F Martinez Piedra y Plata Mexican silver jasper Necklace and Earrings

Reddish brown jasper with light, almost invisible striations attracts the eye in this absolutely minimalist necklace and earrings set bearing the signature of Felipe Martinez and his Piedra y Plata workshop. Martinez was one of Taxco’s best lapidaries and the tight settings, the seamless transitions from sterling to stone in the demi at hand more than attest to the level of his craftsmanship. I love the warm, molten milk chocolate color, the perfectly graduated rectangular links, the hand-made chain. And the matching earrings are an added bonus - how often is it that sets like this are separated at some point in their long lives?

Size / Weight: necklace is 15 7/8” long (can easily accept a simple extension, if needed); links part is 5 7/8” long and its width varies between 9/16” at center front and 3/8” at its narrowest, on the sides; earrings are 5/8” by 1/2”; 46.9 grams (for the set)

Hallmarks / Date: fully hallmarked as shown with both Martinez’s name as well as “PIedra y Plata” alongside “STERLING TAXCO”, des. no 142 and Eagle 3 assay mark; 1950s-60s

Condition: excellent vintage with stones in a very unusual for Taxco jewelry color, great minimalist design, high level of craftsmanship and no damage or repairs noted; I would like to point out that there is a very tight fissure in the agate inlay of one earring; it is hardly visible with a naked eye (I saw it when inspecting the jewelry with my loupe) and does not affect neither presentation nor the piece’s integrity

Inv# 15511