MY Mexican Folk Necklaces

I guess I kinda like these given I have more than 3 of each. I got the first one some years ago at a flea market. I thought they were different and I knew the beads were really old white hearts. Also, look at the old crucifix - prob made from old melted down copper coins. Its like an poor mans version of a crucifix. Very rustic - the other one is the same - like a rudimentary medallion of christ. The brass beads are really old - not sure how old these are and I have not seen this in any books (not even Donald Codry).


I was surprised recently to see these old reliquiarys (sp?) that they are soooo expensive. I guess they are somewhat rare - I dont hardly see them except on speciality websites for old religious items - never my first stop for shopping. Again, I was just interested in the beads and this just happened to be hanging off it...Its interspered with brass beads and small oval shaped beads that look like a cazo - a small pot if you will. Its great and in the permanent collection.




I'm not sure how it happened but I have ended up with several (more than three) coin necklaces. I was fascinated with these when I first saw a BLUE one in the film El Norte - the girl sells her necklace of silver coins and cobalt blue beads to be $$ to go north to the USA. I have not run into a blue coin necklace but I'm still looking. At any rate, these are old - the coins date from 1896 to 1920's - most have white hearts but I have one that has red bugle beads - -

Recent Acquisition - ANTONIO Yes!!

I cant believe I managed to score this one - actually, it might be two. You be the judge with the pics. First its the 'squares with lifted corners' 970 silver and black onyx on every other corner. Its nice and heavy. Thankfully, the previous owner did not polish it and the sender was kind enough not to polish. So even tho you think you are looking at tarnish, you are WRONG! Its actually a patina (rhymes with Katina). With 970 silver its takes a long time to tarnish. Thats the reason this particular designer used such a content of silver - almost pure. Cuz it doesnt tarnish - or if it does it takes a long time. Love it love it. So dont think this was a cheap - tho given the current state of affairs on ebay with Mexican silver, I think it was a good buy.




The other I got for under $100. Now I know what your thinking. But this one just sold on ebay for $900 - The Antonio Pineda puzzle bracelet. This one is 970 silver and is marked with the MCI in a guitar shaped stamp which has been associated with Antonio. So, I cant say for sure it is but I cant say it isnt either...anyway for the price I dont care either way its really nice. The only thing about this one is that after wearing it awhile I have no hair left on my wrist...ouch! It was slightly painful at first - of course, now my wrist is super smooth...lol!

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.

Spratling Necklace Iconic

I picked this up last fall at an antique show. I wish I could say I got a good price too but lets say I got it at a very reasonable price. The findings are interesting as both ends hook on to the main centerpiece. Hands holding flowers is probably the most recognizeable and copied of all Spratling pieces. Properly marked with WS and SPRATLING SILVER in oval cartouche.

ANTONIO Bracelet - Recent Acquisition

Severe Hawtness! I shop a LOT and I had never seen this bracelet until the Antonio Exhibit at the Fowler - its pictured in the catalog. Its a great piece. As I was wearing it, I was afraid that it would accidentally pop someones eye out with those protrusions! LOL! Just kidding - its a FABULOUS piece that is going into the permanent collection.