C1940 MEXICO Sterling Silver & Glass Fire Opal Cabochons Cuff This circa 1940 Mexican sterling silver cuff bracelet has a sleek Moderne style and is set with six dazzling simulated fire opals. The cuff is 5/8" high at the center front and widens to 11/16" at the back edges. Each glass simulated opal is bezel-set and measures 8mm in diameter. The opals have a rich variety of colored inclusions and actually change in tone as you move your wrist.

The inside of the cuff has several marks: Sterling 925, Hecho en Mexico, and another "Hecho" graphic hallmark facing the other way. Since there is no eagle assay mark, the cuff was likely made prior to 1948. The cuff is in wonderful condition with no damage.

This is a store Special and does not qualify for further discount, however, most shop items are eligible for the current discount offer (see top of page) so please be sure to browse. New items are added every day!
 

C1940 MEXICAN Sterling & Abalone Double Hoop & Disk Earrings These vintage Mexican sterling silver and abalone hoop earrings are 1 7/8" high and 1 ¼" wide. On each earring, two hoops swing freely from a triangular bail that also holds a polished disk of highly iridescent abalone. More abalone is inlaid on the circular fronts for the screw findings.

Each earring is marked "Hecho en Mexico, DF 925." The hallmark indicates the earrings were made about 1940 or earlier. They are in beautiful condition and have the timeless hoop style that will keep them in fashion well after 2040!

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NAVAJO Signed Benally Wide Sterling Cuff with Turquoise -Sleeping Beauty Mine This estate sterling silver cuff was handmade by Navajo artist P. Benally and features five large turquoise cabochon stones in shadowbox settings. The domed cuff measures 1 ¼" high at the font and a little over 1" high at the back edges. The opening is 1 ¼" (but you can adjust it a little) and the inner diameter is 2 3/8".

The turquoise cabs have muted aqua color with green tint: I believe are Sleeping Beauty Mine turquoise (the gem usually used by Benally). The stones are set in individual saw-tooth bezels shadowbox style within an oxidized channel. The exterior of the cuff has extensive hand-stamped patterns on the front and horizontal bands on the sides.

"P. Benally, Sterling" is tamped on the inside and a "3" is hand-incised. The cuff has the patina as found and is in very fine, well cared for condition.

This is a store Special and does not qualify for further discount, however, most shop items are eligible for the current discount offer (see top of page) so please be sure to browse. New items are added every day!
 

LARGE Signed Vintage MEXICO Sterling Silhouette Cutwork Cuff Links These vintage Mexican sterling cuff links have strong, Modernist designs and larger-than-usual size to be sure your good taste is noticed! Each cufflink is just over 1" square and is composed of two layers. The silhouettes of scrolls cut into the top layer is contrasted by the oxidized finish of the under layer.

The links have swivel bar findings. Each is stamped "Sterling, Hecho en Mexico, D.F., 0925, VDV" in a circular mark. The cufflinks are in fine condition with only the fine surface wear one expects on flat silver surfaces. These cufflinks are clearly all the adornment a sharp dresser requires!

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NAVAJO Signed Tracey Knifewing Sterling & Onyx Inlay Snake Cuff Bracelet This striking estate purchase Navajo sterling silver cuff bracelet was made by the Navajo jewelry team of Tracey Knifewing and depicts, I believe, an abstract snake in inlaid onyx. The cuff measures 2 ¼" across the inside diameter and has walls about 5/32" thick. The snake head is about 5/8" wide at the points and the wide end of the body is just under 7/8" wide. The opening is 1 1/8".

The highly polished inlaid onyx panels vary in width, this may have symbolic meaning or it may have been done for artistic reasons. The interior has the hallmark of Tracey Knifewing – the name coming from the surnames of a pair of Navajo jewelers. The cuff is in very fine condition with no damage at all to the inlay and only minor surface scuffs on the silver. The cuff is quite substantial in weight and the silver is sturdy—therefore, it is not adjustable.

This is a store Special and does not qualify for further discount, however, most shop items are eligible for the current special (see top of page) so please be sure to browse. New items are added every day!

 

Striking C1940 LOS CASTILLO Hefty Sterling Silver Bracelet with Double Clasp This circa 1940 Los Castillo sterling silver bracelet has a very bold, almost Modernist design and significant heft as it is primarily cast silver (the half-spheres or bosses may be case as well or hollow and soldered to the surface). The bracelet measures 1" wide and has an inner circumference of 6 ½".

The square and rectangular links have thick borders within which are recessed wells featuring either the large domes or smaller bosses. The links are secured with pins inside tubular hinges. Two clasps secure the bracelet: a hidden push clasp as well as a pin clasp that slides into interlocking tubes. Additionally, there is an affixed security chain.

