Frida Kahlo
the Americas...
The cultures of the Americas are rich and varied, and I find the modern "Indian" celebrations, traditions, beliefs and adornment as fascinating as the ancient equivalents...  and the post-colonized cultures as rich as the pre-Columbian.
Beads in the Americas date back to many thousands of years ago and beads have always been important decoratively, symbolically, and socially.  I am pleased to be able to offer a small selection here...  please remember to hit "Reload" each time you visit...
...and if you are interested in new, but traditional items from Mexico such as rebozos, do visit my new pages.
 The reference books I cite here are:
"The History of Beads:  from 30,000 B.C. to the Present" by Lois Sherr Dubin
"Collectible Beads:  a Universal Aesthetic" by Robert K. Liu
"Milagros:  Votive Offerings from the Americas" by Martha Egan
"Relicarios:  Devotional Miniatures from the Americas" by Martha Egan
"Mexican Jewelry" by Mary L. Davis & Greta Pack
"North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment" by Lois Sherr Dubin

AM391.   Here is a rough and interesting group of preColumbian beads from the State of Guerrero.   One is a face pendant, 2 inches tall.  The entire group of beads measures about 14 inches long.  The various beads could be used for different projects and they are certainly a nice eclectic group for a collection.  $275.US.
AM394.   Here is another fat and heavy strand of preColumbian beads found in the state of Mexico.  The strand could easily be taken apart and each bead used as a centerpiece of a necklace, or just hung on a cord.  The strand is over 18 inches long, and the largest oval bead is 1 1/2 inches long and 1 1/4 inches across.   $400.US.
AM395.   This is a rather wonderful rough looking character.  He has come from the state of Guerrero and is very typical of their work there.  The pendant is 2 7/8 inches long and is made from a pale greenish stone which still has a fair bit of dirt on it.  I leave the cleaning to the new owner.  There is a typical set of stringing holes across the back so that he can sit upright very easily.   $255.US.
AM399.   More big beads...  There are 19 inches of beads attached to this heavy pendant.  The strand contains different styles of beads including some spinning whorls.  I am selling this exactly as I bought it.  The attached pendant (2 5/8 inches tall, 2 inches wide and 1 3/8 inches deep)  is very weighty and roughly smoothed to imply the form of a face.  The shape of the stone easily indicates the ears, nose, mouth and eyes.  The stringing hole is a tiny one at the back of the head, that only a thin cord can pass through - so a strong cord is very important...  This is an excellent piece for a preColumbian collection - all from Guerrero and typical of what one would see in a museum there.   $400.US.
AM400.   This strand contains the biggest bead that I have ever had.  It is 2 3/8 inches in diameter and just over 1 1/2 inches in width.  The bead is attached to a strand of about 15 inches of similar looking beads, though of course - smaller...  These are all from the state of Mexico.  The entire group is $550, or it can be divided - the large bead selling for $200  (large bead is sold - rest of strand is available) and the strand selling for $350.
AM401.   Here is a curious preColumbian roughly made strand from the state of Guerrero.  The pendant has been worked on quite a bit to shape and smooth it.  On one side is a line cut across it for an interesting look.  One side must have been broken hundreds of years ago so it is irregular in size.  The beads are more like pendants with the holes cut at the ends so that they flip-flop against each other so hang very thickly like blossoms.  The pendant is 3 inches wide and there are 18 inches of beads.   $400.US.
AM402.   There are about 12 1/2 inches of nicely shaped dark green/black preColumbian Mezcala beads from the state of Guerrero.  $160.US.  
AM404.   This is a glossy preColumbian pendant of smooth black stone which has had a dramatic looking ridge running across it.  This has an interesting irregular shape 2 1/2 inches wide and 1 3.4 inches tall.   $70.US.
AM405.   Here is a round (2 7/8 inches across) disc pendant made of soft sand coloured stone and measuring slightly over 1/4 inch thick.  This will make a great and easy pendant.   $70.US.
AM406.   This is not a piece of jewellery but a preColumbian stone celt from the state of Guerrero.  It is a tool, is nicely rounded at one end and it feels very good for me to wrap my hand around it.  The other hand is smoothed and once had a cutting edge.  After lots of use the end has some roughness to it.  The piece is 2 7/8 inches long and 1 5/8 inches as the widest.  What a piece of history - it looks great in a display case or is a comfort to hold...   $65.US.
AM407.   This head shaped pendant is rough and typical of the state of Guerrero.  These have tiny little holes for suspension, and are very heavy...  $45.US.
AM408.   This head shaped pendant is rough and typical of the state of Guerrero.  These have tiny little holes for suspension, and are very heavy...  $45.US.
AM409.   This head shaped pendant is rough and typical of the state of Guerrero.  These have tiny little holes for suspension, and are very heavy...  $45.US.
