Monthly Archives: January 2021

2021 Jewelry Sale #3: Oaxaca Bracelets, Cuffs, Bangles +

If you have a small wrist you are in luck. Most of these bracelets measure 7″ to 8″ long and will fit a small wrist that is 6″ (more or less) in circumference. Some are vintage, some are new-ish, some are collectible, all are in like-new condition. I want to sell these as I get ready to make my cross-country move, so if you are so inclined, I welcome any reasonable offer.

To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — thank you! We also accept Venmo and Zelle, and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.

#3. 20 Centavos Silver 1939 Mexican Coin Bracelet, 7-1/2″long. $125
#3 Detail: 20 Centavos 1939 Mexican Coin Bracelet
#4. Vintage Mexican Silver + Turquoise Bracelet, 7-1/2″ long. $135
#4 Detail
SOLD. #5 Bubble Bangle, Taxco, Mexico, Sterling Silver. 2-1/2″ diameter opening. $165
#6 Vintage Designer 1970’s Bone Sculpted Bracelet, 5″ inside, opening is 1-1/8″ $295
#6 Detail Raoul Sosa Designs
#6 Detail
#6 Detail
#6 Detail
#7 Copper bracelet, 7-1/4″ long. $35
#8 Bone Cuff, 5″ inside end-to-end, 1-1/2″ opening. $25
#9 Juicy Vintage Celluloid Bangle, 1940’s, 3″ diameter opening. $85
#10 Michoacan Painted Enamel Bangle, 2-5/8″ diameter opening. $55
#11 Pair Beaded Bangles, India. 2-1/2″ diameter opening. $45
#12 Vintage 1950’s Mexican Sterling and Moonstone, 7″ long. $225
#13 Vintage Sterling Silver Filigree, 8″ $55
#13 Detail
SOLD. #14 Mexico Designer Tane Sterling Silver w/Gold Plate. 7-3/4″ long. $135
#14 Detail
#15-#20 Sterling Silver Pins Described Below
  • #15 Top Left. Sterling and Spiny Oyster Pendant, $25.
  • #16 Top Second from Left. Sterling + Jasper pin, $65
  • #17 Top Second from Right. Sterling and Jasper pin, $45
  • #18 Top Right. Elena Solow Design, Oaxaca, pin. $145
  • #19 Bottom Left. Chased Sterling pin. $55
  • #20 Bottom Right. Vintage Mexico Hummingbird pin. $55
#21 Mexico beaded bracelet, 7-1/2″ $5
#22 Mexico Designer Carla Fernandez Bangle, wood. 2-3/8″ diameter opening, $75

A word about these carved wood bangles from Mexico City designer Carla Fernandez: She works with the finest wood craftsman from the State of Mexico to create these pieces. If you notice, they are designs adapted from the parts of the molinillo, which is the wood whisk designed to froth hot chocolate. The moveable parts are what the bangle is made from. All carved by hand!

#23 Carla Fernandez Bangle, wood, 2-1/2″ diameter opening. $55
#24 Carla Fernandez Bangle, wood, 2-1/2″ diameter opening. $30
#25 Wood bangle, 2-1/2″ diameter opening, $20

In Memoriam: Oaxaca Filigree Jeweler Juan Manuel Garcia

Juan Manuel Garcia was, deservedly, a Grand Master of Oaxaca Folk Art. His filigree sterling silver craftsmanship was unparalleled. He died on Monday, January 4, 2021 at age 77. I spoke at length with his son Jose Jorge Garcia Garcia on Tuesday via WhatsApp to express my sadness and condolences as soon as my friend Kalisa shared the news with me. Jose Jorge did not mention the cause of his dad’s death.

Maestro Juan Manuel Garcia Esperanza showing us the book he’s in

What he did say was that he would miss him immensely! They were father-son and co-workers, sharing studio space for decades. “He was my friend and my mentor,” Jose Jorge said. ‘It’s very hard to be in this studio without him.

Maestro Juan Manuel at his workbench

Juan Manuel Garcia loved his work. He loved Oaxaca. He won numerous honors for not only his intricate filigree silversmithing, but for his skill as a Noche de los Rabanos radish carver. He took away top honors for 18 consecutive years!

A Los Danzantes sculpture in sterling silver filigree by Don Juan Manuel

I’ve visited the studio for years and took these images in January 2019. Tucked down an alley in the La Noria neighborhood, the workshop is an old fashioned, old-timey affair of scrap metal, semi-precious stones, sterling silver rods. The metal is worked with a propane-fired flame used for soldering and a hammer. Each curlicue is fashioned by hand. There are no OSHA-type regulations here. Everything is created from memory and inspiration.

