Los Castillo Mexican silver copper dangle Earrings

A copper glyph of a highly stylized Maya or Aztec bird motif is set in sterling and adorns the triangular dangle in a set of Los Castillo “mixed metals” earrings from the mid-20th c.. As is the case with many pieces executed in the “metales casados” technique, here too an ancient design is re-interpreted, given a slick, modernist twist and thrust into our contemporary world in a way that ensures it belongs and expresses our modern sensibilities…

Size / Weight: 1 5/8″ long by 7/8″ wide; 17.9 grams

Hallmarks / Date: taller’s signature as shown as well as “MADE IN MEXICO STERLING”, des. no 72 and Eagle 15 assay mark; 1950s-60s

Francisco Rivera Mexican silver figural Brooch

One of the most talented Taxco maestros, Francisco Rivera trained in Spratling's Las Delicias and as a mature silversmith he created jewelry for Emma Melendez in addition to having his own line. Rivera is one of those artists a collector / lover of vintage Mexican silver does not discover immediately. One has to train one's eye first and develop the sophistication that allows one to go looking beyond the "big" signatures in order to discover amazing examples of "wearable treasures" made by less celebrated or even anonymous maestros. And even though I wouldn't classify Rivera in the latter category, he still remains a precious Taxco secret that when discovered, will become an obsession...

Size / Weight: 2 7/8" tall by 1 1/2" wide; 18.6 grams

Hallmarks / Date: maker's conjoined initials as well as "HECHO EN MEXICO", "STERLING TAXCO", des. no 1004 and Eagle 3 assay mark (there is an additional mark but it's badly stamped - CARLOS IMPORTER?); 1950s-60s

Mexican Deco silver equestrian Brooch

A design that does not come up often despite the fact that animal motifs were favored by Mexican silversmiths, this big equestrian silver and stone brooch dates in the Deco years and it’s a sweetheart! Featuring horse-head carved out of dyed calcite and framed by an oversized horseshoe, the animal is embellished with a silver mane, a silver bridle and twist-rope reins. Whether for good luck or as an expression of your love of horses, this is a fabulous piece…

Size / Weight: 1 7/8” tall by 2 3/8” wide; 30.6 grams

Hallmarks / Date: maker’s initials “EP” as shown as well as “HECHO EN MEXICO…”, “STERLING”; pre-1948