AM410.   These beautiful antique relicarios are  from Bolivia, bought in the mountains...  As tradition insists, the hand paintings are done on metal (probably brass or bronze) with a different image on each side.  The frames are made of silver and sit very nicely on a strand of beads or a ribbon.  I love them on velvet ribbon with the bow tied in the front where it can be seen.  One can often see the knots and the bows as these are tied on as they are items of devotional thoughts not objects of jewellery.  A great reference book is "Relicarios:  Devotional Miniatures from the Americas" by Martha Egan.  The idea of the relicarios was brought to the new world during the colonial period, and the pieces have changed to reflect a different kind of a soul.    The large relicario (3 inches tall including hanging loop, 2 1/8 inches wide, and more than 1/4 inch thick) is priced at  $425.US.  The smaller relicario (2 3/4 inches tall, 1 3/8 inches wide, and 5/16 inch thick) is  $250.US.
AM411.   This is a very unusual antique (18th century) relicario.  It was bought in Cuba but most likely travelled there from Spain through Mexico.  This is known as an "Agnus Dei" relicario.  Originally the Spanish made piece would most likely have had a wax portrait of the current Pope on one side, and a wax image of the lamb on the other.   I am assuming that the portrait of the pope has disappeared (wax does not necessarily have a long life) and instead, in Mexico a painting of the Virgin one metal, would have replaced it.  On the other side is a wax back (broken into 3 parts with some chips) illustrating the "Lamb of God" which is a symbol for Christ.  The wax piece is very hard to read - you have to tip it so that you see a shadow made from the relief pattern, but with its age you can imagine that it has changed over time.  The glass front has been replaced, a new one cut at the exact curve of the broken original.  If this was a fully original piece it would go to a serious auction for a large bid.  Since it has suffered imperfections it is priced accordingly.  $450.US.
AM413.   Frida Kahlo pendants set in silver, made in India.  #1 is $42.US.   #2 has a stone set on it - $50.US.   #3 has 3 stones set on it - $55.US.   #4 is the Virgin mother and child - $42.US.    (#2, #3 & #4 are available)
AM414.   I love this collection of new pendants featuring Frida Kahlo and other Mexican images.  I only have one of each.  They are made in India - all hand painted and set in sterling silver.   $48.US/each (#1, #3 & #4 are available)    
AM417.   Here is a gorgeous shell necklace which came out of Colombia.  The strongly coloured shell beads were made in preColumbian times and the Venetian chevron bead was brought for trade later by the Spaniards.  It is has been cut flat on one side so is no longer oval.  Perhaps there was a break in it and the repair consisted of cutting and polishing that side.  You can clearly count the 6 layers of the chevron.  I find it very attractive.  The chevron is 13/16 inch in diameter and 5/8 inch thick.  The strand is 18 1/2 inches long.   $450.US.
AM418.   This is a great strand of preColumbian beads from Colombia.  The strand is over 22 inches long and has a large variety of different beads on it ranging from a dark carnelian to stones in shades of green, brown and black.  It has a drop bead in the middle.  $675.US.
AM419.   This is a simple strand which needs to be restrung so that it is not on fishing line anymore but on a softer cord.  There are 3 preColumbian  beads here - the greenstone ones, with the pendant bead having a simple face carved on it.  The coral and the shell beads are not particularly old.  The entire strand is over 26 inches long and the pendant section is just under 1 inch tall.   $135.US.
AM421.   This is a triplet of preColumbian tubular beads from Guerrero.  The longest bead is 2 1/8 inch long and 7/16 inch in diameter and in very good condition.  The second bead is 1 3/4 inches long at its longest.  One end has a diagonal cut to it.  The pendant shaped bead is 1 1/2 inches long.  This is a pale greenstone with a little more green than the photo shows.   $110.US/for the three beads.
AM423.   There are two long strands of mixed preColumbian beads from Colombia here.  The beads have been strung with brass nose clips as pendants at the end.  The necklaces can be worn as is, but truthfully could use a slightly more professional looking stringing.  Strand #1 hs 27 inches of beads, mostly carnelian and greenstone.  The 5 very clear "crystal" beads on this strand are newish and not preColumbian.  They were added for their attractiveness.  There are some darker coloured true old beads on the strand...  $330.US.   (#1 is sold)   All of the beads on strand #2 are preColumbian.  There is even a little greenstone creature on the strand as well as some rich thick carnelian beads.  I love the colour combination of the beads together.   $365.US.
pre Columbian pendant MexicoAM428.   This is a curious preColumbian stone piece that I don't have an explanation for yet.  It is from the collection of Dr. Allen Heflin acquired in Mexico but I don't have a description for it.  The pendant is a little over 1 5/8 inches long and has two holes piercing it.  At one end of the pendant is a tiny carving which looks like a miniscule animal.  A wedge is cut out of one side like an apple slice.  Curious.   $145.US.  
