posted on August 2, 2004 07:14:34 PM
Ladyjewels2000, I agree that the closure looks 50's. The clamps on the earrings are the screw down type that were used in the fifties. I don't know when they came into use however. No, there is no eagle mark, only what is shown in the inset.
Thanks for the link as I found the following reference to the artist. Fidel Figueroa on the same page. "This Watercolor was created by the Famous Taxco born Artist, who restored the CASA FIGUEROA (My caps), which housed his Studio." Assuming there were other artist at work there this could at least place the origin of this piece.
posted on August 2, 2004 09:23:29 PM
I have a Silver Jewelry Treasures book but I can't find that necklace. They do talk about Taxco 980 and also a 940. Taxco if you internet search is the town or area where most of the silver artists created their jewelry. That is where Spratling had his studio and his silver pieces bring a goodly sum. Since I had the Tendler piece up I have done a lot of research and now I realize when I list a piece of jewelry and there are marks I put everything in the description. I leave no writing or printing out. When Silver collectors search they search with description as not to miss anything. As to the clasp it is hard to tell how old one is unless you can find a piece of jewelry you know the age and match that clasp.
Screw back earrings go all they way back to the 1920's or maybe earlier so you can't judge by that.
I like the looks of that but don't try and clean it, leave it like it is as the collectors like patina.
If you want to try and see I would list it higher than usual to see if you get any questions or bites. If it is worth what you think I am sure those collectors will bid it. Good Luck
posted on August 3, 2004 02:17:39 AM
getalife
Yes I saw that too. I wonder could these piece be made by him or perhaps for his wife???
I must have missed the part about having the earrings. If they are clips with screw-backs that dates them for sure but if they are only screw-backs that widen the time frame but most likely makes them earlier - which is good. I still say the closure is probably a replacement as you just don't see that type on Mexican jewelry? I could be wrong but as you research note other necklaces and you will see what I mean.
Libra says don't clean it at all so you may want to hold off. If it were me, I would go over the surface with a silver cloth but as I said only ever so lightly to give it a little shine but leave the patina. If you aren't sure - just leave it alone. But whatever you do - DO NOT DIP THEM.
I believe the eagle mark was added in 1947 or 48 and then discontinued in the 1970's but most good jewelry books will give you that information. You know this set is not 1970's!!
If you know a jeweler, I would have them look at the stones. Probably dyed Onyx but set in 980?? Could they be something else?
I would say the more you know the more you will be able to sell them for and I think you will be surprised how much you will learn on the way that will help you next time. Even if these are not worth a mint - the next set maybe.
Keep us posted
posted on August 3, 2004 09:18:22 PM
I just did a google search for casa figueroa taxco. There were lots of hits and apparently it is a rather well known building/house in Taxco. I found the following sentence; The Casa Figueroa, containing many Mexican and European antique pieces of furniture and objects of art, stands at the beginning of Guadalupe Street along with a very old image of the celestial patroness of the Mexican people, the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Much of what I found is in Spanish so it doesn't help me much. I suspect it could have been a place where different artists and craftsmen worked, but I also think part of its history predated Taxco's silversmithing fame.
As for cleaning the pieces I lightly cleaned one of the earrings when I first found the pieces but wasn't particularly happy with the results. I collected coins as a teenager so I'm familiar with the value of patina to collectors. As for the necklace I'm hoping it is a one of a kind made by someone who can be identified. I periodically seach ebay for Taxco Figueroa and I guess I'll continue to do so.
