An angel link necklace that was created by Victoria-Ana Nunez de Brilanti (1910-1999). Her identifying Hallmark is Victoria and not only was she a superb jewelry designer in the mid-century, but she was notable for encouraging the Mexican government to establish a standard for quality silver work. In 1948 the hallmarking for quality Taxco silver was set—the renowned eagle. She was an independent business woman who befriended the leading silversmiths of the time—William Spratling and Margot de Taxco, in 1940 opened her own shop “Victoria”, and introduced a new design technique called metales casados “married metals” into the Taxco community. Much of her work was influenced by pre-colombian art, nature: fish, florals, animals, but she also offered modern designs that are uniquely hers. Any work that is stamped with her hallmark is known to be of the highest quality because it was also known that any subpar production was never sold, but rather destroyed then reproduced until properly meeting her standard.

In the early 1950’s, she and her immediate family opened Cony, the shop named for her eldest daughter. Much of the jewelry created by Victoria and Cony is in grade 980 silver, an almost pure form of silver. Before she passed, Ana spoke out about what she believed was the poor quality of silver coming from Taxco workshops since the late 1980’s. —Buy My Gold

This sterling Victoria necklace rests beautifully and comfortably. It has a good weight, but is less than other Taxco options, which makes for an even easier wear. It is flexible and contours your neckline. It’s an elegant yet bold design that always looks stunning on. The design has a flat bottom with a domed cut out piece on top, which is then soldered to create the link. The interior of the link has a dark patina, making the cutout design flash in contrast. Don’t overlook this piece; it is even better on. It is also one of Victoria’s classic modern pieces that is easily recognized by collectors as a Victoria design.

Hallmark: Victoria | 53 | Taxco Eagle