ancient beads with nose pendantAM429.    Here are two strands which are a mix of cultures.  These two Tairona preColumbian nose ornaments were once covered with gold.  Now the  bronze castings show a green oxidization instead.  They have been casually wired onto strands of ancient beads - carnelians cut in India and traded into North Africa and some ancient blue Roman glass beads as well.  It might be best to take of the preColumbian pieces and use them on different projects than the beads.  A confusion of cultures, but this is how I bought the pieces.  Strand #1 is 26 inches long with a nose piece a little over an inch wide.  Strand #2 is 28 inches long with a nose piece 1 1/2 inches wide at the widest.  $295.US/each strand.  
preColumbian beads with carved pendant    AM438.   Here is a curious figure carved out of a green stone with some bright jade like colours showing within it.  The character is 1 5/16 inches tall and a fairly flat slab 5/16 inch thick.  The back is quite plain.  The 21 inch long necklace is made of preColumbian beads (and pendant) from Peru - including green and silver spacers and long oval silver beads.  $725.US.
preColumbian necklace with shell pendant    AM439.   This shell fish pendant from Peru is really nicely shaped - almost abstract and sculptural. He has quite jagged teeth, a nose and an eye.  The piece is 2 1/4 inches long and strung with a small group of carnelian beads with tiny green stone heishi stype beads.  On one side is a carved black stone hand, and on the other is a 3-dimensional stone bird looking like a duck.   19 inch long necklace strung with new chain and clasp.  $385.US.
preColumbian necklace with shell pendants    AM441.   These are the sweetest four carved stone fish (1 inch long) strung onto nicely coloured spondylus beads.  They hang there like fish strung to a line to dry...  The necklace is 18 inches long with a new clasp.   $380.US.
preColumbian necklace with dog pendant    AM442.   Here is another sweetie - a dog-like creature (it is a Peruvian animal from preColumbian days) carved of spondylus shell.  It is 1 1/4 inches side and strung onto  23 inch strand of beads.  The beads are made of silver, spondylus, stone, and closed with a modern clasp.   $625.US.
preColumbian necklace    AM443.   This delicate and graceful necklace is made up of preColumbian components from Peru.  Part of it has a double strand which is quite unusual now but was done fairly often in preColumbian days.  It is a 24 inch long necklace with silver, crystal, bright green stone, spondylus with silver tweezers as a pendant, cut like a fish.  Just excellent.  It has a modern clasp.   $850.US.
shawl pin from Peru   AM449.   This is a very attractive vintage shawl pin from Peru or Bolivia or somewhere close by.  I am not quite sure what kind of animal the monkey is riding on - a dog?  This is a cast piece soldered onto the hammered stick pin.  It has a nice winding to it, and a hook behind the animal's head so that when you pin it in, it will stay in place.  The pin is made of a mix of metals which polishes up nicely.  It has four loops for hanging beads or pendants from.  The originals have disappeared over the years...  The pin is 5 inches long and quite unique.   $145.US.
vintage Vancouver bracelet   AM450.   I had a P.E.I. bracelet above made by the same manufacturer in the same configuration with the snap closing.  I love this closing and wish that I could buy snaps like this to use myself.  It is a firm and attractive closure.  The bracelet is made of base metal but in good strong relief patterns which portray scenic places in Vancouver, Canada.  The first image is the BC flag, then City Hall, Prospect Point, Lion's Bridge Gate, the Hollow Tree which is making the news right now as it is becoming in danger of collapse, and the coat of arms.  When closed the bracelet is slightly over 7 inches long.   $65.US.
Tairona carnelian pendant necklace   AM452.   This is a trememdous, amazing group of large preColumbian carnelian pendants from the Tairona of Colombia.  This is expensive because of their rarity.  the largest pendant in the center is 1 9/16 inches long and 5/8 inch across at its base.  The next largest pieces are 1 3/8 inches long.  There are also barrel beads, oval beads, bullet beads and smaller pendants.  It is a very good collection.  The ready to wear necklace is only 14 1/2 inches long.  It can be increased in length with the addition of some extra beads.  Luckily it fits me nicely sitting right at the base of my neck.  When heavy necklaces sit so close their weight is distributed evenly and I find them very comfortable.   $1950.US.
