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patrickkapty.bsky.social
Likely a one of a kind two-tone 14K gold and natural lavender jade Mexican modernist cross pendant by Enrique Ledesma of Taxco.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #midcenturymexico #mexicanmodernism #enriqueledesmataxco #taxco #mexicanjewelry #wearableart #art #jewelry #cross
A super rare one of a kind vintage 1950s handmade two-tone 14K white and yellow gold and lavender jade geometric Mexican modernist cross design necklace by Enrique Ledesma of Taxco. Incredibly rare and no doubt unique, entirely handmade, and an outstanding example of the modernist design of Ledesma! I've only seen a couple other pieces of gold jewelry by Ledesma in my 45+ year career, and this is by far the best of the bunch! The lavender jade is natural untreated jadeite jade of the highest quality and color! Ledesma studied painting and sculpture before starting his career in Taxco working for Spratling at Las Delicias, Los Castillo, and Hector Aguilar before opening his own workshop in the early 1950s. The pendant measures 2-3/4" long by 1-3/8" wide, and it weighs 8.8 grams total. The lavender jade stone at center measures 1-1/2" long by 1/2" wide, and is of exceptional quality and very unusual shape and size! The pendant is marked "Ledesma 14K" on the bail as shown in my photos. I've matched the pendant by Ledesma with an American 14k gold neckring from the same period. The neckring measures 4" by 4-1/4" inner diameters when closed, but can be worn open when it will fit up to a 17" neck. The 14k yellow gold neckring weighs 9.6 grams total, and is marked "14K". Excellent vintage condition.
February 2, 2026 at 4:35 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
Two examples of design number 046P by Stella Popowski for Los Castillo c. 1955.

#loscastillotaxco #chatocastillotaxco #popowskidesign #onixnegro #mexicansilver #mexicanjewelry #mexicanmodernism #mexicandesign #taxco #taxcosilver #metalescasados #cross #catholic #pendant #wearableart #art #jewelry
Designed by Stella Popowski for Los Castillo circa 1955. Sterling backs and findings, with brass front surrounding inlaid black onyx and turquoise. The inlay technique called 'onix negro' was made famous by Los Castillo and was invented by Chato Castillo. The larger measures 3.5" tall by 1-7/8" widest point. The smaller measures 1.75" tall by 1.25" widest. Both are marked "Onix Negro" and design "046P". The larger is also marked "Los Castillo Taxco" in a circle around the Eagle 15 mark, and also "Hecho en Mexico". I've seen the larger example a number of times both like here as a pendant, and also as a brooch, but this is the only time that I've seen the smaller version. I'm wondering if it was intended to be a charm on a bracelet perhaps? Interesting that the two pieces have the same design number. They are obviously related, but different enough to have their own numbers, I'd think.
January 31, 2026 at 3:02 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
An exceptional Los Castillo Taxco sterling silver and amethyst necklace circa 1950. NFS.

#loscastillotaxco #loscastillojewelry #vintage1940s #vintage1950s #handmade #mexicansilver #necklace #jewelrydesign #margotdesign #sterlingsilver #amethyst #mexicanjewelry #mexicandesign #hechoenmexico #taxco
November 14, 2025 at 3:39 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A Mexican Art Deco handmade sterling silver pre-Columbian figure brooch designed by Ana Nunez de Brilanti for Victoria in Taxco.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#victoriataxco #mexicansilver #ananunezdebrilanti #mexicanjewelry #brooch #precolumbianfigure #artdeco #jewelry #design
A super rare vintage late 1940s early 1950s handmade sterling silver pre Columbian Aztec Mayan Figure design pin/pendant brooch created by Ana Nunez de Brilanti for her shops Victoria and Cony in Taxco. A magnificent example of the highly-detailed hand work created by the Victoria Taller in the 1940s and 1950s in Taxco! A three-dimensional 'face' atop a detailed 'head dress', and with two dangling 'earrings' that each have three dangling bead-tipped wire dangles of their own that all move with the movement of the wearer! Such a beauty, and the only example of this design that I have run across ever! Can be worn on a chain as shown (chain not included), or as a pin/brooch as well. Could also be worn on a neckring, or a black velvet cord would be incredible! Measures 2-3/8" tall by 1-5/8" wide by over 3/8" thickest point, and weighs a substantial 21 grams total. Fully marked at back as shown, "Victoria Mexico Taxco Sterling Cony 576" and Eagle 12. Excellent vintage condition.
October 15, 2025 at 4:37 PM
sharkyswaters.bsky.social
Cute Alpaca Mexico articulated fishbone earrings. bit.ly/42dSTtY

