Los Ballesteros Mexican silver and tiger's eye "mask" Pendant Necklace

One of the oldest and definitely one of the very few original workshops that are still in operation in Taxco, the Los Ballesteros taller created some of the best "mask" jewelry in the story of Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance. Whether incorporated in rings, brooches, pendants or bracelets, their minimalist carved portraits are always finely executed and the silver-work which houses them quite often touches the monumental. Based on the shape of the ancient Aztec calendar disk discovered in Mexico City's zocalo in 1790, this sun-shaped pendant combines layering and oxidation to provide the ideal backdrop that allows the carved tiger's eye "mask" to shine. Generous in proportions, it is accompanied by an equally impressive, long chain of the same period and extraction as the pendant but by a different maker. Bold, beautiful and a keeper...

Size / Weight: pendant is 3 1/8" in diameter (without the bails); with the bails, it adds a 3 7/8" drop to the chain; chain itself is 28 3/4" long with a diameter of 1/4"; 82.0 grams (for the set)

Hallmarks / Date: pendant signed with the Los Ballesteros logo as shown as well as "HECHO EN MEXICO", "STERLING 925" and Eagle 42 assay mark; chain bears maker's initials "RLS" and "MEXICO TAXCO 925" in addition to Eagle 2 assay mark on the back of the tab; 1950s-70s

Condition: excellent vintage with stunning presence, gorgeous colors in the stone "mask" that shimmers as the light moves over it, with its oxidation in great shape, great patina, a fabulous chain and no damage or repairs noted

Inv# 15356