Tairona carnelian necklace   AM453.   The carnelian and stone beads at the front of this necklace are Tairona from Colombia.  They measure 7 1/4 inches and include 7 attractive pendants.  I do like the mix of colours here.  The entire ready to wear necklace is  19 inches long.  The silver beads are from a totally different culture but are close in shape to beads that were made in the preColumbian period in the same area.  These are beads from Ethiopia though...  $350.US for the necklace.
preColumbian stone tool   AM461.   I like the feel of tools in my hand.  They often sit nicely in my palm and since they have been used so much they fit well.  This cuts or scraps.  It is preColumbian from Mexico, it is small, just 1 3/4 inches tall and has a nice smooth blade to it.   $60.US.
preColumbian stone beads with shell pendant   AM466.    This is a pretty rough preColumbian necklace of stone beads from Guerrero, Mexico.  There are 22 inches of beads suspending a shell pendant 1 1/2 inches across.    $145.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM467.   Most of these preColumbian beads are stone from the area of the state of Mexico.  There are a few pottery spindle whorls though.  It is a nice mix with a stone bead pendant in the middle.  The necklace measures 24 inches long.   $255.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM468.   Here are some pale rough stone preColumbian beads from the state of Mexico.  The beads include volcanic ones.  The strand is 23 inches long and at a bargain price.   $135.US.
preColumbian clay bird beads   AM469.   This is a 24 inch long strand of preColumbian clay beads.  There are round beads with stripes circling them in dots as well as bird shaped beads.  The round beads average 3/4 to 7/8 inch in diameter.  The birds average 1 1/4 inches from end of beak to end of tail.  One bird has its head missing but the others are in quite good condition.  It is always remarkable how clay beads like these can last as long as they do.  $250.US.
Mexican capote de paseo for matador   AM473.   Here is a true treasure and collectors item.  This is a capote de paseo for a Mexican matador.  It is a cloak that is worn over one shoulder while the other is tucked under the opposite arm.  The Virgin of Guadalupe is embroidered there to protect the matador from harm.  You might typically see photos of the very fancy, very ornate capotes of the top matadors of the country.  This instead was made for a matador from a smaller pueblo with a lot of local love within it.  This is totally made by hand - I couldn't find a single machine stitch anywhere on it so the work is quite immense.  There are spangles and all kinds of flourishes in gold against a deep sea green/blue.  The embroidered flowers stand out beautifully and the Virgin at 7 1/2 inches tall is very impressive.  The capote when lying on my floor stretches 53 inches across from one side to the other.  The widest part is 21 inches high.  If you would like to see how they are worn you can google "capote de paseo" under "images".  A few can be found on flickr.com as well.  This is a vintage piece and the lining has some bleaching, some spots and some irregularities on it.  The outside has a couple of spots that I imagine could be reasonably cleaned.  It would look quite wonderful hanging on the wall.    $375.US.
Mexico silver amulet box   AM474.   I usually see these Mexican religious boxes made in a much clumsier way with base metals.  This instead is delicate, beautiful, nicely detailed, and made of sterling grade silver.  The box is 3 7/8 inches tall and 2 3/4 inches wide when closed.  It stands 3/8 inch thick.  The doors open easily to reveal the Madonna and child.  There is a hook on the pack so that it could be fastened on a wall or at an altar.  $250.US.
Mexico silver pendants   AM476.   I have four pendants here from Mexico.  Some are decorated on both sides, and others just on the one side.  They are all sterling grade silver and religious in nature.  #4 is 1 inch across in diameter.  $22.US/each pendant
Yalalag cross   AM478.   This is a good sized Yalalag cross from the area of Oaxaco.  It is 6 1/2 inches tall and quite heavy.  This is made of mixed metals with some bits of silver but mostly brass.  It is very impressive.  $110.US.
Madonna glass paperweight   AM479.   This is a vintage paperweight which I bought in a market in Mexico City.  It is made of glass so quite heavy.  It had felt on the bottom but much of that is worn off.  It could easily be replaced.  The image inside is of the madonna with the baby, and it has a romantic old look to it which I like very much.  This measures 3 inches in diameter and is 1 1/2 inches tall.   $75.US.
antique silver pin   AM480.   This is a very beautifully made, cast sterling silver pin.  This is a vintage piece, over 50 years old.  There was once another leaf at the bottom of the design but it has broken off years ago.  The pin is normally pushed through a shawl or sweater.  It has a pin added to the back so that it can be fastened without a worry of falling out and being lost.  Birds are important in Mexican art often for their air of romance.  The pin is 4 7/8 inches long and the wings of the bird are truly 3-D, made individually which is quite unusual.   $135.US.
preColumbian necklace   AM481.   I was pleased to find such a lovely and artistic pendant, carved in a preColumbian style but newly made.  The stone is a correct type and the image is very close to original ones that I have seen in museums.  The face pendant is just under 2 inches tall.  The necklace itself has true preColumbian stone beads mixed with modern brass ones - 24 1/2 inches long   $345.US.
antique pin from Mexico   AM482.   This is a precious little sterling silver vintage pendant.  The monkey is riding on a deer and must be expressing some curious story.  The pin is 1 1/4 inches tall.  $110.US.
