Mexican Sterling Silver & Turquoise Brooch | Open Oval | Marked Mexico 925

Mexican Sterling Silver & Turquoise Brooch | Open Oval | Marked Mexico 925

Seventeen small stones, set one by one in silver, make a ring that reads at a glance and rewards a closer look.

Mexico has a long tradition of silverwork, with turquoise among the stones used in its jewellery. During the twentieth century, Mexican silver jewellery became widely known for designs combining polished silver with natural stones. This brooch is stamped “MEXICO” and “925”, for its country of origin and silver standard.

The brooch is an open oval of seventeen natural turquoise cabochons, each in its own silver bezel, with clusters of small silver beads between them. The back is plain, with a hinged pin and catch, and a stamped tablet reading “MEXICO” and “925”.

Excellent condition, with no dents or repairs. All the stones are secure and the pin works well.

Key Details

• Maker: unidentified
• Origin: Mexico
• Marks: “MEXICO” and “925” on a stamped tablet
• Material: sterling silver (925); natural turquoise cabochons
• Form: open oval brooch, seventeen bezel-set stones, hinged pin and catch
• Dimensions: 3.4 × 3.4 cm; depth 4 mm
• Weight: 6 g
• Condition: excellent; all stones secure; pin in good working order
• Buyer profile: collectors of Mexican silver and turquoise jewellery, and anyone looking for a wearable silver brooch

Collector Appeal

Seventeen even turquoise cabochons, separated by clusters of silver beads, make an unbroken oval, so the stones carry the design while the silver frames them. Small and light at 6 g, it sits easily on a lapel, scarf or coat.

Turquoise has been worn for thousands of years; each setting in silver is only its latest chapter.