Antique Vintage Sterling Silver Native Zuni Style TAXCO Turquoise Necklace 12.7g

Description

We have similar Mexican and Taxco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Mexican" or "Taxco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa
: Antique Native Navajo style C. 1960
Markings
: "Hecho Mexico 925" and partially illegible mark "Plata"
on the back of one pendant, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Mexico
Brand
: Taxco
Gram Weight
: 12.7 grams
Metal Type
: .925 sterling silver
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Turquoise chip inlay
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Length:
8.17 mm to 12.54 mm
Width:
8.12 mm to 12.09 mm
Color:
opaque bright blue hue
Accent Stone
: --
Accent Stone Measurements/Color
: --
Stone Treatment
: The stones 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
: Polished chip inlay
Item Measurements
:
Wearable length:
17.38"
Chain Width:
2.28 mm to 9.78 mm
Pendant Measurements:
0.63" long, 0.57" wide
Closure/Clasp Type:
Hook and eye clasp
Link Type:
Fancy sterling silver and heart-shaped links
Pendant Type:
Lavaliere
Notable Features:
Handmade during the 1960s by a talented Mexican Taxco artisan in the style of Native Zuni jewelry
Composed of .925 sterling silver
Created in the sweetheart style
The lavaliere pendant and heart-shaped chain links feature beautiful turquoise chip inlay
The turquoise showcases bright blue hues
The fancy heart-shaped links connect to fancy geometric links, and the chain is finished with a hook and eye clasp
When worn, the pendant dangles against the décolletage on most people
Damage
: Age appropriate wear. Tarnish on some areas of the sterling silver gives the piece a lovely antique quality.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
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.
The Zuni Nation is well known for their stone inlay work, mosaic-like images depicting religious and cultural motifs created from materials that were readily available. Their modern work is well known for its bold stone colors; often turquoise and coral are used. It is rare for their pieces to be signed, as the Zuni People believe artwork belongs to the entire community.
Sweetheart jewelry was an intensely romantic and patriotic fashion that began with World War I and remained through the end of World War II. Soldiers would gift these pieces of jewelry to their wives and sweethearts who remained at home while they were fighting overseas. Many materials and metals were rationed during the great wars, so these pieces were made of alternative materials, such as wood or plastic. Silver was not a rationed material, and was used to create higher quality pieces. This type of jewelry was a reminder and a promise to fighting soldiers all over the world.
Chip inlay is a method of filling indentations or cavities in jewelry with crushed stone, usually turquoise or red coral, mixed with some sort of resin or epoxy. After the resin hardens, the piece is polished down for a smooth surface that exhibits a beautiful, mosaic-like effect. This technique is first credited to jewelry artist, Tommy Singer, in 1970. It remains one of the most sought after styles of Native American jewelry.
Turquoise is found all over the world and has been a popular semi-precious stone used in jewelry and art for thousands of years by many different cultures; from prehistoric times to the present. Turquoise comes in many beautiful color variations; from the popular bright solid sky-blue hues to dark blue hues with dark spiderwebbing throughout, as well as aqua, teal, and many green varieties, and even some rare white with dark spiderwebbing.
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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