The hallmark (shown in the "Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks" book by Bille Hougart on page 101) is one of the early ones used by the Los Castillo Taller and dates the piece to 1940-1945. It reads "Los Castillo, Taxco, Sterling, Made in Mexico, 111." The condition is very fine overall: there are some small dings in the raised bosses and a scratch near the clasp. There are no breaks or holes. I am so impressed with the double clasps but they are a wise addition as the bracelet does weigh 85 grams!

Antonio Los Castillo worked with William Spratling in the Taller Border before starting his own Taxco workshop in 1939 so this bracelet is among the early pieces made at his taller.

This is a store Special and does not qualify for further discount, however, most shop items are eligible for the current special (see top of page) so please be sure to browse. New items are added every day!
 

Dramatic Mexico Signed Sterling Extreme Color-Change Synthetic ALEXANDRITE Ring A flower that changes its color depending on the light is a rare breed indeed but that’s why you’ll have with this mid-century Mexican sterling and synthetic alexandrite ring.
The stone is a showy 12mm in diameter and set very high and secure in six prongs which allow the crucial light to come in all the way down to the deep culet. The rays or petals of the sterling flower setting extend 7/8" across; they aid in providing more reflections as well as giving the ring a strongly modernist feel.

When viewed under different types of light, the gem changes color from a deep amethyst purple to a vivid fuchsia pin. Many call this a lab-created alexandrite. This type of stone is also referred to as synthetic spinel or synthetic color-change corundum. (The funny thing is, true alexandrites actually change from green to red hues, so why anyone thought to attach that name to these types of stones is beyond me!)

The ring is a size 5 and is stamped on the inside with several marks: Hecho en Mexico, Sterling, 925, Fl, and the Eagle assay stamp, No. 3. The ring is in superb condition. For design alone, it is noteworthy, but the stone will certainly spark many a conversation!

This is a store Special and does not qualify for further discount, however, most shop items are eligible for the current special (see top of page) so please be sure to browse. New items are added every day!  

Vintage Native American Indian Sterling & Mother of Pearl Cuff Bracelet This vintage Native American Indian sterling silver cuff bracelet is set with a large oval cabochon of natural mother-of-pearl shell. The face is 1 3/8" high and the pearl is set in a toothed bezel frame within a hand-tooled sterling face. Three silver bands, two smooth, and one braid-twist, form the comfortable, flat-backed straps that end with reinforced end tips.

The inner diameter across the width of the oval cuff is 2 3/8" and the opening is 1 1/4 " (and you can certainly adjust the size up or down a little to suit). The artist stamped the piece with the conjoined monogram "JW" and "Sterling." The cuff is in wonderful condition and has a simple design and naturally neutral gemstone color which blends with anything.

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MODERNIST Sterling MEXICO Wide Paddle Fringe Necklace & Pendant Earrings Unquestionable drama--this mid-century Mexican sterling silver collar and necklace set is for the woman who likes attention. Just the earrings alone are noteworthy and the necklace is impossible to overlook!

Numerous sterling "paddles" in graduated sizes hang from a neck chain strung with tube beads. The longest paddle is 3 ½" long and the total length of the necklace is 16 ½" long. The clasp is a folded hook with overlap and a ring--you can certainly add an extender if you’d like this magnificent creation to hang lower or over a wide cowl neck collar. The clasp is stamped "MC Mexico 925" on one side of the domed end and the other has an eagle 3 assay mark and "Hecho en Mexico" on the dome. The marks date the piece to 1970 or earlier. The paddles and tubes are strung on a hefty link silver chain—very durable!

The pierced earrings are 2 ¾" long not including the dome-face hook tops and 3 3/8" with the hook. The paddles are different lengths and by placing the hook fitting in a different location on the ring, you can create different arrangements in the way the paddles fall. One is stamped "Mexico MJM 925" on one of the paddles along with a partial eagle stamp.

The set is in wonderful condition. If you appreciate hand-craftsmanship and like to be the center of attention, you’ll reach for this set often!

This is a store "Special" and does not qualify for further discount, however, most shop items do. New pieces arrive each day so please take time for a browse!
 

Bold Mid-Century Sterling MODERNIST Lg Rosewood Plaque Cuff Bracelet Jewelry is worn to be seen and to make a statement about you and this mid-century sterling and rosewood cuff bracelet will be seen and heard. The rounded rectangle of polished rosewood is set in a wire-twist frame of entwined smooth and beaded strands. This plaque measures just under 2" high and is 1 ½" wide.

The cuff sits securely on the wrist thanks to the heavy gauge of the looping base which is 1 ¼" at its widest and has an inner diameter of 2 3/8" with a back opening of 1"; you can adjust it up or down to suit.

