Antique Vintage Deco Retro 950 Sterling Silver Mexican TAXCO Filigree Earrings

Description

We have similar Taxco and Retro items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Taxco" or "Retro" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Cait P.
The Piece
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"950" and undecipherable markings on the backs of the earrings,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Mexico
Brand:
Taxco
Gram Weight:
7.1 grams
Metal Type:
.950 sterling silver
Material:
--
Main Stone:
--
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
--
Stone Cuts:
--
Item Measurements:
Diameter:
1.1"
Depth:
0.40"
Earring Style:
Cluster
Earring Backing Style:
Screw-on backings. Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Both
Notable Features:
Handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era by a talented Taxco silversmith in Mexico
Composed of .950 sterling silver, a popular purity of silver amongst Taxco silversmiths during this time period
Each earring consists of a sombrero motif comprised of bent and twisted filigree geometric patterns
Screw-on backings complete the earrings, making them suitable for pierced and non-pierced ears
Damage:
Age appropriate wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
Retro jewelry was produced during the 1940s and 1950s and was representative of the bold and changing world that emerged from the Second World War. Retro jewelry is not only illustrative of the energetic and modernizing styles of the 40s and 50s, but it incorporated the elegance and luxury of jewelry styles past. Retro jewelry can frequently be found composed of bright gold, gold alloys, and silver as the wartime put a restriction on the use of platinum. These designs are vibrant and beautiful and are a gorgeous example of the style of the rapidly evolving world.
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.
.950 silver is sterling silver that is 95% pure silver. This type of silver is more pure than .925 sterling silver but will tarnish more easily. .950 sterling silver is frequently used in jewelry because it is more soft than .925 sterling silver. This type of silver adds a great look to any piece of jewelry it is used in.
Filigree metalworking is a delicate form of art and has been found as early as 3,000 BC in Mesopotamia. It was perfected by the Phoenicians and Etruscan civilizations between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC. It involves stamping out a design in metal and hand bending and twirling threads, combined with tiny beads, until a final motif emerges. It is reminiscent of lace and considered one of the most difficult metalworking processes. Filigree is still a very popular technique in India and Asia.
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.