Mexico silver charm   AM484.   This is a little token which was once a pendant but the loop at the top has been broken off.  I was charmed by it as the image on the front is of a heart with a dagger in it and flowers rising from above.  It says "EL CORAZON DE MARIA SMA."  On the other side a crucifix is being carried by a man on his knees.  It says "EL SENOR DE TEPACZINGO."  This is a tiny piece measuring 11/16 inch across.  $22.US.

gold pendant from Costa Rica area   AM487.   Here is an impressive gold (I can't give you an accurate percentage) pendant which originated in the area of Costa Rica and Panama before they existed.  You can view gold pieces in the Costa Rica gold museum to compare this with varieties of the same bird pendant that they have there.  This is a bird that has had repairs but they don't detract from its attractiveness.  Both wings have been repaired as has the tail.  From behind you can see where the repairs were made but this is typical of ancient gold pieces as they have been buried and easily broken.  The gleaming gold bird has a snake in its mouth which it holds with its beaks and with its claws.  The piece is 2 3/8 inches wide at the wings and 2 7/8 from top to bottom.  The piece is strung with greenstone beads from Mexico as well as a few shell beads.  The greenstone is a good colour with some quite bright ones reminding me of jade included.  I wish that I had more delicate beads to string it with but wanting to keep the entire piece in the same time zone I didn't have another substitute.  This is a remarkable and attractive piece.   $2250.US.  
preColumbian stone pendant   AM489.   Here is a very interesting pendant bought in the S(#1 & #5 aretate of Veracruz in eastern Mexico.  It look like a seated person although when suspended it hangs with the stringing holes at the top and the longest side of the pendant making a horizontal line.  The piece measures 3 inches along the longest side.  This is a very curious piece.  I had a knowledgeable customer tell me this:  "...this is a broken Mezcala anthropomorphic carving, it would normally have legs (you can see one leg) with the head at top.  The piece was drilled at one time in order to make it a pendant.  Mezcala Culture, Guerrerro, Mexico, roughly 200 BC."   I always appreciate knowledge being passed on.    $145.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM491.   Here are some bargain preColumbian stone & pottery necklaces.  They are a rather rusty earth colour but can be washed to get a better colour.  They are irregular shapes and useful for a variety of projects.   $95.US/each strand.

Xilitla coffee earrings   AM493.   These earrings are great fun.  I bought a number of key chains featuring a coffee can from the Cafe Colon shop in Xalapa, Veracruz - then used sterling silver loops and earwires and turned them into earrings.  The 7/8 inch tall cans (1 5/8 inches from top of hoop to bottom of can) are just perfect in detail showing a local woman with a cup of coffee at the front.  The cans say:  "Cafe Colon - genuino Coatepec" , "desde 1963 excellencia en cafe",  "100% Arabica",  "hecho en Mexico" as well as the address and phone/fax numbers of the main shop in Xalapa.  This is actually very delicious coffee and the place is famous in the area.  These are a perfect gift for any coffee lovers...   $26.US/each pair
8 reales coin Mexico   AM494.   This is an 8 reale bronze coin from Mexico, dating at 1813.  It has a rather delicate counterstamp on it adding to its history.  I don't know the story of the coin - it will require research by the new owner.  It measures 1 1/2 inches across.   $65.US.
Mexico trade tokens   AM495.   Here is a group of trade tokens from Mexico - mostly dating to the 1800s.  The tokens are made of bronze, hand stamped, and the one to the left measures slightly over 1 1/8 inches across.  Landowners or hacienda owners would pay their workers with tokens, then the tokens would be used in the hacienda owners' stores to buy their necessities.  The tokens were all very specific to particular properties and could not be used in other areas.  #1 says "PROVICIONAL DEZ ...IN OCTAVO 1833" and has an image of an eagle on it.  It is plain on the other side.   #2 is unclear and seems to say "...NISTRACION DE MINAS 1855" on one side and "...S.M. DE 1/8" on the other.  (#2 is sold)   #3 says "1/8 1824" on one side and has a bunch of grapes with "B T" on the other.   #4 says "SAYULA 1/8 1830" on one side and the other side is flat.   #5  says "PUEBLA DE JALA 1833" on one side and "LUIS ...APIS 1/8" on the other.   $32.US/each trade token   #6 says "H. LA FLOR 1877" on one side and has a sculpted flower on the other - $50.US.
Mexico trade tokens   AM496.   The rectanglular trade tokens average 1 3/16 inches across.  Token #1 says "COCULA 1808" on one side and "HOMERO CUARTO" on the other.   (#1 is sold)    #2 says "AMECA 1/8" on one side and "1855 T.A." on the other.   #3 has "AMECA 1/8" on one side and "1855 T.A." on the other.   #4 says "VILLA BENITO" on one side and "1/8 1825" on the other.   #5 says "VILLA DE COLIMA 1853" on one side and it has a plain back.   #6 says "UN OCTAVO 1835" on one side and "HACIENDA MUNICIPAL DE OSTOTITLAN" on the other.    $30.US/each trade token
Mexico trade tokens   AM497.   
