Rancho Alegre Mexican silver and brass Cuff Bracelet and Earrings

Established in 1956, after its founder, Pedro Perez, had worked for many years managing Spratling's Las Delicias, Rancho Alegre is responsible for some of the most exquisite designs in Taxco jewelry. Perez worked with several maestros, Miguel Garcia Martinez being the primary among them, all of them accomplished silversmiths whose creations are sought after by collectors today. The mixed metals demi comprised of cuff bracelet and screw-back earrings I am presenting here bears the initials of one of those maestros and exhibits the high craftsmanship and attention to detail Rancho Alegre jewelry is known for. A classic in the index of vintage Mexican silver design the "grape bunches and leaves" is here elevated to wearable sculpture. Confident, fleshy repoussage accented by oxidation and the patina of time, elegant wire-work, and the marrying of glowing silver with the soft gold sheen of brass come together in a bracelet / earrings set that will never go unnoticed...

SIZE / WEIGHT: inner circumference of 6 3/4" (including the 1 1/2" gap) by 1 1/2" wide (at center front) for the cuff; earrings are just shy of 1" square; 67.3 grams (for the set)

HALLMARKS / DATE: maker's initials "A.L." as well as "STERLING TAXCO 925" on the cuff while earrings are marked "RANCHO ALEGRE"; late 1950s-1960s

CONDITION: excellent vintage with fantastic patina that glows enhancing the set's sculptural appeal, perfectly finished, with no damage and no repairs noted

Inv# 14690