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Great gifts for collectors of vintage Mexican or 20th century silver

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:59:26 +0000

‘Tis the season, as they say, and if you are looking for a gift that any collector of vintage Mexican silver or 20th century or modern silver will appreciate, here are some books to consider (click on an image or a text link for more details. Be sure to use the code/link at the end of this post to save a few bucks.):

Margot Van Voorhies: The Art of Mexican Enamelwork
Margot Van Voorhies was an American in the mid-twentieth century who went to Taxco, Mexico, and established a jewelry design business best known for exquisite enamel work. This fascinating book relates the pains of her childhood and eventual refuge in Mexico, where she developed an artistic talent into the Margot de Taxco workshop, that employed hundreds of artisans, particularly including women. Her associations with Taxco silversmiths, who were taught by innovator William Spratling, became the springboard for her own development and success. Margot’s designs are distinctive, often based on spiral motifs inspired by vines and floral imagery. Glorious colored enamels in brilliant hues and original designs distinguish her work. Today, Margot Van Voorhies is considered one of the most productive silver artists in Taxco of the mid-20th century. Her legacy is featured here also, in the work of four contemporary artists who strive to create equally superior modern silver jewelry in Taxco.

The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks
The 2006 new and revised 2nd edition of the bestselling reference guide to identifying Mexican silver: Loaded with images and graphics of over 1500 marks of silver makers, designers, manufacturers and silver houses in Taxco and throughout Mexico. Eagle numbers from 1 through eagle 219. The book includes all the great ones, including William Spratling, Hector Aguilar, Los Castillo, Antonio Pineda, Sigi, Maricela, Salvador, Valentn Vidaurreta, Victoria, Fred Davis, Artemio Navarrete, Emma Melendez, Bernice Goodspeed, Maciel, Matl, Tane, Hubert Harmon, Chato, Margot and many, many others. The book is cross-referenced and indexed for quick and handy searches. The new edition reveals identities of many mystery marks and includes examples of marks not previously published. Special sections describing fake marks are included for prominent designers.

Mexican Silver: Modern Handwrought Jewelry & Metalwork
With a new section of makers marks and new photographs, here is the powerful story of the silver renaissance in Mexico from the 1920s to the present. The wealth of color photos showcases the incomparable beauty of jewelry, tableware, and art works in silver. Extensive research sheds new light on the life and art of William Spratling, Margot van Voorhies, Fred Davis, and Hubert Harmon, and on the artisans who worked for them, making this book the definitive study of Mexican silver jewelry and decorative objects.

Silver Seduction: The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda
Antonio Pineda (b. 1919) is renowned for translating design elements evocative of Mexico’s past into often-astounding modernist silver jewelry, sculpture, and tableware. Perhaps more than any of his talented counterparts, he has been able to abstract and refine, producing elegant, spare, and geometric works that evidence a profound respect for the wearer. Pineda was also instrumental in the formation of the Taxco School of silver design. The over two hundred remarkable Pineda objects illustrated in this volume reflect the artist’s intense imagination and quest for technical perfection. While focusing on Pineda’s art from the 1930s through the 1970s, author Gobi Stromberg also places his career and the development of the Taxco School in context. She considers how a particular set of historical, political, cultural, social, and economic factors facilitated meetings between Mexican and American artists, intellectuals, writers, Hollywood stars, and musicians; spawned the building of roads opening up remote Mexican villages to a growing influx of U.S. tourists and expatriates of every stripe; encouraged a focus upon Mexico’s glorious Pre-Columbian heritage and the legacy of its indigenous peoples; and promoted the development of a unique system of production in the workshops of Taxco that made innovation and experimentation paramount. Stromberg and contributing essayist Ana Elena Mallet have in fact managed to untangle and address the multiple strands of influence that together resulted in an unprecedented period in silver design and execution, Taxco’s Silver Age.

