Vintage Mexican Silver Angel Wing Brooch Set

These items are from an estate and I was told the owner always wore them together. The larger piece is 3-1/2" and is shaped like a wing. It is marked 925 and there is another name that I cannot make out written in script, but very tiny. The other piece is a 1" paua shell and onyx inlay petal pin. It is also signed Sterling Mexico in a circle, 925 and the makers initials - looks like ICD.

A number of years ago, we purchased the entire inventory of a southwestern jewelry shop estate. Most of the items were pre-1979 and some older. Much of the stock was new still in old inventory wrappings. We have had some beautiful pieces come out of this inventory and still have more to unwrap and offer to those of you who love Mexican jewelry. The designs and styles are endless and all most of the items need is a good polish and somewhere to be displayed and worn. 

FAQ - TAXCO - As early as the 1920's, a small town located midway between Mexico City and Acapulco  became a tourist destination for items made from sterling silver.  Some makers incorporated the city name "Taxco" into their shop name. Small silver shops dotted thet village and some remain today.

Most Mexican jewelry can be date identified by the various marks required by the government. Between 1946 -1979 an eagle (quinto) was used to identify authentic sterling. Each piece had to be weighed and marked as genuine sterling by the assayer's office. In 1979 another method was devised using a two letter and number system to identify the town where the piece was made and the artists name along with a registration number for that particular artist. (TE-15 = made in Taxco by artist with E as (first or last) name and the 15th to register under the letter E.)  I suggest reading more about vintage Mexican jewelry marks and what they mean in "The Little Book Of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks" by Bille Hougart.