the Etruscan style make up this generously long Mexican lariat necklace from the pre-1948 period. I am very partial to long necklaces and lariats are a small obsession of mine. When I am lucky enough to come upon an Etruscan example as the one presented here, my heart skips a beat...

A striking vintage sterling and center coral cuff bracelet by Navajo Kee Joe Benally, active since the 1950's, now deceased. He used only the finest materials and displayed a mastery of traditional and contemporary design. This bracelet measures 5 1/2" around in the inside plus an additional 1" opening. The center piece is 1 1/2" long and 1 1/8" wide. The terminals measure 3/8" wide...

Beautiful vintage sterling handmade cuff bracelet signed H&H. The design and execution reflect the talent of a master jeweler but I have been unable to identify the hallmark. The bracelet measures 5 3/8" around in the inside plus an additional 1 1/4" opening. It is 1 1/4" wide and weighs 76 grams. Signed H&H Handmade Sterling. Fine original condition. A mystery piece that is exquisite.

Profusely studded with the Etruscan style’s tell-tale florets this long Mexican lariat necklace was made in Cuernavaca, one of the country’s main silver-smithing centers. A rather rare jewel of the Deco period, it consists of a long strand of short barrel beads strung on flexible silver wire. Classically elegant yet with body and strong presence, the necklace has developed a deep patina over the years. I particularly love the over-sized beads it ends in that are also reflected in the clasp c...

This early vintage Antonio Pineda 970 Silver bracelet features thick sculpted links set with uniquely cut Amethyst "tubes" witch are set so when the bracelet is closed it appears that the amethyst weave in and out of the silver links. It measures 7" long by 3/4" wide and weighs 76.2 grams. Hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco Crown, Silver, Made in Mexico, 970, ZZ 779 and the eagle 17. Secure box clasp and attached safety chain. It is in good condition with light wear and tarnish - all the Amethyst...

Beautiful vintage 1960s modernist sterling silver trefoil signed pendant by Danish maker Hans Hansen, on a separately made thick sterling silver shaped collar with a hand hammered finish. The pendant is marked HANS HANSEN 925S DENMARK and the collar is marked STERLING S. The pendant is very finely made and finished. The pendant is 2 3/4 inches long and 1 7/8 inches wide. It weighs 29 grams. The collar has a wearable length of 15 inches, including the gap, which is 1 1/2 inches. The collar weighs...

Gerald Stinn modernist sterling silver ring

1970

Size 6

Solid and well crafted this ring weighs 21+ grams

Face measures 1 1/8" tall x 1" wide

Marked Stinn, sterling

Excellent vintage condition

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 ...

Stern and solemn, a gorgeous example of classic Mexican Deco lapidary work, the chrysoprase “mask” centering the silver pendant at hand looks dignified and at ease, completely unaffected by the weight of its ornate headdress. The hefty, entirely hand-wrought chain that accompanies it is, I believe, original to the necklace and perfectly reflects the pendant’s heaviness. Signed by one of Taxco’s “less celebrated” maestros, those listed in the relevant literature yet still unidentified...

Usually referred to as irreverent and whimsical Hubert Harmon was a native of Illinois yet studied at the Parson's School of Design in Paris. In the 1940s, he and his wife Louise settled for a few years in Mexico where Hubert opened a workshop in Taxco and created some of the most interesting designs in the world of vintage Mexican silver jewelry. A lover of parties, poodles and all creatures winged and mythical, he seems to have found inspiration in the country's folk art as well. The so-called...