#Southwestern #alapacajewelry #madeinmexico #mexicanjewelry #fishbone #silvertone #jewelry #vintagejewelry #jewelry #earrings #vintageearrings #DangleEarrings #etsy #etsyseller #etsyshop #sharkyswaters
Angled view of the vintage Alpaca Mexico marked articulated earrings. The metal is silver tone in color but has a darkened patina in areas from age. The earrings have three different parts making up a fish bone design. There is the fish bone head, body, and tail that are connected with round jump rings so the earrings dangle. There are hook pierced earring findings at the top. Back view of the vintage articulated fish bone dangle earrings. The silver tone metal is darkened from age, especially on the tail area. The back of the fish heads are marked Alpaca Mexico.
September 29, 2025 at 12:16 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A humongous one of a kind 'piedra artistica' pre-Columbian figure brooch by Tono of Taxco circa 1970 - measures 5" tall!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#tonotaxco #mexicansilver #metalescasados #piedraartistica #taxco #mexicanjewelry #wearableart #oneofakind #statementjewelry #art
An immense vintage 1960s 70s handmade sterling silver 'metales casados' (sterling, copper, brass) carved lapis lazuli and stone inlay pre-Columbian Chieftain design brooch pin/pendant by Tono of Taxco, and from his rare one of a kind series 'Piedra Artistica'. Entirely handmade hand crafted in 'metales casados' (married metals) using sterling brass and copper with a carved lapis lazuli 'face', and with azurite and malachite stone inlay in the 'headdress', and with azurmalachite stone inlay in the dangles below. The entire piece is backed in sterling silver. Really a tour de force one of a kind piece of vintage Mexican wearable art inspired by ancient Mesoamerican cultures and their artworks! Measures 5" tall by 3" widest, and weighs 68.7 grams total. Marked as shown at back, "Tono" the maker, "Cecilia" a shop that he occasionally sold his pieces through, "Piedra Artistica" his rare one of a kind line of unique pieces, "Hecho en Mexico" (made in Mexico), "Taxco 925 Sterling", and design number "421". Needless to say, I've never seen this design before despite collecting his works for a couple decades, and this pin/pendant is in flawless condition with no missing or damaged parts or inlay. For a piece this large and complex, that's a minor miracle! Excellent vintage condition.
September 26, 2025 at 3:57 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
An iconic handmade sterling silver and carved tortoiseshell 'Jaguar' brooch designed by William Spratling in the 1950s - measures 3.5" across by 2.5" tall, and weighs 46 grams.

Available.

#williamspratling #jaguar #sterlingsilver #tortoiseshell #brooch #mexicansilver #wearableart #mexicanjewelry
An iconic Mexican modernist handmade sterling silver and carved tortoiseshell 'Jaguar' brooch designed by William Spratling in the 1950s - measures 3.5" across by 2.5" tall, and weighs 46 grams - the tortoiseshell is particularly well figured and varied in this example! Spratling first went to Taxco to study its architecture in 1926, and returned in the early 1930s to establish his first business there. He hired local silversmiths to complete his designs, and his workshop was responsible for starting the careers of many who became the greats of Mexican jewelry and silver design in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Spratling was inspired by pre-Columbian art and many of his designs reflect this influence including this one. William Spratling died in 1967 as the result of a car crash outside of Taxco, but his legacy lives on through the efforts of Violante Ulrich and her sister Consuelo. Their father, Alberto Ulrich, was a close Spratling friend and supporter. Ulrich took over the Spratling enterprise after Spratling's death to keep it going and his daughters are also committed to this. Many of Spratling's designs were re-issued for decades after his passing by this enterprise. This example was made by one of the silversmiths that worked for William Spratling during his lifetime, but made after his death circa 1980. Available - contact me direct via message, or message me thru my Ruby Lane shop (link on my profile page).
September 15, 2025 at 4:31 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A Los Castillo Taxco married metals and pre Columbian green stone ear-spool bracelet with dangles - designed by Chato Castillo for Los Castillo circa 1960.