William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance: Maestros de Plata
William Spratling revolutionized silver jewellery design in Mexico. Arriving in Taxco in 1929, by 1940 he had over 100 silversmiths producing his enormously popular silver creations. Important figures of the North American literary and art establishment, among them John dos Passos, William Faulkner and Georgia O’Keeffe, purchased his designs and sang his praises. Out of Spratling’s workshop emerged many of Mexico’s finest silver designers, including Hector Aguilar, Antonio Castillo and his brothers Jorge and Justo, Salvador Teran and Antonio Pineda. Their stiking jewellery and hollow-ware in silver – often set with precious stones and pre-Columbian artefacts – are prized collectibles.

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Great gifts for collectors of vintage Mexican or 20th century silver originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on December 11, 2011. 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.Tweet This

The legendary Sigi Pineda, modernist maestro of Taxco

I love vintage Mexican silver — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:11:51 +0000

Born in Taxco in 1929, Sigfrido “Sigi” Pineda began as an apprentice silversmith at the age of 10. He acquired skills and gained experience through his work with Los Castillo, Salvador Teran, and Felipe Martinez, eventually becoming Margot de Taxco’s go-to guy for enameling. In 1952, Pineda opened his own shop and has become especially well-known for his modernist sensibility and attention to detail. (You can see hallmarks and work examples here. Be sure to read Sigi Pineda: Looking to the Future here and Dinner with Sigi Pineda: Meeting a Taxco Silver Legend here. )

As one dealer has written, “He is responsible for influencing the Mexican-Modernism art movement, and creating a style so distinct that people identify his work immediately.” Sigi Pineda is possibly one of the last of the great maestros of Mexican silver, continuing to work today.

Below are a few current auctions for Sigi Pineda on eBay (always check the seller’s feedback and ask questions before you buy).

VINTAGE TAXCO SIGI PINEDA MEXICAN MID CENTURY MODERNIST STERLING SILVER BRACELET
US $106.50 (2 Bids)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 18:56:12 PST
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE STERLING SILVER MEXICAN MODERNIST SIGI PINEDA ABSTRACT BROOCH
US $39.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 16:43:06 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Taxco Mexico Sigi Pineda Modernist Sterling Tiger Eye Gemstone Brooch
US $149.99
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 7:02:46 PST
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE HEAVY SIGI PINEDA TAXCO MODERNIST GEMSTONE NECKLACE
US $450.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 9:13:24 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage 1950s Modern SIGI PINEDA Taxco Sterling TIE BAR
US $199.99
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:31:48 PST
| Watch this Item

The legendary Sigi Pineda, modernist maestro of Taxco originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on November 22, 2011. 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.Tweet This

Vintage Mexican silver pulsera de Coco bracelet, ring

I love vintage Mexican silver — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:13:05 +0000

In the mid-1930s Justo “Coco” Castillo created an amazing silver bracelet that William Spratling dubbed “Pulsera de Coco” or “Coco’s Bracelet.” Castillo was just a young silversmith in Spratling’s taller at the time. This signature style is highly desired by serious collectors of vintage silver jewelry from the early years of the Mexican silver renaissance.

The Pulsera de Coco bracelet is featured in Mexican Silver Jewelry Details by Leslie Pina, and a photograph of two of Spratling’s Pulsera de Coco bracelets is included in Mexican Silver Renaissance by Penny C. Morrill. More information and a photograph are also available at SpratlingSilver.com here.

If you are an afficionado of early Mexican silver jewelry looking to add a Pulsera de Coco bracelet or ring to your collection, here are two pieces from different top-rated eBay sellers that are currently offered for sale:

Vintage Mexican silver Pulsera de Coco bracelet

View the vintage Mexican silver Pulsera de Coco bracelet here.

Vintage Mexican silver Pulsera de Coco-style ring

Click here to see the vintage Mexican silver Pulsera de Coco ring.

Vintage Mexican silver pulsera de Coco bracelet, ring originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on November 9, 2011. 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.Tweet This

Obsidian and vintage Mexican silver jewelry

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:55:20 +0000

Obsidian, named after the Roman Obsius, is a sleek volcanic glass that occurs naturally. It is produced when lava from a volcano cools very quickly, resulting in minimum crystal growth. Given the geology of Mexico, it’s not surprising that obsidian deposits have been found there, and that pre-Columbian societies made extensive use of obsidian. They carved it, wore it, and made tools and weapons from it. Obsidian blades could cause serious, even lethal, injuries. It can be sharper than scalpels used by surgeons.

