Bold silver jewelry by designers credited with shaping the iconic silver-artisan community of Taxco, Mexico, from the 1930s through the 1950s, were highlights of a June 20 sale by Skinner in Boston.
Among the lots offered were several pieces by William Spratling, the American jewelry designer widely credited with cultivating the mid-century revival of Taxco’s silver jewelry scene—a movement that had a monumental impact on jewelry design in the decades that followed and continues to inspire contemporary jewelry-makers.
Also for sale were pieces designed by a trio of Spratling’s protégées: Antonio Castillo, who went on to found notable silver atelier Los Castillo; Antonio Pineda, a Taxco native who worked in Spratling’s first workshop; and Hector Aguilar, who established the Taller Borda jewelry atelier after training under Spratling.
Here are 10 Taxco-made silver jewels from Skinner’s 20th Century Design sale and the prices they fetched:
Emilia Castillo Sterling Silver Jaguar necklace
Estimate: $800–$1,200
Sold for: $2,583
William Spratling Polka Dot cuff, circa 1960
Estimate: $1,200–1,800
Sold for: $2,460
William Spratling Mexican silver and amethyst Aztec Calendar cuff, circa 1940–1946
Estimate: $800–$1,200
Sold for: $984
Antonio Pineda Mexican silver and amethyst cuff
Estimate $700–$900
Sold for: $1,599
Antonio Pineda obsidian and moonstone brooch, circa 1960
Estimate: $300–$500
Sold for: $1,722
Antonio Pineda Mexican silver and amethyst bracelet, circa 1945
Estimate $300–$400
Sold for: $923
A pair of Los Castillo sterling silver bracelets
Estimate $500–$750
Sold for: $615
A trio of Hector Aguilar sterling silver bracelets (cuff with rope detailing is circa 1948–1962; paneled link bracelets are circa 1940–1945)
Estimate: $600–$750
Sold for: $861
Los Castillo sterling silver necklace, circa 1940
Estimate: $400–$500
Sold for: $492
William Spratling Mexican silver butterfly brooch, circa 1940
Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
Sold for: $3,998
Follow me on Instagram: @emilivesilind
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
