Antique Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Native Zuni Style TAXCO Onyx Earrings 10.4g

Description

We have similar Onyx and Taxco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Onyx" or "Taxco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Markings
: Partial "Mexico" and illegible marks on the back of one earring, tested, and guaranteed
Main stone
: Black onyx inlay
Main stone measurements/color
:
Length
: 22.56 mm
Width
: 3.13 mm
Color:
opaque black hue
Accent stone
: --
Accent stone measurements/color
: --
Stone treatment
: The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone cuts
: Carved and polished inlaid onyx
Item measurements
:
Length:
0.88"
Width:
0.47"
Notable features
:
handmade in the 1960s by a talented Mexican silversmith in Taxco, Mexico
created in the style of Zuni jewelry
composed of .925 sterling silver
beautiful channel inlaid onyx stones
completed with posts and butterfly backings
Damage
: Age appropriate wear. Tarnish on the sterling silver gives the earrings a lovely antique quality. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
Taxco, Mexico is famous for producing the finest sterling silver jewelry in the world. Taxco has a rich history of silver-making, with the Aztecs being the first to mine and craft sterling silver for adornment and ceremony. In the 1920s, an American artist named William Spratling moved to Taxco. Being inspired by pre-Columbian and Aztec art, Spratling built a successful jewelry business. Many local aspiring artisans started apprenticing under him, and he eventually developed an apprenticeship program, with many famous silversmiths having learned there. The Taxco tradition of silversmithing is still carried on by the local artisan community today.
Onyx is a chalcedony quartz gemstone that is found all over the world. It usually has a fine texture and black color; however, some onyx also displays colored bands or ribbons against a black or brown background. Red onyx is quite rare and desirable and is also known as sardonyx. Onyx that has a deep green shade is known as Brazilian green onyx and is very rare. It became a popular stone for sculpture and jewelry in the 1920s and 1930s. The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. The word onyx comes from the Greek word "ὄνυξ" which can be translated as "nail of a finger or claw." In Greco-Roman myth, the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, lay sleeping when Eros cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx.
The Zuni Nation is well known for their stone inlay work, mosaic-like images depicting religious and cultural motifs created from materials that were readily available. Their modern work is well known for its bold stone colors; often turquoise and coral are used. It is rare for their pieces to be signed, as the Zuni People believe artwork belongs to the entire community.
Domestic US
: all items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction items:
base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN items:
FREE
Base shipping:
USPS
first class
: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
priority mail
: .00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
priority express
: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
International
: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for free.
We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form.
Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
PayPal only. After 4 days of non-payment, an automated unpaid item case will be opened by our eBay system. If you need extra time for payment, please contact us prior to bidding.