Los Castillo pluma Azteca Mexican silver Necklace

One of the techniques the Los Castillo workshop pioneered, “pluma Azteca” uses dyed bird feathers as inlay to adorn jewelry and other decorative items. Quite impressive in their colorful vibrancy, the feathers can also be vulnerable, especially when they are left exposed, resulting in a rather small number of “pluma” jewelry having survived over the years. The articulated torque-type necklace at hand is a wonderful exception. Combining the slick minimalism of its modernist silver-work with the warmth of well-aged copper and brass and the explosive purple and crimson of the feathers, it is a feast for the eyes. The ancient stone bead off which the necklace’s pendant hangs adds just the right amount of gravity to the whole…

PS: The matching bracelet is also available and will be presented soon - if you don’t see it, please ask

Size / Weight: 15 1/2” - 16” inner circumference; pendant adds a 2 1/2” drop and is 1 1/2” wide; 83.0 grams (on a postal scale)

Hallmarks / Date: workshop’s signature as well as “HECHO EN MEXICO” and “TAXCO”; tested and guaranteed to be silver of sterling quality; pre-1948

Condition: excellent vintage with the feathers in great shape and retaining their vibrant coloration, great patina (the necklace was almost black when it came to be so there is plenty of room for more polishing, if you wish), with no damage and no repairs noted

Inv# 15702