Vintage Mexican Silver Necklace

A striking vintage Mexican silver collar necklace made in Mexico City around 1950 by Arte en Plata, the early trading name used by the Jacopo brothers before the business later evolved into Joyas en Plata. Their workshop was known for commissioning independent Taxco craftsmen, and this piece reflects the bold sculptural design language of mid century Mexican silver.

The necklace is composed of a rhythmic succession of articulated leaf shaped panels, each inlaid with crushed green turquoise and lapis lazuli that create an almost mosaic like play of blue and green across the neckline. The links are threaded over a central metal wire that allows the necklace to drape with graceful weight and movement. It measures 44 cm in length and has an impressive heft of 125 g, giving it the substantial presence characteristic of high quality Mexican silver work of the period. Each individual leaf panel is 3 cm long, producing a beautifully graduated collar that sits close to the neck.

It is a touch tarnished and would brighten considerably with a light polish, although some collectors prefer the softer patina that has developed with age. Overall it remains in good and wearable condition and is an excellent example of mid century Mexican design.