The back of the silver plaque is stamped "Sterling." The cuff has a Mexican feeling to it and would blend wonderfully with any Modernist wood and silver accessories. It is in very fine condition.

 

Superb Mid-Century Mexican LOS BALLESTEROS Sterling & Abalone Hinged Cuff This outstanding mid-century Los Ballesteros Mexican sterling silver hinged cuff bracelet is precisely inlaid with scores of tiles of prismatic abalone shell which highlight the intricate scrolled design to perfection. The bracelet is 3 1/8" high at the front and tapers to 1" at the back hinge. The cuff can be worn with a slight overlap of the front panels or with a space between them; it comfortably adjusts to the wearer. With the scrolls at front just touching, the inner diameter is 7".

The condition is superb with no missing abalone and no dents. On the hinge are the hallmark of the studio with "Talleres de Los Ballesteros" (the text after that appears to be: Liguala Cro") and the "Hecho en Mexico 925" stamp. The cuff retains some oxidation on the interior; I will let the new owner choose to polish or not. Adorned with this cuff, your arm becomes the focal point and this silver masterwork underscores your impeccable taste. And the impact is impressive!

This is a specially priced estate consignment item and does not qualify for further store discount, however, most store items do. New pieces arrive each day so please take time for a browse!  

Vintage TAXCO 940 Sterling & Abalone Inlaid WINGS Link Bracelet This 1940's Taxco sterling silver bracelet is both naturalistic and elegant and flows comfortably over the wrist thanks to the contoured links, each hand-crafted with a circular base and four flaring plumes. The total length is 7" and the width is 7/8".

The beauty of a bird’s wing is captured in abalone inlay on each of the six links. Their soothing pastel hues coordinate with blue, pink, purple and even golden tones.

A clever angled hook clasp—nearly invisible when closed-- is stamped "Taxco, Mexico, 945 or 940" in a circle around the silversmiths hallmark G and the eagle assay mark (number not legible). This signifies a higher purity of silver than sterling, quite unusual. The same mark appears on the first link. The condition is wonderful, all abalone inlay is intact, and the design is more organic than most--a feminine curve on inlaid silver.

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Large New/Old Boutique Sterling & Onyx Triangle Clip Earrings These grand sterling and onyx earrings highlight polished onyx in sleek triangular bezel settings. The earrings measure 1 13/16" long by 1 3/8" wide at the top. The clip-style backs hold the earrings with the tip down to elongate and flatter the neckline.

The maker’s mark appears to be ".925 GL-SL, Made in Mexico." The earrings have the normal fine surface scuffs on the silver backs but they are in unworn condition. Offered originally at a designer boutique for $60.00, these earrings have versatility and impact!  

Dramatic Mexican Sterling & Chocolate Brown Zigzag Inlay Earrings Snazzy zigzag stripes add a real contrast to the polished silver of these vintage Mexican sterling silver clip earrings. Each dome is 1 ¼" wide and ¼" deep. The zigzag inlays are dark chocolate brown and appear to be a resin or enamel rather than a carved material. The warm surface and gloss suggest Bakelite but the material does not test positive. There are no gaps between the silver and the stripes so the effect is of precisely placed inlay. The earrings have clip backs and one is stamped "TC-323 Mexico 925." They are in very fine condition and lend a strong graphic accent to your jewelry wardrobe.

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Carmen BECKMANN Sterling Mexican Modernist Domes Bar Pin & Matching Ring This cool Mexican sterling duo is done in the Modernist style and includes a Carmen Beckmann pin brooch and matching ring. The reverse-arcing brooch measures 3 ¼" long and about 1 1/8" wide. Five semi-spheres, in descending size, graduate towards the center of a wire-twist spine. The unique hand-formed clutch uses the traditional C-catch reinforced with a hinged cross-bar. The pin is stamped with "Sterling" and a partial "Bekmann." (Her pieces were marked with both spellings of her surname.) Carmen Beckmann’s work was sold her shop in San Miguel de Allende, and in the day, her pieces fetched prices up to $2500. Her work is highly regarded.

The matching ring measures 1 3/8" high and ½" deep. The size is currently a 7 but it can be adjusted up or down. The ring is stamped on the inside with a partial word and "Mexico, DF 925." I am not sure if this is also a Bekmann design but it came from the same estate as the pin. It is seldom that one finds a Mexican ring with any matching piece, and the adjustable size means any one can wear this pair. The condition of both pieces is very fine; there are only two tiny dents on the pin (normal given the construction and age). The circa 1955 set has the patina as found and makes a dramatic statement on the stylish woman.