#handmade #metalescastillo #metalescasados #marriedmetals #precolumbian #mexicansilver #mexicanjewelry #loscastillotaxco #chatocastillodesign
Chato Castillo was one of the four founding brothers of Los Castillo in Taxco, Mexico, in 1939. He was a silversmith, a designer, and a technical innovator who invented many unique metalworking techniques including: 'metales casados' (married metals), 'mosaico azteca' (mosaic stone inlay), the 'pluma azteca' (feather inlay), among others! His techniques were widely copied by other silversmiths and designers throughout Mexico, and became emblematic of the Mexican mid-century modernist style! Although many other designers in Mexico used pre-Columbian artifacts in their creations, Chato found new and unique ways of doing so, and this bracelet is an excellent example! Composed of metales casados (copper and brass) over sterling silver, and centering a pre-Columbian green stone ear spool at center top from which drops a triangular metals casados plaque with size copper and bronze drops. This particular design was made in many variations over the years by Chato, and his brother Antonio after Chato's death, but each was unique - no two were exactly the same!
August 31, 2025 at 3:22 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A unique one of a kind vintage 1940s handmade mixed metals brooch by Annette Nancarrow Mexico centering an ancient carved black stone pre-Columbian seal.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#annettenancarrow #mexico #mexicanjewelry #handmade #wearableart #art #ancientart #precolumbian
For sale here is a unique and very rare vintage 1940s one of a kind handmade mixed metals bronze and copper brooch with an ancient pre-Columbian carved black stone seal at center by Annette Nancarrow in Mexico. She was a close friend of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo among many other Mexican artists and writers, and collaborated with Rivera on a number of his murals over the years. She also designed one of a kind jewelry pieces often including ancient relics from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica aka ancient Mexico. The brooch is entirely hand forged in bronze and copper with a very thick but irregular patina that is similar to niello but lighter in color, and was no doubt applied in an irregular fashion to make the brooch look ancient as a fitting vehicle for the millennia-old ancient Mayan stone relic that forms the centerpiece. This relic is in the range of 1500 to 2000 years old! Most of Nancarrow's jewelry has the ancient fired clay beads and figures, this is one of only a handful I've seen that have carved stone relics in them! A rare and unusual design by this important designer! This rare one of a kind brooch measures 3.25" tall including the dangles by 2-1/8" at widest point. The carved black stone seal measures about 5/8" in diameter and looks quite thick given the depth of the setting. The brooch is marked at back as shown, "Nancarrow Mexico". An incredible one of a kind piece of wearable art that you will see nowhere else! Could be worn as a pendant with the addition of a pendant converter that slips onto the existing pin stem. These devices are available inexpensively online, and are simple to put on and take off to add versatility to your jewelry. Excellent vintage condition. Nancarrow (1907-1991) was born in NYC on Oct. 13, 1907. She was an Art major at Hunter College and later received her Masters in Fine Arts from Columbia University. She was awarded a scholarship to the National Academy of Design. She married young to an attorney and had a daughter named Cherry. While in New York she became friendly with the "Big Three" Mexican painters: Diego Rivera, who was working at Rockefeller Center, Jose Clemente Orozco who was exhibiting at the Delphic Studios and David Alfaro Siqueiros who was lecturing on the use of industrial paints for wall murals. They encouraged her to visit Mexico, which she did after her exhibition at the Modern Age Gallery. She then moved there permanently a year later. She became Orozco's assistant in one of his fresco ceiling murals, "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" in the Templo de Jesus, the oldest Catholic Chapel on the continent. Annette had her first one woman show at the prominent Galeria de Arte Mexicano directed by Inez Amor. Orozco wrote the introduction to her invitation for this show. In a competition entitled "A Wall to Paint On," she won second prize for a mural, "Boy's Dream to Become a Bull Fighter." She is known for her paintings, murals, and also for her unique jewelry designs. Nancarrow's jewelry was acquired by important celebrities of her day including artist Frida Kahlo, entrepreneur and collector Helena Rubinstein, socialite collector and benefactor Peggy Guggenheim (think, the Guggenheim museum in NYC), entrepreneur Elizabeth Arden, and author Anais Nin (who wrote about her in her Diary, vol. 5). She was included, under the name "Annette de Stephens" (her married name at the time), in the landmark 1946 exhibit, Modern Handmade Jewelry, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This exhibit included the work of artists like Alexander Calder, Harry Bertoia, and Anni Albers, as well as many of the first generation of studio jewelers such as Margaret de Patta, Paul Lobel, and Sam Kramer.
August 26, 2025 at 2:41 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
Salvador Terán sterling silver brooch design at Los Castillo circa 1950s - two pre-Columbian athletes at play!

