Vintage Mexican Silver » Collector Tools, Resources

Vintage Coro Mexican silver jewelry attracts a variety of collectors

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:45:16 +0000

During World War II metals were in short supply in the USA, and many jewelry companies contracted with Mexican silversmiths to produce jewelry on their behalf. Coro, for many years the world’s largest manufacturer of fashion and costume jewelry, was no exception. In 1942 the company contracted with Hector Aguilar to design and produce jewelry, a relationship that lasted for about seven years.

Vintage Coro silver jewelry from Mexico is sought after by Coro collectors, vintage Mexican jewelry collectors, and, often, those who collect vintage Modernist jewelry.

Photographs and information about Coro and the Coro silver jewelry crafted in Mexico can be found at:

Coro Design Patents and the related Coro Mexico – Unpatented
Coro Costume Jewelry
The Story of Coro
RCJ Jewelry Marks
Silver Jewelry Treasures

Here is a selection of vintage Coro Mexican silver jewelry currently offered for sale (auction or fixed price) on eBay:

1950s Coro Mexico Sterling Silver Heart Brooch
US $8.95 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 23:24:12 PDT
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VTG CORO MEXICO SILVER RHINESTONE JEWELRY SET STERLING
US $49.99
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 6:40:25 PDT
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Vintage Silver Pin Deer Fawn Coro Mexico Mexican
US $39.99
Auction Ends: Wednesday Aug-18-2010 13:27:22 PDT
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Vintage Coro Tulip Bouquet Mexico Mexican Silver Pin
US $149.99
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-22-2010 19:05:03 PDT
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Vintage Coro Mexican silver jewelry attracts a variety of collectors originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on July 26, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.

Next time you’re in Brooklyn…..

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:11:12 +0000

It was a pleasant surprise to discover that the Brooklyn Museum has several pieces by William Spratling in its Decorative Arts collection: a bracelet (photo below), a pair of spurs (photo below), a brooch, and an ashtray. The bracelet and the brooch are currently on view in the 4th Floor Special Exhibition Gallery, while the spurs are in the Luce Visible Storage and Study Center (on the 5th Floor, and a pretty amazing resource).

William Spratling (American, 1900-1967). Bracelet, ca. 1935-1940. Silver, 1 1/8 x 7 3/4 in. (2.9 x 19.7 cm).Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Martin R. and Eve Lebowitz in memory of their parents,Henry and Esther Lebowitz, 2006.7.2. Creative Commons-BY-NC

The Museum provides the following information about Spratling:

Although one of the twentieth century’s most prolific creators of handmade jewelry, William Spratling stood consciously outside the modernist movement thatt flourished during his career. Trained as an architect, he was introduced to the idea of jewelry making during sojourns in Mexico beginning in 1926. In 1929 he moved to Taxco, Mexico, the site of centuries-old silver mines, and set up a company of local artisans to revive the art of silver hollowware and jewelry. His designs were inspired primarily by pre-Columbian motifs. This venture became an enormous success, especially during World War II and immediately after when department stores in the United States were cut off from European suppliers of luxury goods. Unfortunately, Spratling lost control of his company to other investors, and by 1946 Spratling y Artesanos was out of business. Thanks to his apprenticeship system, however, his legacy continues in Mexico today.

William Spratling (American, 1900-1967). Pair of Spurs, before 1952. Silver, 8 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (21.6 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund and the Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 52.166.22. Creative Commons-BY-NC

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Spratling Silver: A Field Guide : Recognizing a William Spratling Treasure (Paperback)

By (author) Phyllis M. Goddard

List Price:	$39.95 USD
New From:	$44.95 In Stock
Used from:	$140.26 In Stock

Next time you’re in Brooklyn….. originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on July 24, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.

Articles for collectors of vintage Mexican silver

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 17:13:48 +0000

Over the years, Jewelers’ Circular Keystone (JCK) has published many interesting articles about jewelry history in the Heritage section of the magazine. Included among these are two pieces that every collector of vintage Mexican silver should have. Both include great old photographs.

Click on the links to read or download these articles (free, PDF format):

William Spratling and the Taxco School: Mexican Silver Jewelry 1930-1970 by Christie Romero, JCK, March 1993

William Spratling and the Taxco School by Monica Clare McLaughlin, JCK, June 2004

SPRATLING MORRILL GODDARD MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE
US $75.00
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-08-2010 14:16:17 PDT
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Mexican Silver by Carole A. Berk, Penny MorrILL 1994
US $95.00
Auction Ends: Friday Aug-13-2010 0:57:46 PDT
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Mexican Silver by Carole A. Berk, Penny C. Morrill, ...
US $56.95
Auction Ends: Saturday Aug-14-2010 16:48:36 PDT
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Articles for collectors of vintage Mexican silver originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on July 11, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.

Profile of antiques and collectibles expert Terry Kovel

I love vintage Mexican silver — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:59:05 +0000

Auctionbytes, an informational website for online sellers, recently published a two-part profile of Terry Kovel, one of the best-known collectibles and antiques experts around.