Black is the most common obsidian color, but it can be found in gray/silver, brown/gold, and, more rarely, red, blue, and green. Sometimes inclusions give obsidian a metallic sheen while other times internal crystallites create a snowflake effect. Mounted in silver jewelry, black obsidian can look really stunning. Here are some pieces of vintage Mexican silver jewelry that use obsidian to great effect:

Obsidian and vintage Mexican silver jewelry originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on November 6, 2011. 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.Tweet This

Those gemstones in your vintage Mexican silver jewelry…

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:00:31 +0000

According to Mineral Gallery: The Minerals of Mexico, “at least sixty minerals claim Mexico as their type locality, meaning that they were first found and described there. In addition to silver, many other metals have been mined from here including gold, copper, iron, molybdenum, lead, zinc, manganese, arsenic and tellurium.” Brush up on your knowledge of local gemstones in Mexico by visiting the Mineral Gallery here.

Amethyst is one of the best-known gemstones mined in Mexico. Here are some vintage Taxco silver pieces featuring amethyst that are currently offered on eBay:

Vintage Heavy sterling silver Taxco Mexico Clamp Cuff Bracelet amethyst 83 grams
US $219.50 (20 Bids)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 13:00:05 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage old Taxco Mexico Sterling Silver Hand Made Amethyst Poison Ring signed
US $29.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 14:52:35 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Modernist Taxco Sterling Silver and Amethyst Pin Brooch
US $29.95 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 16:06:59 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Taxco silver and amethyst necklace/ bracelet - Valentine dream gift
US $425.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 17:25:45 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Mexico Taxco Sterling Silver Amethyst POISON Ring OLD & UNIQUE
US $65.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 18:00:23 PST
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE TAXCO SILVER AND AMETHYST EARRINGS
US $59.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 20:33:15 PST
| Watch this Item

Those gemstones in your vintage Mexican silver jewelry… originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on October 30, 2011. 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.Tweet This

Alfred Villasana vintage Mexican silver jewelry

I love vintage Mexican silver — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:50:42 +0000

Pieces by Alfredo Villasana don’t seem to come up for sale that often. Bille Hougart, in The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks, notes that Villasana worked for William Spratling and Hector Aguilar. Here are several pieces of vintage Villasana that are currently offered for sale:

VINTAGE OLD MEXICAN SILVER BRACELET "ALFREDO VILLASANA"
US $550.00
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 12:18:55 PST
| Watch this Item

Estate Find- Vintage Taxco-Alfredo Villasana Bracelet Early 50's Eagle 3
US $129.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 20:07:44 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Mexican Silver Taxco Alfredo Villasana Brooch
US $124.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 18:07:42 PST
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE MEXICAN STERLING ALFREDO VILLASANA BRACELET
US $300.00
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 23:55:37 PST
| Watch this Item

Alfred Villasana vintage Mexican silver jewelry originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on October 26, 2011. 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.Tweet This

The most beautiful things…..Mexico City

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:42:55 +0000

1stdibs is a marketplace for antiques, mid-century modern furniture, vintage and antique jewelry and watches, vintage fashion, and other objects of desire. The site offers access to more than a thousand dealers. In addition to offering specific listings, it is also a great resource for collectors, with articles about many different subjects. Recently 1stdibs added a Mexico City section, and several of the dealers have pieces by Spratling, Los Castillo, and other great maestros.

Photograph: ADN Galeria

The sterling silver and tortoiseshell jaguar brooch by William Spratling shown above is one example of what you might find in the Mexico City section. It’s offered for sale by ADN Galeria.

Of course, you can search the entire site for dealers in many locations who offer vintage Mexican silver, mixed metals, and other fine pieces.