A box of parts, pearls, gemstones and glass
Left to right: Sam, Gloria, Michele, Jose Jorge, Back: Tom, Kalisa

We went to visit in January 2020 on a mission. Doña Gloria from Teotitlan del Valle needed some gold filigree repair work done. My friends Sam and Tom from Columbus, Ohio, were visiting and they came along, too. Kalisa, who is part of Doña Gloria’s family in the village, had a special order to pick-up. None of us could resist another pair of beautiful Oaxaca earrings.

To see and/or buy these handmade earrings, click HERE. There are three pairs.

This sterling silver filigree horse-drawn carriage is an award-winner
The alleyway leading to the jewelry-making workshop
Hand-in-hand, leaving the studio

2021 Jewelry Sale #2: Oaxaca Earrings + More

As I plan my move to New Mexico, I’m determining what to take with me and what to send off into the world for others to enjoy. This round of jewelry features 45+ pairs of earrings plus some other surprises. If you see something you like, please don’t hesitate to write to me and make an offer if the price doesn’t seem right.

In my desire to support the artisans of Mexico (and elsewhere), I’ve purchased some beautiful pieces over the years. I’d like nothing better than for something to make it’s way to you.

Featured here is Oaxaca filigree, sterling silver, and some with fine gemstones. There are all sizes and shapes — some some and dainty, some statement pieces a la Frida Kahlo. There are 45+ pairs below. Please take a look at everything!

To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.

SOLD. #11 Juan Manuel Sterling silver, filigree, pearls, glass. 1-3/4″ x 1-1/2″ $235
SOLD. #6 Juan Manuel Sterling silver, pearls, filigree, glass. 2″x1″ $195
SOLD. #9 Juan Manuel Sterling silver, filigree, onyx. 2″x3/4″ $185
SOLD. #3 Vintage Oaxaca glass and copper earrings, traditional Tlacolula style, 1-1/2″ $45
#4 Federico (stamped) turquoise and silver, 2-1/4″x1″ $225
SOLD. #5 Sterling Silver, garnet, coral earrings, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/2″ $125
SOLD. #7 Flora Maria, sterling silver, amethyst, moonstone. 2-1/2″x 1-1/2″ $135

Buy TWO pieces. Receive 20% off second piece (equal or lesser value).

#10. Vintage 12K gold filigree, pearl, glass. 1″x1-3/4″ $225
SOLD. #12 Chiapas amber, 1-1/2″ diameter. $45
SOLD. #13 Chiapas amber, natural. 1-1/4″x2″ $35
SOLD. #14 Chiapas amber, natural. 1-1/4″x1-1/4″ $35
#15 Chou design bead earrings 2-1/2″x1″ $45
SOLD. #16 Chou design set, earrings (2-1/2″) + adjustable ceramic pendant (3″) $65
#17 American Crafts Council blown glass earrings 1-1/2″x1″ $45
#18 Tri-color 12K gold finest filigree earrings. 2″x1″ $235
SOLD. #19 Hand-crafted, light aluminum earrings, Chiapas. 1-1/4″ round. $5 (mismatched)
SOLD. #19 rectangle (1/2″x1-1/8″). SOLD. #20 oval (7/8″x3/4″). $65 each.
#21 set, Croatia filigree sterling silver. Earrings (5/8″ round) + bracelet (7″long) $95
#22 pink (2×2″) + SOLD. #23 purple (1-1/2″). Gourd earrings, Pinotepa de Don Luis. $25 each.
SOLD. #24 blue (2×2″) and SOLD. #25 yellow (1-1/2″). Gourd earrings. $25 each
SOLD. #26 Gourd earrings, 1-1/2″ round, Pinotepa de Don Luis. $25
#27 12K Gold filigree and coral. 1″x1/2″ $125

See my other sales and take 20% off anything that remains! Until January 9.

Necklaces

Mexican Textiles — Clothing

Oaxaca Rugs

#28 (left, 2×5/8″)) and #29 (right, 2-1/2″x3/4″)) Native American inlay turquoise $95 each

To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.

SOLD. #30 Sterling silver filigree and glass. 1-1/2″x3/4″ $55
#31 Fine sterling silver filigree + amber. 3″x1-1/2″ $85
SOLD. #32 Sterling silver + coral, Kutzi, Patzcuaro, Michoacan. 2″x3/4″ $65
SOLD. #33 Sterling silver + garnet. 3/4″ x 1″ $65
SOLD. #34 (left, 1″ x 2-1/2″), $55 and #35 (right, 3/4″x1″) $25. Israeli designer Ayala Bar.

To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.