#salvadorteran #loscastillotaxco #taxco #mexicansilver #mexicanjewelry #handmade #sterlingsilver #brooch #jewelry #jewelrydesign #mexicanmodernism #midcenturymexico #modernistjewelry #art
Salvador Vaca Teran (1920-1974) was first cousin to the Castillo brothers, and joined them at the start of Los Castillo in 1939 - several of his designs at Los Castillo became classics and continued to be produced after he left to open his workshop La India Bonita in Mexico City in 1952 - this is one of those designs - design number 111 - a handmade sterling silver overlay pre-Columbian revival design of two ball players - sport was an important part of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies throughout ancient Mexico, and the Castillo brothers and their cousin Salvador Terán were greatly influenced by the many examples of pre-Columbian art and architecture still being discovered in Mexico in those days - measures 1-7/8" diameter, and weighs 24 grams total - marked at back as shown in the second photo - the brooch is composed of two layers of sterling silver, the upper layer is cut-thru, and the bottom layer is oxidized black to make the cut-thru design contrast strongly with the polished silver surfaces surrounding it. The marks on Salvador Terán design brooch from Los Castillo circa 1950s - design number 111, "Made in Mexico", "Los Castillo Taxco" in a circle around the Eagle 15 mark, and "925" for sterling silver.
August 21, 2025 at 3:03 PM
sharkyswaters.bsky.social
Added some vintage cuff bracelets to the shop. This one has bright pink enamel & mother of pearl shell. bit.ly/45GQSaB

#vintage #jewelry #vintagejewelry #cuffbracelets #bracelets #vintagebracelets #mexicanjewelry #motherofpearl #brightpink #pink #hotpink #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #sharkyswaters
Angled front view of the Mexican vintage flower cuff bracelet. The metal is silver tone in color. The bracelet has an open design with curved bands of metal with a twisted smaller band of metal in between that curls in the middle. The front of the bracelet has an oval area with bright pearly pink resin enamel. There is a lotus flower made up of pieces of pearl white mother of pearl shell. Back view of the Mexican vintage lotus flower cuff bracelet. There is a dark blue sticker on the back with the words "Hecho en Mexico" and an eagle's head on it. The silver tone metal is slightly darkened from age and there are a couple of dark spots on the inside of the cuff.
August 16, 2025 at 12:59 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A photo of Santa Prisca church in the distance at the heart of old Taxco.

#taxco #taxcosilver #santaprisca #church #cathedral #oldtaxco #mexicansilver #lilycastillo #loscastillotaxco #mexicanjewelry #mexicanart #photography
July 19, 2025 at 2:56 PM
sharkyswaters.bsky.social
Added a few Mexican vintage hinged bangle bracelets today including this one with inlaid mother of pearl & abalone shell. bit.ly/4n9qTAf

#vintage #jewelry #vintagejewelry #abalone #motherofpearl #black #enameled #enameledjewelry #mexicanjewelry #floraljewelry #southwestern #bohostyle #sharkyswaters
Front view of the vintage Alpaca Mexico hinged bangle bracelet. It has silver tone color metal. There is a hinge on one side and clasp on the other. The front is curved and has black enamel with inlaid pieces of mother of pearl and abalone shell making up a floral design. The mother of pearl is the flower in the middle and the abalone makes up the two leaves on stems on either side.
June 18, 2025 at 7:33 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
Vintage 1970s Los Castillo Taxco handmade brass and azurmalachite stone inlay geometric Mexican modernist brooch - designed by Chato Castillo - see ALT for measurements etc.

#loscastillotaxco #chatocastillodesign #handmade #mexicanjewelry #modernistjewelry #hechoenmexico #mexicandesign #jewelry
Vintage Los Castillo Taxco brass geometric modernist Azur-malachite stone inlay brooch circa 1970s. • Size: 2 1/8" wide x 1 7/8" tall • Stamped: LOS CASTILLO TAXCO HECHO EN MEXICO 137 • Gross Weight: 26.9 Grams This vintage brass Los Castillo Taxco brooch features a chunky triple triangle form with blue-green Azurite stone inlay. Measuring 2 1/8" wide by 1 7/8" tall, brooch is stamped LOS CASTILLO TAXCO HECHO EN MEXICO 137 and finished with a pin stem and safety catch.
June 7, 2025 at 4:10 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A post-1980 Antonio Castillo for Los Castillo 'metales casados' (married metals) and a large Murano glass bead long dangling pendant necklace.

