Pre-Eagle Taxco Sterling Link Necklace with Amethysts

five years ago, necklaces like this one were easily found. Now vintage Taxco is back stronger than ever, and what remains on the market is scant or of poor quality. This beauty dates to the tail-end of Deco and the birth of Taxco's rise to fame, circa WW2. By then William Spratling had garnered his local artisans a repute (and fortune) that has endured for over a century.
With rare exceptions, Modern Mexican silver has lost its magic; maybe it is the aboriginal quality that distinguishes early pieces. Those look as though they might be glyphs from Mayan ruins, often exhibit their uniquely Mexican take on Art Deco (seen here, for instance), or show simple, well-crafted classicisms like the Greek key. THOSE necklaces were—and are—stunning. (See N131.) Sadly, they're also finite, and now have mostly been snatched up by savvy collectors.
This necklace was made in Taxco before 1948 and it remains as stylish as the day it was minted.
There are 15.5" (39.37cm) of solid-silver medallions, each featuring a 7mm (.27") round amethyst cabochon.
Though the silversmith is unknown, the craftsmanship here is superlative: each of seventeen perfectly formed medallions is linked at its shoulders to its neighbors by sturdy, closed jump rings, maintaining the medallions securely in line. I mention this because in modern work, jump rings aren't soldered closed and often stretch open, resulting in breaks. But this silversmith's work has withstood a century or more.
Authentic patina; not artificial oxidation. It is the color and texture accrued by very old silver that's been worn and polished countless times, retaining tarnish only in its recesses. Such patina is what distinguishes heritage silver in a way that's absolutely unfakeable, though modern manufacturers try hard to emulate it. (Buyer beware: if you purchase a "vintage Mexican sterling" link necklace that's mirror-shiny, it is probably counterfeit. The vendor's claim may be that their "early vintage" necklace was cleaned and polished prior to shipping, "because that's what customers like.")
This is no phony. Lack of eagle stamp or city-workshop code tells us it was made before 1948, as wear patterns plus patina attest. Hallmarked Taxco (silver-jewelry capitol of Mexico).
Despite age, necklace is in near-flawless condition—no loose stones, and the easy-to-hook clasp is good as new.
DISCLOSURE: One stone is cracked. Unnoticeable except at magnification; from social distance, the flaw disappears. (Photos 10 & 11.)
Photographed in natural daylight and pics are unretouched. Color of stones is true on my monitor. The stones were each set by hand.
Each medallion is 3/4" (19mm) at widest and 1" (25.4mm) long. Weight: 50 grams.

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If you don't see what you're looking for, msg me. I have loads more Taxco sterling in unlisted inventory.