Abalone and vintage Mexican silver jewelry
2009 September 13
Abalone is not particularly rare, but it’s colorful and pretty. What is it?
(n.)Any of various large edible marine gastropods of the genus Haliotis, having an ear-shaped shell with a row of holes along the outer edge. The colorful pearly interior of the shell is often used for making ornaments. Also called ear shell.
Many silversmiths and designers in Mexico have been using abalone in their jewelry for a long time. The artisans in the Taxco area are well-known for their skill in creating gorgeous mosaic inlay with abalone. Probably no one is better at it.
Here are some lovely pieces of vintage Mexican silver jewelry featuring inlaid abalone mosaic:
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