The square trade tokens here measure 1 5/16 inches across.   Token #1 says "HDA. DE LACOS MANUEL JIMENES" on one side and "VALE 20 LITROS DE MAIZ 1906" on the other.  #2 says "MINA DEL EDEN ZAC. 1874" on one side and "VALE UNA CARGA DE METAL" on the other.   #3 says "MINA DEL EDEN ZAC. 1874" on one side and "VALE UNA CARGA DE METAL" on the other.   #4 says "1872 PARRA" on one side and "1/8 XALPA" on the other.   #5 says "1913" on one side and "50 cent PARRAL" on one side and "1913" on the other.   #6 says "1872 PARRA" on one side and "1/8 XALPa" on the other.    $45..US/each trade token  
black coral beads   AM498.   There are two necklaces here made of antique black coral beads.  These were made in the Oaxaca area long before there were bans in place.  Strand #1 has long beads some of which are rectangular and others tubular.  The strand is 18 inches long and the central bead is 1 inch long.   $95.US.   Strand #2 has soft facet oval beads.  The necklace is 16 inches long
and studded with hand made silver beads from the Toluca area.  It has a sterling silver clasp.   $110.US.   (#2 is sold)
Quebec bracelet   AM499.   I have the same type of bracelet up above at AM450.  That one is from P.E.I. though and this one is for Quebec, Canada.  I think that these are all attractive having had one for Calgary in the past.  A collection of Canada would be an interesting one.  This bracelet portrays:  Quebec City 1608, Chateau Frontenac, Parliament, Porte St. Louis, La Basilique and Spencerwood.  It is 7 inches long and closes with a very tidy snap shut.  It is not silver, but silver coloured.   $65.US.
Mexican silver pin   AM502.   What a sweet and strange little guy.  I couldn't resist him.  This sterling silver pin is a Mexico souvenir piece from the 50s or 60s.  The little boy on his burro is 2 1/4 inches tall.  His sombrero has a nice wide 3-D rim, he has an odd and peaceful look on his face and the burro strands quietly there.   $125.US.  
Yalalag cross   AM503.   I am always looking for antique silver Yalalag crosses coming from the town close to Oaxaca.  They are very distinctive in their style.  I rarely see a jeweller's signature on this but on the bottom cross is a number 3, and below the arms of the cross "ERE".  This is 3 3/4 inches long including hanging loop.   $75.US.   (sold)
Veracruz carved stone   AM504.   These Mezcala preColumbian abstract stone figures are simple but evocative.  They come from an area in the State of Guerrero close to Morelos.  There are some amazing pyramids close to there like Xochicalco.  They are much nicer in real life as one can cradle a sculpture in their hand.  These sculptures do not have stringing holes in them.  They were meant to be used more as talismans.  A cord could be tied around the figures under the heads and they could be turned into pendants.  One would have to be very careful though, that all was tied tight so that they could not fall and break.  The pieces have flat backs and are sculpted the most deeply on the sides.  Sculpture #1 is 2 3/8 inches tall - $145.US.   Sculpture #2 is 2 5/8 inches tall - $145.US.    Sculpture #3 is 1 7/8 inches tall - $135.US.
preColumbian beads   AM507.   These are fairly rough beads but good ones.  They are preColumbian beads from Guerrero - the area close to Mexico City.  Bead #1 is flared and 1 1/4 inches across.  It is 1/2 inch tall.  $45.US.   Bead #2 is thick and dark grey.  It is 1 inch long and 7/8 inch in diameter with a good sized hole.  $40.US.   Bead #3 has a nice natural shape.  It is 1 1/8 inches long and 3/4 inch diameter at the widest.  It will sit nicely as a central bead on a necklace.   $45.US.