The most beautiful things…..Mexico City originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on October 23, 2011. 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.Tweet This

Amethyst a popular gemstone in vintage Mexican silver jewelry

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:48:55 +0000

February’s birthstone, the amethyst, is the most highly valued stone in the quartz group. The name comes from Greek and means “not drunken.” Many cultures have traditionally attributed great powers to the amethyst. This popular gemstone is mined in Mexico, so it’s not surprising to find amethyst in vintage Mexican silver jewelry. Here are a few pieces currently offered on eBay:

Vintage Heavy sterling silver Taxco Mexico Clamp Cuff Bracelet amethyst 83 grams
US $219.50 (20 Bids)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 13:00:05 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage old Taxco Mexico Sterling Silver Hand Made Amethyst Poison Ring signed
US $29.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 14:52:35 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Modernist Taxco Sterling Silver and Amethyst Pin Brooch
US $29.95 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 16:06:59 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Taxco silver and amethyst necklace/ bracelet - Valentine dream gift
US $425.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 17:25:45 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Mexico Taxco Sterling Silver Amethyst POISON Ring OLD & UNIQUE
US $65.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 18:00:23 PST
| Watch this Item

Amethyst a popular gemstone in vintage Mexican silver jewelry originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on September 11, 2011. 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.Tweet This

Vintage Mexican William Spratling silver butterfly pin on the block

I love vintage Mexican silver — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:01:52 +0000

Don’t you just love this vintage Mexican Spratling silver butterfly pin? It’s one of the lots in the Showplace Antiques + Design auction set for August 28th.

Vintage Mexican silver butterfly pin, William Spratling. Photograph: Showplace Antique + Design Center/Artfact

Details from the auctioneer’s description:

Spratling silver butterfly pin, sterling silver, Mexico; marked. Dimensions: 1-1/2″ H x 3″ W
Condition report: Slight scratching, pockmark in right wing area.
Estimate $700 – $900; Starting Bid $450

To bid, and for more photographs and details, view the auction page at Live Auctioneers.

If you’re in the market for Spratling silver, click here to view some vintage William Spratling silver jewelry offered by a top-rated eBay seller.

Vintage Mexican William Spratling silver butterfly pin on the block originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on August 24, 2011. 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.Tweet This

Vintage Mexican silver salts, vintage Taxco silver jewelry in upcoming auction

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:14:58 +0000

A vintage Taxco sterling silver necklace, some sterling silver bracelets, and a lot that includes two Mexican sterling silver salts will be auctioned on Thursday as part of Cowan’s Decor Auction.

The necklace, shown below, is part of a lot that also includes two Taxco silver bracelets. The estimate is $200 – $300. From the auctioneer’s description:

Mexico, a Taxco sterling necklace with stylized leaves, marked Hecho Sterling; PLUS two Mexican Taxco link bracelets, one marked Mexica 925, the other 925; necklace dia. 15 in., bracelet lg. 7 in., total silver weight 7.23 ozt (225g).

Vintage Taxco sterling silver necklace plus bracelets. Photograph: Cowan's Auctions

Lot 240, shown below, consists of two sterling silver bracelets with stones and has an estimate of $ 100 – $ 200. From the auctioneer’s description:

Mexican, a custom sterling linked bracelet with inset blue/green lapis stones, marked T.M./189 / Mexico 925; lg. 6.5 in; Plus a sterling cuff bracelet with inlaid stones, marked T.F. / Sterling; dia. 2.5 in.

Vintage Mexican sterling silver bracelets. Photograph: Cowan's Auctions

Lot 372 is a mixed bag, but of interest here are the two Mexican silver salts. The lot is estimated at $ 50 – $ 100. Here is the description:

An assembled group of two Mexican sterling silver salts marked Mexico / Sterling / 925, one sterling silver salt spoon marked Sterling, PLUS two silverplated salt spoons, one silverplated open salt, and one silverplated item marked Wilcox Silverplate Co.; tallest ht. 2.75 in., total silver weight 1.79ozt (60.5g).

Vintage Mexican sterling silver salts plus. Photograph: Cowan's Auctions

For all the details, click on the links above or visit Cowan’s Auctions website.

Vintage Mexican silver salts, vintage Taxco silver jewelry in upcoming auction originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on August 20, 2011. 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.Tweet This