Antique Vintage Deco Sterling Silver TAXCO Abalone Shell Stud Earrings 11.1g

Description

We have similar Art Deco 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 "Deco" or "TAXCO" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Age Circa:
Art Deco c. 1920-1940
Markings:
"Mexico", "TA-31", " AAC" and "920" on back of one earring, tested, guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Mexico
Brand:
Taxco
Gram Weight:
11.1 grams
Metal Type:
.925 sterling silver
Material: --
Main Stone:
Abalone shell
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
4.31 mm - 6.40 mm
Width:
4.31
mm - 10.87
Color:
Iridescent yellow, green, blue, purple, and brown hues
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:
Polished inlay
Item Measurements:
Diameter:
0.74"
Earring Style:
Stud earrings
Earring Backing Style:
Post backing, Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Pierced
Notable Features:
Handmade in the Art Deco era by a talented Taxco Silversmith and composed of .925 sterling silver
Each earring features inlaid abalone shell stones that contain iridescent yellow, green, blue, purple, and brown hues
The stones adorn the entire face of a geometric Aztec dome motif, famous in Taxco jewelry
Finished with post backings for comfortable wear on pierced ears
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There is heavy tarnish present on the sterling silver, which gives the earrings an antique quality. The silver can be polished using a polishing cloth if so desired. The post backings have a slight bend but should not affect wear. The earrings are also missing bullet or butterfly backings, but these could be purchased at any department store.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1940. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specifically cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would often take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
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.
Abalone shell is a type of mollusk shell that has a beautiful iridescent inner layer of nacre, much like mother of pearl. The inner shell of the abalone is an iridescent swirl of intense colors, ranging from deep cobalt blue and peacock green to purples and pinks. Each shell, therefore, has its own unique play of colors. Abalone shell has been found in jewelry from ancient Greece and Rome, and continues to enjoy popularity to this day.
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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