This is a very unusual necklace done in linked 2-1/2" flowing sections and a front 2" drop section. It is reversible from black enamel to a pink encased mother of pearl. There is a hook closure at the back. It is from a collection of Mexican silver/sterling jewelry, however this is not sterling. It is Alpaca which is an alloy of copper, zinc, nickel and 2% silver. It is a very old handmade item and is in remarkably good condition deserving to be worn and enjoyed !
A number of years ago, we purchased the entire inventory of a southwestern jewelry shop estate. Most of the items were pre-1979 and some older. Much of the stock was new still in old inventory wrappings. We have had some beautiful pieces come out of this inventory and still have more to unwrap and offer to those of you who love Mexican jewelry. The designs and styles are endless and all most of the items need is a good polish and somewhere to be displayed and worn.
FAQ - TAXCO - As early as the 1920's, a small town located midway between Mexico City and Acapulco became a tourist destination for items made from sterling silver. Some makers incorporated the city name "Taxco" into their shop name. Small silver shops dotted thet village and some remain today.
Most Mexican jewelry can be date identified by the various marks required by the government. Between 1946 -1979 an eagle (quinto) was used to identify authentic sterling. Each piece had to be weighed and marked as genuine sterling by the assayer's office. In 1979 another method was devised using a two letter and number system to identify the town where the piece was made and the artists name along with a registration number for that particular artist. (TE-15 = made in Taxco by artist with E as (first or last) name and the 15th to register under the letter E.) I suggest reading more about vintage Mexican jewelry marks and what they mean in "The Little Book Of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks" by Bille Hougart.
Most of our items are vintage unless we tell you otherwise. Therefore expect them to be in "Vintage" condition. This means normal wear and some softening of stone sparkle is to be expected. If either is in excess we will note it in our description. We do not thoroughly clean our items, leaving that to the preferences of the buyer, and if there are any serious problems, flaws or noticeable repairs, we will always try to note it in the description. Realizing that nothing can replace a "hands-on" inspection of an item, if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, we will always accept returns or otherwise try to make you a satisfied customer. Our return policy can be found at the top of each item page.
If you ask us to hold an item for you and then change your mind about purchasing, please let me know so that we can remove the hold and release for sale. Thank you for shopping with us !
For additional information or to place an order for this item, please feel free to email us at saf1551@yahoo.com or call (304) 945-9136.
Jarretts Jade Jewelry & Small Antiques
Contact: Bill or Sally
889 Sherwood Rd
Charleston, WV 25314 USA
Phone: (304) 945-9136
saf1551@yahoo.com
https://tace.com/vendors/bjarrett.html.