preColumbian face beads   AM508.   These two greenstone pendants are very polished and caught the light from the windows when I took the photo.  Pendant #1 is 1 1/4 inches tall, just under 1 inch wide and 3/4 inch thick.  The stringing hole is at the top of the back - a typical hole that goes from the top of the piece, to the top of the back so that a cord grabs the top of the back.  It is meant to represent a face but any carving has been smoothed too much to see details.  $75.US.    Pendant #2 is holed in the same way - at the top of the back.  The pendant is 1 inch long11/16 inch wide and almost 5/8 inch thick.  You have to imagine the features of the face.  $55.US.   (both are sold)
preColumbian face beads   AM510.   There are three face pendants here, each very different from the other.  They do all come from the State of Guerrero.  Pendant #1 is a warm rounded greenstone.  It is 1 1/8 inches tall and 7/8 inch wide.  It is over 1/2 inch thick.  The face is simple with a straight mouth across and the stringing hole is at the top of the back - the hole going from the top to the back.  Very typical.   $85.US.   Pendant #2 is tiny but has a very clear face.  It is 5/8 inches tall and a nice mottled greenstone.  It has a typical hole at the top of the pendant in the back.   $45.US.   #3 has a straightfordward face - a line across as a mouth and two deep wideset eyes.  This is a mottled dark grey stone holed at the back, at the top of the back.   $40.US.   (#2 is sold)
preColumbian pendant   AM511.   This is a beautiful unusual preColumbian stone pendant from the Veracruz area.  It measures 1 3/8 inches across and has two holes for stringing it with.  This is quite simple but has lots of character.   $135.US.   (on hold)
preColumbian stone beads   AM512.   This is a 13 1/2 inch long strand of preColumbian beads from Mexico.  They could easily make the kind of necklace that Frida Kahlo would have typically worn.  Some of these beads have been very carefully shaped so that they are nicely smoothed.  The largest bead on the strand is 1 inch long and 1 1/8 inch in diameter.  The beads are all coloured in greys and creams.  Some still have surface reminders of their long burial.  I always think of when pieces were first worn and when I walk through entrances in pyramids or walk through the walls of old buildings I imagine how people were dressed and how the beads are of the same types of stones as the buildings used.   $330.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM513.   This is a very attractive strand of preColumbian beads from the Veracruz area.  There is a good variety of colours and shapes included here as the beads were found over a long period of time.  The strand is just under 19 inches long and the central pendant is a little over an inch long.  $400.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM516.   This is a very attractive 25 inch long strand of preColumbian greenstone beads from Mexico.  The colour is very good on these and the mottling gives a very attractive effect.  The central bead is flared, a little over 3/4 inches long with a diameter of 1 1/4 inches on the wider end and 15/16 inch at the narrower one.  I love looking at the stringing holes of beads like these, where you can see how they were scraped and ground open with irregular cone shaped holes.   $450.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM517.   This is a fairly perfect strand of preColumbian beads.  Most of them are greenstone, nicely shaped and polished and the strand tapers in size from the front to the back.  The black central bead is 3/4 inch wide and 1 3/8 inches in diameter.  The strand is 27 inches long and could be beautifully strung in exactly the same order of beads as it is in.  In fact if you string it as is you don't need a clasp as it can swing over the wearer's head. The dreams of the past can travel with you...   $450.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM518.   Here is a rough but interesting bunch of preColumbian stone beads from the State of Mexico.  They might be a bit awkward for making a necklace with but they are of an impressive size and type and perfect for a collector.  The large flared bead is 1 1/2 inches long, 1 1/8 inches in diameter at the narrow end and 1 7/8 inches wide at the wide one.  These are quite heavy.  Laid out it is a 13 inch strand.  $400.US.
Mexico silver souvenir spoon   AM519.   I don't usually buy spoons but it this case I couldn't help it.  This is a tourist spoon, but an old one.  The spoon is 5 1/4 inches long and is covered with intriguing images.  At the top is the eagle holding a snake in its beak - symbol of Mexico.  Below that is a burro carrying bags, and below the burro is an agave plant with a man with a sac on his back making pulque.  Above him are the words:   Pulque Gatherer.  Pulque is a fermented drink made from the agave, but since it constantly ferments a true pulque cannot be bottled.  You could be wandering through a market or passing through a town and you might be offered pulque to buy from the man who made it.  There are some pulquerias as well but they are becoming rare.
Below the pulque worker is someone carrying jugs and it says above:  Water Carrier.  Below that the word MEXICO is spelled out.  On the spoon part is an illustration of a matador, a bull, two men on horses, and an audience.  Above that it says:  Bull Fight.  Engraved on the back of the spoon is:  Juarez, Old Mexico.  The spoon is sterling silver.   $145.US.
pre Columbian stone scrapers   AM522.   This collection of scrapers is from Guatemala.  #1 is 1 3/4 inches long and 1 1/4 inches at the widest.  You can compare the others to that one.  These are all smoothly finished with a good edge on them.  Numbers 1 through 4 are $68.US/each.  Number 5 is $80.US.   (#1, #2, #3 & #4 are sold)
mask from Mexico   AM523.   I fell in love with this statue when I saw it for sale from a carver in Malinalco.  I kept walking past it and finally had to stop and buy it.  Talking with the artist I kept looking at him and then at the mask and realized it was a self portrait - so you can see the artist who created this.  His name is Gabriel Vergara, and he is from Chalmita Ocuilan in the State of Mexico.  The country is full of art from ancient to the present.  This mask is carved from wood (you can see how the back has been gouged out) and decorated with bone from a bull.  The eyes are set with pieces of shell.  The mask is 6 1/8 inches tall and 4 1/8 inches wide.  It stands out over 3 inches and has a hole to use to hang it.   $285.US.
