Antique Vintage Mid Century Sterling Silver Mexican TAXCO Cluster Earrings 21.1g

Description

We have similar Mid Century and Gold wash items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Century,”  or "Gold wash" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Megan E.
The Piece
Age Circa
:
Mid Century C. 1935 - 1965
Markings
: "925 T5-74 Mexico" and an indecipherable partial stamp "Latom" on the backside of each earring, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Mexico
Brand
: Taxco
Gram Weight
: 21.1 grams
Metal Type
: .925 sterling silver, gold wash over 925  sterling silver
Material
: --
Main Stone
: --
Main Stone Measurements/Color
: --
Accent Stone
: --
Accent Stone Measurements/Color
: --
Stone Treatment:
--
Stone Cuts
: --
Item Measurements
:
Length:
3.09"
Width:
1.10"
Depth
: 0.63" (including backing)
Earring Style
: Cluster earrings
Earring Backing Style
: Post without butterfly backings. Your jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears
: Pierced
Notable Features
:
Handmade in the Mid Century era by a talented Taxco silversmith in Mexico
Each earring features three geometric 'puffy' pieces, each attached to another securely with sterling silver loops
Different geometric shapes included are: half triangle, a circle with swirls, and two small squares in the center
Squares in the center of the long cluster earrings feature a gold wash over the 925 sterling silver
Earrings are fairly long at 3.09" in length and slightly heavy at 21.1 grams
Curved and puffy shape was created using the repousse metalworking technique to hand-hammer the sterling silver
Completed with posts and may require butterfly backings for wear on pierced ears
Damage
: Age appropriate wear. Tarnish is present in a few places on these earrings. These earrings may require butterfly backings to be worn securely. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Mid-Century era, 1935 to 1965, encompassed many new styles of art and architecture and this carried over to jewelry making. This exciting time for jewelry saw movements such as Hollywood Regency, Modernism, Brutalism, and the Atomic Age. Native American artisans were also making their mark in the jewelry industry. Artisans used many kinds of metals, gemstones, glass, and experimented with ceramic and wood as well. This era was filled with new and innovative designs, while also rejuvenating and reinventing older styles. The unique jewelry which emerged from this era is still very popular today.
Taxco, Mexico is famous for producing the finest sterling silver jewelry in the world. Taxco has a rich history of silver-making, with the Aztecs being the first to mine and craft sterling silver for adornment and ceremony. In the 1920s, an American artist named William Spratling moved to Taxco. Being inspired by pre-Columbian and Aztec art, Spratling built a successful jewelry business. Many local aspiring artisans started apprenticing under him, and he eventually developed an apprenticeship program, with many famous silversmiths having learned there. The Taxco tradition of silversmithing is still carried on by the local artisan community today.
Puffy jewelry is a name given to hollow repousse pieces, typically little heart charms. Puffy hearts came into fashion in the late 1800s and were popular until the 1950s. Today, puffy jewelry is highly sought after, but very rare to find because they were difficult to make in the first place and were easily damaged due to their hollow cores.
Repoussé began as an ancient metalworking technique dating as far back as the 3rd century BC, involving malleable metal that was hammered onto the reverse side to create an image on the front. Examples are found all over the world; Greece, Egypt, and even the Hopewell periods in the American southeast. Reverse side hammering was also used to add detail to the front, creating intricate patterns using grooves, indentations, and channeling. The piece was then carefully polished to create a hollow, eye-catching treasure.
Domestic US:
All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: .00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
International
: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for free.
We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form.
Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
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