Caroline's Jewelry with a Past is offering a Margot de Taxco (Margot vanVoorhies Carr) jewelry suite in the "Classic Scrolls" pattern circa 1955. The design number is #5583. The suite consists of a necklace, bracelet and pair of earrings. The pieces are done in opaque black and white enamel and translucent turquoise champleve enamel. The look is vivid and complex. The white and turquoise enamel arabesque scrolls are raised above the black enamel giving the pieces a three dimensional appearance. The link style necklace features a central parenthesis shaped plaque with scrolls and curlicues outlined in silver. It is 7/8" wide X 4" long (maximum dimensions). The link necklace has 12 links in translucent turquoise enamel. Each section is attached with a flat link topped by a ball. There is an additional tongue style clasp decorated with the same enamel color. The necklace is 15"- 15-1/2". The back is marked "Margot de Taxco" + "Made in Mexico" + "Sterling" + "5583" + the Eagle 16 mark. It weighs 39.2 grams. The bracelet features 5 large plaques hinged together in a link style bracelet. The individual plaques have the same arabesque scroll design executed in white and black opaque enamel and translucent turquoise champleve enamel. Each of the bracelet plaques are 1-1/4" tall X 1-1/2" wide (maximum dimensions) and the bracelet is 6-1/4" inside diameter. There is a safety chain which allows the bracelet to be opened an additional 4-1/4" to slip over the wrist. The bracelet is designed to fit snugly on the wrist. This piece features a box type clasp. The bracelet is marked "Margot de Taxco" + "Made in Mexico" + "Sterling" + "5583" + the Eagle 16 mark. It weighs weighs 103.2 grams. The earrings are bell shaped and have screw backs. The are the same design as the other pieces. The tops have a semi-circular ball attached to the screw backs. The earrings are 1-3/4" long X 1" wide (maximum dimensions). One earring has "Margot de Taxco" + "5583". The second earring has "Made in Mexico" + "Sterling" + the Eagle 16 mark. They weigh 16.5 grams. All of the pieces weigh 158.9 grams.

Margot van Voorhies Carr, known as Margot de Taxco , was originally from San Francisco and moved to Taxco Mexico in the 1930's. She perfected the glass enamel techniques used in her most exciting pieces. Most of the enamel pieces feature champleve enamel, although Margot called it "basse-taille." Champleve enamel is created by carving, etching, or casting metal with cells or troughs which is then filled with glass powder and fired. Basse-taille is a similar process. This piece features Margot de Taxco enameling techniques which will show varying depths of colors that is part of the beauty of this piece.

The silver content of this piece has been tested using standard accepted testing methods, such as acid testing. Three of the pieces (necklace, bracelet and one earring) are marked "Sterling".

When you own vintage handmade jewelry, you wear a design that is unique and represents the artist's vision. It is made by a skilled craftsman and can have features which are only found in this piece. The jewelry may exhibit the marks of the craftsman. It will not be perfect. This piece has had a light cleaning, but does show some age appropriate tarnish.