Antique Vintage Deco Mid Century 925 Sterling Silver TAXCO Onyx Earrings 16.2g

Description

We have similar Mid Century, Taxco, and Onyx items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Century,”  "Taxco," or "Onyx" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa
:
Mid Century C. 1935 - 1965
Markings
: "925 Mexico" and unidentified maker's mark "C11" on the back of earrings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Mexico
Brand
: Taxco
Gram Weight
: 16.2 grams
Metal Type
: .925 sterling silver
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Onyx
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Length:
21.22 mm
Width:
16.69 mm
Color:
opaque black hue
Accent Stone
: --
Accent Stone Measurements/Color
: --
Stone Treatment:
The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts
:
Carved and polished cabochon
Item Measurements
:
Length:
1.18"
Width:
0.98" & 1.0"
Earring Style
: Cluster earrings
Earring Backing Style
: Post backings with plastic stoppers. Your jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears
: Pierced
Notable Features
:
These earrings were handmade in the Mid Century era by a skilled Taxco silversmith in Mexico
Composed of .925 sterling silver
Each earring features a large onyx stone with a deep black hue and an oval cabochon cut
The stones rest in bezel settings surrounded by silver bead motifs
Completed with posts and plastic stoppers for wear on pierced ears
Damage
: Age appropriate wear. One of the onyx stone has several scratches to its face, which does not affect wear and is hardly noticeable when worn. The sterling silver is tarnished in some areas, giving the earrings a lovely antique quality. The price of this item 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.
Onyx is a chalcedony quartz gemstone that is found all over the world. It usually has a fine texture and black color; however, some onyx also displays colored bands or ribbons against a black or brown background. Red onyx is quite rare and desirable and is also known as sardonyx. Onyx that has a deep green shade is known as Brazilian green onyx and is very rare. It became a popular stone for sculpture and jewelry in the 1920s and 1930s. The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. The word onyx comes from the Greek word "ὄνυξ" which can be translated as "nail of a finger or claw." In Greco-Roman myth, the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, lay sleeping when Eros cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx.
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.
PayPal only. After 4 days of non-payment, an automated unpaid item case will be opened by our eBay system. If you need extra time for payment, please contact us prior to bidding.