#loscastillotaxco #antoniocastillotaxco #taxco #mexicansilver #mexicanjewelry #hechoenmexico #handmade #jewelrydesign #oneofakind #mexico #mexicandesign
In the 1980s Antonio Castillo of Los Castillo in Taxco made a few pieces of jewelry using Murano glass beads as centerpieces for his designs. I’ve only ever seen one of each design, so I am guessing that these pieces were one offs that he created using the wonderful bits of Italian glass art! Antonio made a number of similar super-long pendant necklace designs in the 1980s/90s usually with pre-Columbian stone ear plugs used as beads, but in this case he used a Murano glass bead instead with four-color metales casados pendant on brass neckring. Once again, post-1980, and likely a one of a kind!
May 21, 2025 at 4:19 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Felipe Martinez of Piedra Y Plata in Taxco Mexico - a rare handmade sterling silver and black onyx Mexican modernist bracelet.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#felipemartinez #taxco #mexicansilver #mexicanjewelry #mexicanmodernism #midcenturymexico #modernistjewelry #wearableart
May 14, 2025 at 3:07 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A huge vintage 1960s Casa Maya Mexico mixed metals pre Columbian Figure design necklace.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#casamaya #mexico #precolumbianfigure #necklace #handmade #mixedmetals #copper #brass #mexicanmodernism #midcenturymexico #mexicanjewelry #wearableart #jewelry
A huge vintage 1960s 70s handmade mixed metals copper and brass Masked Dancer design pendant on chain necklace by Maya of Mexico. A big bold design that really makes a statement when worn! The two-part pendant measures 3-1/4" long by 2" wide, and hangs on an alternating brass and copper link chain of 26" total length. Total weight for the necklace is a hefty 72 grams. Marked at back "Mexico". This is a known Casa Maya design, and it's pictured in the Hargrove book of Casa Maya jewelry. Excellent vintage condition.
May 3, 2025 at 3:58 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A spare geometric design vintage 1980s sterling and turquoise Mexican modernist bolo tie by Erika Hult de Corral.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#erikahultdecorral #taxco #mexicansilver #mexicanmodernism #hechoenmexico #mexicanjewelry #bolotie #bolo #modernsilver #vintagemodern
A rare vintage 1960s 70s handmade sterling silver and turquoise Mexican modernist bolo tie designed by Erika Hult de Corral in Mexico. A striking modernist quite likely a one of a kind or at least extremely rare design by this acclaimed artist! I've only seen one other bolo tie design by the artist, and believe she didn't design many of them. Corral studied at the Parsons School of Design in Paris before coming to Taxco where she designed for both Enrique Ledesma and Sigi Pineda before she opened her own shop in 1966. The sterling and turquoise slide measures 1-1/2" by 1-3/4", the sterling terminals measure 1-1/2" long by 5/8" wide, and the original braided black leather cord measures 40" and can be slipped over the head then tightened to the desired length. Total weight for the bolo is 47.8 grams which includes the leather section. According to Bille Hougart, her "pieces are usually marked with a design or inventory number". This bolo tie does not have a design number, and thus it's likely a one of a kind! Marked at back of the slide with her maker mark, "Ric", also "Tax Mex" for Taxco, Mexico, "925" for sterling silver, and post-1980 registry mark "TR-26". Corral was a designer, not a silversmith, and the registry mark is for the silversmith that executed her design for her. The terminals are unmarked which isn't unusual, and have tested as sterling silver quality. Excellent vintage condition.
May 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A vintage 1950s 60s Tono Taxco handmade sterling brass black onyx and turquoise Mexican modernist bolo tie.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#tonotaxco #taxco #mexicansilver #mexicanjewelry #modernism #wearableart #art #handmade #midcenturymexico #hechoenmexico #bolotie #facedesign
