William Spratling Amethyst Statement Bracelet | Vintage Sterling Silver | Taxco Mid-Century Mexico

William Spratling Amethyst Statement Bracelet | Vintage Sterling Silver | Taxco Mid-Century Mexico

This William Spratling bracelet, from his first design period, is rarely seen for sale. It is a simple yet bold design with eight incredible round, well-matched cabochon amethyst stones. This signed William Spratling bracelet is an exquisite and valuable collector's piece. According to "Spratling Silver: A Field Guide" by Phyllis Goddard, this bracelet's marks indicate the piece is likely from 1940 to 1944. Further, this Taxco bracelet is marked 980, indicating it has higher silver content than more commonly used 925 sterling silver.

This sterling silver statement bracelet is hallmarked with the Spratling mark encircled by Spratling and Made in Mexico. It is also marked Taxco and 980. The piece measures 7" long, 3/4" wide, and weighs 59 grams.

In the 1920s, William Spratling, an artist, and professor from New Orleans in the United States, moved to Taxco due to his fascination with pre-Columbian and Aztec art. He used his love and knowledge of the area's artistic heritage to establish a silversmith, Taller de Las Delicias, eventually becoming world-famous. Spratling established an apprenticeship program as his designs became increasingly recognized, ultimately launching many notable Mexican silver jewelry artisans, including Antonio Pineda and Hector Aguilar. Due to his contribution to the Mexican Silver Renaissance, William Spratling was considered "The Father of 20th Century Mexican Silver."

This bracelet was made in Taxco de Alarcon, often just called Taxco. Taxco is a city located in the Mexican state of Guerrero; it is about 100 miles southwest of Mexico City. Taxco is a very old and beautiful city that pre-dates the arrival of the Spanish. Taxco has a long history with silver, as it was mined there at the time of the Aztecs and used even then to create beautiful jewelry with exceptional craftsmanship.

In the 1700s, the local silver mine prospered and contributed to developing a thriving economy and a vibrant city with exceptional architecture. Many outstanding silver designers and silversmiths have made Taxco their home. Their designs reflect a mixture of Aztec and other native motifs mixed with mid-20th century modernism. Among the notables are William Spratling, Antonio Pineda, Frederick Davis, Hector Aguilar, Los Castillo, Margot de Taxco, and Ysidro Garcia Pina (Maricela).

Vintage jewelry has been worn and may show signs of wear. Please review the included pictures to examine the piece's condition and dimensions. Unless noted otherwise, all clasps and fasteners are in good working order.

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