Mexican Deco Etruscan Revival silver Lariat Necklace

Two different sizes of sterling silver barrel beads adorned with a myriad of hand-made florets in the Etruscan style make up this generously long Mexican lariat necklace from the pre-1948 period. I am very partial to long necklaces and lariats are a small obsession of mine. When I am lucky enough to come upon an Etruscan example as the one presented here, my heart skips a beat. Just like the one I offered last summer, this lariat was also made in Cuernavaca, one of Mexico's main silver-smithing centers. Strung on a strong paper-clip chain, the beads glisten with that warm patina which only well-loved, well-cared-for jewelry develops. A Mexican Deco classic and a form that becomes exceedingly difficult to find...

Size / Weight: 32" long (end-to-end); the circumference of the clasped chain (not including the dangling ends of it below the clasp) is 23"; beads are 5/8" and 1/2" in diameter; 121.0 grams

Hallmarks / Date: maker's initials "M.D." as well as "0.925" and "HECHO EN MEXICO CUERNAVACA"; pre-1948

Condition: excellent vintage with eye-catching presence, luxuriously long and sculptural, with great patina, no florets missing and no damage or repairs noted

Inv# 15915