A striking vintage 1950s 60s handmade sterling silver metales piedra negra and turquoise Mexican modernist Face design bolo tie by Tono of Taxco, and from his early 'piedra negra' line of jewelry. A truly outstanding and entirely handmade masterwork of mid-century Mexican modernism! This is the only example of this design as a bolo tie that I have run across ever! Super rare!! Hung on a braided black leather cord with silver terminals. The bolo measures 1-3/4" diameter, and the cord is large enough to be pulled over the head at approx 38" total. Weighs 43.7 grams total including the cord etc. Marked at back of the bolo as shown, "Tono Taxco Piedra Negra Hecho en Mexico", with design number "T184" and "Sterling 925" in a circle around "AC". Also marked "Cecilia" as some of Tono's pieces were sold through the Cecilia shop in Taxco. Excellent vintage condition.
May 1, 2025 at 2:25 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Mayan Mask brooch in sterling silver by Los Castillo of Taxco circa 1950.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #loscastillotaxco #mayanmask #brooch #mexicansilver #wearableart #art #mexicanjewelry #hechoenmexico #precolumbian #taxco #taxcosilver #ornatedesign #silverjewelry
A rare vintage 1950s handmade sterling silver ornately framed and dangling pre Columbian inspired Mayan Mask design brooch by Los Castillo of Taxco. A lovely design that likely originated in the 1940s, and I'm guessing a Margot design, though this example was made a bit later in the 1950s. No doubt based upon or influenced by the ancient arts of Mexico, most likely the Maya. Measures 2.25" wide by 1.5" tall, and weighs 17.2 grams total. Marked at back as shown with the 1950s circular marks, "Los Castillo Taxco" and "Sterling Made in Mexico", along with the Eagle 15 and design number "224". Excellent vintage condition.
April 27, 2025 at 1:30 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Plafina Mexico handmade sterling silver pre Columbian ornate Faces design earrings circa 1940s.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #sterlingsilver #vintage1940s #mexicansilver #earrings #plafinajewelry #mexico #hechoenmexico #mexicanjewelry #cdmx #mexicocity #ornatedesign
A big pair of vintage 1940s signed handmade sterling silver pre-Columbian ornate Maya Faces design dangle earrings by Plafina of Mexico City. A lovely pair of large earrings with a lot of visual impact! No doubt the design was based on the ancient art of the Maya or Aztecs, and the maker went to great trouble to make these earrings as finely detailed as possible! Each measures 1-3/4" long by just under 1" at widest. The pair weigh 11.2 grams total. Marked at back as shown, "Plafina 925 Mexico". Plafina was a silversmithy located in Mexico City and in business from roughly the 1940s to the 1980s. Excellent vintage condition.
April 27, 2025 at 1:05 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
An early Salvador Teran pendant/brooch design for Los Castillo of a Parrot in handmade sterling silver circa 1950.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillotaxco #salvadorteran #salvadorteranjewelry #mexicanmodernism #midcenturymexico #mexicansilver #mexicanjewelry #handmade #pin
One last early design by Salvador Teran for his cousins at Los Castillo! Salvador was greatly influenced by the art of his ancestors, the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica. In pre-Columbian cultures, parrots, particularly macaws, held significant symbolic and practical importance. Their vibrant feathers were highly valued for their beauty, often used to adorn headdresses, clothing, and other status symbols. Parrots were also associated with the celestial realm, the sun, moon, and messengers between the natural and spiritual worlds. Their ability to mimic speech and their association with the sky further contributed to their symbolic significance. A super rare vintage 1950s Los Castillo Taxco Salvador Teran handmade sterling silver Mexican modernist Parrot design pendant brooch - measures 2-5/8” tall by nearly 2” wide! Available in my Ruby Lane shop.
April 23, 2025 at 3:39 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A magnificent vintage 1930s Los Castillo handmade 980 silver floral design belt - one of Margot's earliest designs!