Part 1:
AuctionBytes Feature Profile: Antiques Expert Terry Kovel of Kovels.com
By Greg Holden

Part 2:
Terry Kovel Shares Five Lessons on Collecting and Selling
By Greg Holden

Kovels.com is an excellent resource for collectors of every stripe. The website, which is free to join, was updated recently. If you were a free registered user before the update, you’ll need to re-register in order to access all of the free services.

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Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2010: America's Bestselling and Most Up to Date Antiques Annual - 42nd Edition (Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price List) (Paperback)

By (author) Terry and Kim Kovel

List Price:	$27.95 USD
New From:	$17.39 In Stock
Used from:	$17.39 In Stock

Profile of antiques and collectibles expert Terry Kovel originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on July 9, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.

A Saks Fifth Avenue Mexican silver bracelet coming up for auction

I love vintage Mexican silver — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:10:07 +0000

This is something you don’t see every day – a Mexican silver bangle bracelet with Saks Fifth Avenue engraved on the front:

Photograph: Midwest Auction Galleries

The bracelet is one of four sterling silver articles in an auction lot from Midwest Auction Galleries and will go on the block on June 26th. Also included in the lot are a small pitcher, a trinket box with lid (Mexico eagle 1), and a ring.

Photograph: Midwest Auction Galleries

Here’s the auctioneer’s description:

Lot 233. 4 Sterling Silver Articles. Includes a bracelet marked Sterling Mexico and Saks Fifth Avenue etched on front. A small lidded trinket box marked Sterling Mexico with 1 marked in eagle. A ladies ring marked Sterling. And a small pitcher marked .800. 155 grams TW. Estimate 80.00 – 120.00

For more information and bidding, contact Midwest Auction Galleries or Live Auctioneers.

Learn about the Eagle 1 mark mentioned above or just about any other Mexican silver mark with the most complete guide to Mexican silver marks. With over 1500 cross-referenced marks an extensive reference bibliography and photos of most marks, The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks is an essential reference for collectors of vintage Mexican silver.

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The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks (Paperback)

By (author) Bille Hougart

List Price:	$24.95 USD
New From:	$22.49 In Stock
Used from:	$74.36 In Stock

A Saks Fifth Avenue Mexican silver bracelet coming up for auction originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on June 18, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.

Modernist and Mexican silver maestro Antonio Pineda

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:30:05 +0000

Antonio Pineda’s modernist creations rank high with collectors of both vintage Mexican silver jewelry and modernist jewelry. In addition to the discussions of Pineda’s work included in various reference books, there are a number of online resources you can refer to in order to learn more about the great maestro:

Antonio Pineda Silver Marks and Biography

Interview with Antonio Pineda by Patrick Kapty in Modern Silver

Antonio Pineda: an interview from Taxco, by Gabrielle Stodd, in Modern Silver

A vintage Mexican silver photo gallery by Erik Yang and another by Cathy Gordon include pieces by Antonio Pineda

‘Silver Seduction: The Modernist Art of Antonio Pineda’ by Regina Kolbe at Antiques and the Arts Online

The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda, Ornament magazine:

Antonio Pineda’s obituary and slideshow in the Los Angeles Times

Exhibition: Silver Seduction – The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda from Fowler Museum on Vimeo.

Vintage modernist jewelry by Antonio Pineda is among the most-watched eBay auctions for vintage Mexican silver jewelry. Here are some current listings:

ANTONIO PINEDA VINTAGE MEXICO SILVER BELT BUCKLE #117
US $24.39 (4 Bids)
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 11:44:55 PDT
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Vintage Antonio Pineda .970 Silver Cuff Bracelet Pearls
US $919.00 (9 Bids)
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 15:35:33 PDT
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ANTONIO PINEDA VINTAGE MEXICO STERLING & CORAL RING
US $475.00
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 16:27:16 PDT
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Vintage Antonio Pineda Mexico 970 Silver Earrings
US $47.00 (3 Bids)
Auction Ends: Tuesday Aug-03-2010 9:30:25 PDT
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Vintage Antonio Pineda Mexico 970 Silver Onyx Earrings
US $20.50 (3 Bids)
Auction Ends: Tuesday Aug-03-2010 10:25:55 PDT
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More vintage Antonio Pineda auctions on eBay

Modernist and Mexican silver maestro Antonio Pineda originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 24, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.

Reference guide for antique silver collectors

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:20:09 +0000

If you love antique heirloom silver, the Antique Silver Reference Library on CD-ROM may be just what you need (or a fantastic gift for anyone who collects antique silver).

With this library you can easily identify any antique silver hallmark, makers mark or silversmith. It is a library of 32 rare books that would be almost impossible to assemble (and incredibly expensive if you could), with more than 8,700 pages on the silversmith arts.

The collection of antique manuscripts included in this set has been meticulously scanned and digitized from original source documents. Both silverware and silver jewelry are covered. The contents are in digital ebook form and Adobe PDF format which can be read on any computer. Each book in the collection can be quickly and easily searched by keyword or subject, saving you time in locating subjects of interest.

