Christie Romero

I'm sure you've heard but wanted to post that Christie Romero passed away early this month. I had the chance to meet Christie at the Mexican Silver Exhibit opening in San Antonio. She was so busy and didnt want to bother her so I sat and chatted with her husband (whose name I cant recall). He was great - supportive and there for Christie. They looked liked they just belonged together.
The Jewelry Center posted a little something - here is their link:
http://www.center4jewelrystudies.org/about.html

I know I will miss seeing her on Antiques Roadshow and reading her insightful and thoughful reviews on jewelry in any of her numerous books. She was generous with her knowledge and always had nothing but nice comments.

Thank you Christie!

Wannabe Los Castillo Brooch

I saw a very similar brooch on Marbeth Schon's website for like $900 - marked Los Castillo. Mine, altho wonderful, is marked only Taxco Sterling 980. I wanted to show the back so you can see the riviting and detailed work on this but the pic was too blurry. When I showed this double brooch to my friend Tere she exclaimed "Wow! I've never seen anything like this. Ever!" The highest complement indeed.

My Margot Yeah its a Fish

How hot is Margot? I keep hearing buzz about a new book due out - but I have yet to see it or hear more on it. If you hear anything, pls let me know. OK so I got this necklace some years ago - I was at the flea market with no $$ (typical for me) so I asked my dad for some and vioala! its mine. It was cheap too!! Yes, there is some enamel loss on one earring and the fish, but you have to admit, its great!
Some months ago I bought an alleged Margot necklace on ebay. Its the egyptian design with blue dangly links - I have the bracelet and wanted the necklace. Anyway, I am the high bidder and when I get it - its a re-make, a fake, a reproduction, an imposter. You get the idea. I was so upset - and you know if that was all that upset me that would be so cool...Anyway, after some email exchanges, and filing a comoplaint with ebay, I did get my money returned. All this to say, if you are in the market be wary and make sure you can return your item. I dont mind spending a few hundred dollars but it sure better be worth it. In this case my fish was cheap but slightly damaged but I know its real, authentic, and not a reproduction.