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #mexicansilver #belt #980silver #taxco #hechoenmexico #platamexicana #hechoamano #joyeriamexicana #mexicanjewelry #margotvanvoorhies #mexicandesign
a MAGNIFICENT vintage 1930s 40s handmade 980 silver Mexican Art Deco Flowers design concho-style belt by Los Castillo of Taxco Mexico, and no doubt a Margot design. The very earliest of Los Castillo marks, and in nearly fine silver quality of .980 pure silver. An extremely rare prize for the Los Castillo collector, and unlikely to be seen again available for sale anytime soon, if ever! Measures 32.25" long (which can be shortened or worn with one or more of the links hanging down at front, or lengthened with a bit of chain added at the hook clasp) by 1-3/8" diameter (of each link), and weighs a substantial 142 grams total. Marked as shown with the earliest Los Castillo mark, "980 Los Castillo Taxco" and design number "235". As you can see in my photos, the links are unbacked, but the metal is of a thicker gauge and is in no danger of deformation or damage from use - after all it has already survived nearly a century with just fine wear (patina) as expected. I have left this beautiful belt as I found it without any polishing. The only example of this very rare design that I have seen in my 45+ year career, and not published in any of the literature on the subject. Excellent vintage condition In the summer of 1938, Margot Van Voorhies and Antonio Castillo became romantically involved despite their age difference, and they were married soon after. The quaint town of Taxco was up and coming, with small groups of tourists and artists trickling in from busier towns in search of peace and inspiration. Antonio Castillo had been working for William Spratling as one of his most talented silversmiths. Together, Margot and Antonio decided to start their own business making and selling silver jewelry. Their venture seemed a bit treacherous given a number of micro workshops that were already in business, copying and selling the popular designs by Spratling. Spratling was not too keen on the idea of letting Antonio go, but he did so “with one request, that the Castillos never replicate his designs.” In 1939, Castilllos en el Aire was established, but soon the name was changed to Los Castillo when Antonio’s two brothers, Jorge and Justo Castillo, and his cousin Salvador Terán joined in to work as silversmiths. As the primary designer, Margot took inspirations from a wide array of sources, including pre-Columbian motifs found in the nearby archeological sites, Mayan, Baroque, Rococo, Ancient Roman and Greek, Chinese and Japanese. Her design, as a whole, can be described as having stylized geometry, defined outlines, and figurative yet abstract motifs. Margot did not shy away from designing bold and large statement pieces of jewelry, finished with hand-hammering, repoussé work, beading and vibrant semi-precious gemstones. Margot incorporated Chinese ivory figurines and Japanese netsukes in her jewelry, which were likely supplied by Margaret Clayes. In 1944, Los Castillo’s jewelry was introduced at La Tausca in New York City. Despite the success, Margot and Antonio’s marriage was falling apart, and it unfortunately ended in divorce in 1946. Margot went on to found her own company, and was very successful for many years as "Margot de Taxco".
April 17, 2025 at 1:56 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A delightful vintage 1930s Mexican silver 'Aguador' (water carrier) brooch with fully formed 'buckets' that sway with the movement of the wearer!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#mexicansilver #brooch #aguador #watercarrier #mexicanjewelry #vintage1930s #hechoenmexico #handmade
A delightful vintage 1930s 40s handmade sterling silver Mexican Water Carrier design brooch. Very detailed entirely handmade design in solid sterling silver of a Mexican man carrying a pole across his shoulders from which hangs a bucket on either end. The buckets are fully formed and swing freely creating movement with the movement of the wearer! He measures 2-5/8" tall by 2.5" wide, and weighs 28.9 grams total. Marked with the standard Mexican hallmark of the 1930s, "Silver Mexico". The mark is double-stamped and difficult to see clearly in my photo, but I am certain of it having examined it with a loupe. Tested and guaranteed to be exactly as described.Excellent vintage condition.
April 16, 2025 at 4:16 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A humongous Sergio Hernandez Taxco handmade sterling and carved azurmalachite Mayan Chietain brooch - measures 4.25" tall!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#sergiohernandeztaxco #handmade #mexicansilver #taxcosilver #brooch #hechoenmexico #wearableart #mexicanjewelry #mayanchieftain
A humongous vintage 1960s 70s handmade sterling silver and carved azurmalachite stone pre-Columbian Mayan/Aztec figure design brooch by Sergio Hernandez in Taxco. An exceptional entirely handmade brooch with a beautiful hand carved azurmalachite stone 'face' with elaborate silverwork surrounding it with headdress, earrings, and dangles below! Really quite an elaborate and impressive piece! Measures 4.25" tall by 1-7/8" widest point, and weighs 55 grams total. Marked at back as shown, "Sergio" for Sergio Hernandez, along with "Sterling SCH Taxco Hecho en Mexico, design number "149", and the Eagle 3 stamp for Taxco makers. The Plateria Sergio Hernandez was in business in Taxco from about 1960 to 1990 or thereabouts, and the business is still in operation and now run by his son in Cozumel. They made high quality jewelry with original designs often based on pre-Columbian Mayan and Aztec art and architectural elements. An impressive brooch that could be worn as a pendant too with the addition of a pendant converter that simply slips onto the pin stem adding a bail for wearing as a pendant. These are available online very inexpensively. Would look amazing on a neckring or a chain! Excellent vintage condition.
April 10, 2025 at 2:38 PM