The seller offers a lifetime replacement guarantee: “We will gladly replace your reference library at any time if it is ever lost or stolen. We will also replace any defective cd-rom disks free of charge for the lifetime of your purchase.”

No items matching your keywords were found.

Reference guide for antique silver collectors originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 17, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.

Looking for vintage Matilde Poulat – Matl – silver?

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:09:04 +0000

There are several interesting vintage pieces by Matilde Eugenia Poulat aka Matl on eBay at the moment. Several are shown below, and more are here.

1930s MATL INFLUENCED MEXICAN SILVER TURQUOISE NECKLACE
US $312.89 (17 Bids)
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:00:56 PDT
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Mexico Mexican Silver Matl Matilde Poulat Ring
US $31.00 (4 Bids)
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 11:03:38 PDT
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TAXCO 925 SILVER MATL/SALAS BUTTERFLY EARRINGS STONES
US $49.99
Auction Ends: Tuesday Aug-03-2010 13:11:59 PDT
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Vintage Taxco Silver Matl Style Picture Frame
US $150.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday Aug-04-2010 12:36:03 PDT
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Vintage Mexican Silver Earrings MATL Style Turquoise
US $145.00
Auction Ends: Friday Aug-06-2010 19:27:14 PDT
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Mexico Mexican Silver Matl Matilde Poulat Earrings
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-08-2010 19:18:17 PDT
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VTG MATL DESIGN MEXICAN SILVER TURQUOISE CORAL NECKLACE
US $145.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday Aug-11-2010 18:17:27 PDT
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Mexican 925 Taxco Silver Amethyst Matl Design Necklace
US $395.00
Auction Ends: Thursday Aug-12-2010 14:11:12 PDT
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Mexico Mexican Silver Matl Matilde Poulat Ring
US $199.00
Auction Ends: Friday Aug-20-2010 13:58:32 PDT
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VNTG MEXICAN SILVER MATL school NECKLACE and EARRs SET
US $465.00
Auction Ends: Saturday Aug-21-2010 18:41:05 PDT
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Vintage Mexican Silver has recently been added to the Vintage Jewelry listings at Collectible Detective. With thousands of links to antique dealers, appraisers, and other sites for collectors, it’s a fantastic resource. If you’re not familiar with it, go have a look!

Looking for vintage Matilde Poulat – Matl – silver? originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 12, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.

Buy vintage Mexican silver with confidence

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 01:21:39 +0000

If you’ve never shopped on eBay - for vintage Mexican silver, or anything else – and are concerned about buyer protection, you might like to know that eBay recently ramped up its Buyer Protection Program. As a buyer on eBay, you can feel confident in your purchase – and that includes any concerns you might have about counterfeits or other issues that vintage collectors sometimes face.

Take a look at this brief video, or get the details here.

Buy vintage Mexican silver with confidence originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 2, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.

Vintage Mexican silver jewelry is earth-friendly!

I love vintage Mexican silver — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:58:11 +0000

Earth Day will soon be here, but doing what we can to protect our planet is an everyday matter. One reason (out of many!) to love vintage jewelry (and vintage clothing and accessories) is that re-using something requires fewer resources. So whenever you choose vintage over new, you’re taking positive action.

Vintage Mexican Silver is also taking positive action by joining the “my blog is carbon neutral” program. An average blog or website is responsible for generating about 8 pounds of carbon emissions per year (caused primarly by energy usage from mainframe computers, servers, and their cooling systems). One tree helps neutralize carbon emissions at the rate of about 11 pounds per year. So, the planting of a tree neutralizes the impact of this blog. A tree is being planted for every blog and web site that participates in the “my blog is carbon neutral” program. Vintage Mexican Silver is proud to participate!

If you want to learn more about the program, or about how to make your blog or site carbon neutral, visit My blog is carbon neutral.

Looking for vintage?

Vintage Postcard ZEHNDER'S FRANKENMUTH CHICKEN Michigan
US $4.99
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:12 PDT
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USA EAGLE T-SHIRT VINTAGE DESIGN UNIQUE TEE ORANGE XL
US $4.99
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:13 PDT
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12 VINTAGE ENESCO LUCY & ME ASSORTED BEAR LOT
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:13 PDT
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Vintage Postcard The Haunted Mansion Walt Disney World
US $4.99
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:13 PDT
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Vintage Retro White Asymetric Chunky Necklace Lucite
US $24.99
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:14 PDT
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VINTAGE FRENCH WWI NURSE ART POSTER PICTURE PRINT 1030
US $7.99
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:14 PDT
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UNUSUAL VINTAGE 1969 WESTINGHOUSE NOTES & DATA DIARY
US $9.59
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:15 PDT
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Vintage Postcard SPANISH BAYONET Photo by Al Taylor
US $4.99
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:15 PDT
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1960's Vietnam Vintage Oahu Hawaii Military Base Emblem
US $8.00
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:16 PDT
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GERRY MULLIGAN ORIG VINTAGE 7" MADE IN GERMANY UNIQUE
US $0.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:12:16 PDT
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Vintage Mexican silver jewelry is earth-friendly! originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 1, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.