SOLD. #36 Owl earrings, sterling silver. 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ $95
#37 Onyx and sterling button earrings. 7/8″ x 1″ oval $25
#38 Sterling silver filigree and garnet. 1-1/2″ x 1″ $20
SOLD. #39 Chiapas rare red amber earrings. 2″ x 1″ $10
SOLD. #40 Frida Style Dove Earrings, sterling and glass. 3″ x 2″ $165
#41 Vintage cast sterling silver + pearls Butterfly earrings. 1-1/4″ x 2″ $55
SOLD. #42 Sterling + gold filled amethyst and moonstone earrings. 3/4″ round $65
SOLD. #43 Mexican sterling silver earrings. 3/4″ square. $55

See my other sales and take 20% off anything that remains! Until January 9.

Necklaces

Mexican Textiles — Clothing

Oaxaca Rugs

SOLD. #44 Sterling silver hollow ball and wire mesh. 3/4″ x 1″ $25

To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.

SOLD. #45 Glyphs sterling silver. 1″x1-3/4″ $20
#46 Sterling silver, India. 2″x1″ $55
SOLD. #47 Sterling silver filigree and coral. 1-3/4″ x 3/4″ $85

To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.

#48 Cut/polished onyx + sterling filigree w/pearls. 3/4″x1/2″ $45
SOLD. #49 Sterling silver American Crafts Council post earrings. $25

See my other sales and take 20% off anything that remains! Until January 9.

Necklaces

Mexican Textiles — Clothing

Oaxaca Rugs

2021 Jewelry Sale #1: Mostly Oaxaca + Morocco, India, Israel

Happy New Year 2021. Over the years, living in Oaxaca, I have collected some outstanding pieces of jewelry. Some I purchased to support artisan-makers whose work I admired and respected. Some were never or rarely worn (isn’t that the definition of a collection?). Other pieces are featured here, too, that are from my travels to the American Southwest, Israel, Morocco and India. Some are made by American Crafts Council jewelry artist-innovators who showed at the Smithsonian and Baltimore Craft Shows. It’s time now for them to find new homes.

Today features all NECKLACES. Earrings and bracelets to come in another post.

I’m willing to entertain offers!

To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.

#3. Oaxaca Black Clay Bead Mexican Coin Necklace, 20″ $65
SOLD. #4. Chiapas Amber Necklace, 19″ $65
#5. Vintage Morocco Bedouin Amber, Coral and Metal Necklace, 17″ $295
#6. Chiapas Maya Coin Necklace, Ties to adjust length. $25
Vintage Oaxaca Virgin of Soledad Sterling and White Heart Glass Beads, 19″ $385
#7. Vintage 1990 Yemenite Sterling Silver Necklace, 77 grams, Jerusalem, 16″ $495

Most Jewish silversmiths from Yemen moved to Israel in the early 20th century. Their workmanship with filigree is considered unparalleled. This style is called an ornate bib-necklace. All hand-wrought.

SOLD. #8. Vintage Bedouin Amber Choker Tie Necklace, Coins, Gemstones, Morocco. $195
#9. SOLD. Mexico, Sterling Silver Necklace, 19″ $125
#10. Rutilated + Druzy Quartz, gold, sterling silver necklace, handmade chain 16″ $165
SOLD. #11. Chiapas Pompom Necklace, ties to adjust length, $20
#12. New Mexico Heishi hand-cut/inlay turquoise, onyx, spiny oyster necklace, 20″ $185
#13. Inlaid shell, mother of pearl, turquoise + sterling pendant, $65 (does not include chain)
SOLD. #14. Chiapas amber necklace, 20″ $45
#15. African opal, long strand to double wrap. 32″ $65
#16. Vintage Israeli Bedouin necklace, hollow, silver (?) 24″ $145
#17. Native American bolo tie, sterling silver, turquoise, braided leather, 36″ adjustable $85
#18. India, gemstone faceted black onyx necklace, 18″ $65
#19. From London, Selfridges, Jaipur, India designer Amrapali fine silver, 18″ $225
SOLD. #20. Chiapas Maya beaded necklace, ties to adjustable length. $45
#21. Bhuj, Gujarat, India Rabari tribal necklace, adjustable. 26″ $135
#22. Oaxaca black matte clay beaded necklace, 20″ $75
#23. Oaxaca, black hand-polished clay beaded necklace, 21″ $75
#24. Vintage Navajo pearls (sterling silver, handmade), original chain, clasp. 22″ $495
#25. Iolite faceted gemstone necklace with amethyst bezel pendant, 16″ $135
#26. SOLD. Oaxaca, ceramic necklace, adjustable, $20

. . . . and, the Kitchen Sink . . . oops, two beautiful pieces of French copper cookware — jewels in their own right!

#27. Vintage Havard French Copper Flambe Pan, 12″ diameter. $95 plus shipping.
Havard stamp, made in France
#28. BIA Cordon Bleu Oval Casserole, 9 x 14 x 2. Copper and Brass. $95 (Plus shipping)