CEL Mexican silver jeweled Necklace in the Matl style

Though only known to us by his (I am assuming) initials maestro CEL is not a stranger among lovers of Matilde Poulat's exuberant jeweled designs. His creations are indeed avidly sought after as worthy alternatives to Matl's ever-ascending-in-price examples and my experience all these past years has made me look for and try to acquire his work whenever possible. CEL's jewelry is unfailingly of the best quality, with attention to finishing and detail - a characteristic that stayed constant even during the first, at least, years of the 1980s. The necklace I am presenting here is illustrative of that assertion. Bearing a post-1980 registration code alongside CEL's older hallmarks, it is nevertheless a joy to wear and to behold. The oxidation of the ornate sterling links brings out the gorgeous colors in the stones; the silver-work is detailed and carefully wrought; the articulation just what it needs to be for a necklace that fits perfectly. And even though its original length is a true choker size, it will come to you with a custom-made sterling extender I had my jeweler craft that adds a precious 2 inches to it. Spectacular...

Size / Weight: wearable length adjustable between 13 1/2" and 15 1/2" (with the custom-made extender); 2" wide (including the dangles); extender is 2" long (wearable) by 1 1/4" wide; 86.2 grams for necklace plus 26.0 grams for extender for a total weight of 112.2 grams

Hallmarks / Date: maker's initials "CEL" as well as registration code "ME-02" and "MEXICO STERLING 925" as shown; early 1980s

Condition: excellent vintage with stunning color in the stones, great patina and no damage or repairs noted - and I love the superb quality of the contemporary matching extender

Inv# 15801