beaded luchador bracelets   AM524.   Oh, the stories, the histories, the travails of the luchadores are part of life in Mexico.  In Mexico City there are a number of places to watch the wrestling (lucha libre) as well as museums dedicated to some, and restaurants owned by others.  I bought one of these bracelets for myself, and then three others for those who are interested in the luchadores but won't have the chance to stop in the city and buy one of these.  The bracelets are woven of seed beads, and close with knots and loops made from beads as well.  When closed the bracelet winds around for 6 3/4 inches.  These will be great on a bare arm in the warm weather and I am sure will cause a smile here and there...   $38.US/each bracelet.
seed bead necklaces   AM615.   The three bracelets here have been made by the Huichol people.  Both men and women work on these, and the designs follow the interests of the makers.  Bracelet #1 is for a wrist of 6 1/2 to 6 3/4 inches.   Bracelet #2 is for a wrist of 6 1/2 to 7 inches.   Bracelet #3 with the Virgen de Guadalupe is for a 6 1/2 to 7 inch wrist.  They are each  $26.US.
seed bead necklace & bracelet   AM616.   I am amazed at the talent of the Huichol women of Mexico to build three dimensional pieces like the bracelet illustrated here.  It has two layers of leaves rising up from the wristband of leaves, and then stamens come out of the flowers as well.  It is a little over 7 inches around and beckons Spring.  $35.US.    The necklace sits very nicely around the neck with the design extending out.  The inside of the piece is 17 1/2 inches around.  The necklace is 2 inches tall.  $45.US.
bead necklaces of San Judan Tadeo   AM525.   San Judas Tadeo is a saint who assists in the almost impossible.  Walking in Mexico City on the 28th day of a month I saw many people, lots of them youthful, wearing t-shirts or carrying statues of San Judas.  I stopped and asked if there was a festival - no festival, but a day of blessings from San Judas.  In Mexico City there is a shrine at San Hipolito, near metro Hidalgo, in the Centro.  I bought these two necklaces there as I found them enchanting.  The plaque in the front is 4 1/4 inches tall including fringes.  The necklace part is 26 inches long.   $15.US/each necklace.
weaving San Judas Tadeo   AM526.   I bought a couple of these woven images of San Judas Tadeo.  They are 4 1/2 inches tall, and $8.US./each.
Mexican silver pins   AM527.  These are sterling silver pins from Mexico - with Aztec style illustrations.   Pin #1 is 1 1/2 inches square and has the circular Aztec calendar on it.  It also has a loop on the back so that it can be worn as a pendant.   $45.US.   Pins #2 - this pair of pins is the same size and shape 1 1/5 inches tall but both have different illustrations on them.  They look terrific worn together.  The decorative part is on a sheet of silver that stands a little above the background sheet of silver so it has a nice raised appearance.   $75.US/the pair.

- I have just acquired a number of strands of pre Columbian spondylus shell beads coming out of Peru.  Each strand/necklace is very unique, strung by a Peruvian who has been doing this since childhood.  (though strung on fishing line - they would be best restrung onto a cloth cord)

- Piled together you can see how they reflect their age and culture...as individual strands, they are beautiful and magical pieces of ornament.  

- Peru is a country of jungles, mountains and white sand beaches with the archaeology of ancient history across it.  There were many cultures including the Chavin, the Paracas, Moche, Nazca, Tiahuanaco, Wari, Chimu and the Inca.  There was sophistication, beautiful crafts and complex social structures.  It is a wonder to be able to wear a small reflection of that...


preColumbian beads Peru   AM528.   There are three strands of beads here, each intriguing.  Strand #1 has a pottery pendant which has a face on it - you can see the sturdy nose and the fat lower lip.  The ear broke off one side many years ago.  The head is large and the legs are small and bellow the mouth is a row of holes which I think might indicate a necklace - it is a very typical image.  The beads include spondylus in a beautiful rich colour, and genuine Nuevo Cadiz blue glass beads.  The necklace is 17 inches long plus pendant.   $235.US.   Necklace #2 also has a small figure as the pendant.  He is a little more clear in real life than on the pendant and the beads that suspend him have the image of being arms.  The necklace of shell & spondylus is 17 1/2 inches long and the little man is 1 inch tall.   $235.US.   Necklace #3 has wonderful bright spondylus for its beads, in that great Peruvian colour.  The beads measure 18 inches in length with a 1 1/8 inch tall stone pendant.  I love the way that the orange beads fit into it.   $235.US.   (#1 & #3 are sold)
preColumbian beads Peru   AM529.   I am uncertain as to what these shell amulets represent - some research needs to be done.  They certainly look great though winding around the 23 inch long necklace.  The amulets are a little over 1/2 inch in length and a number of them have lines across them making them look like jars to me.  The central pendant has old chips on it but that does not detract from its interest.  It simply shows its history.  The piece is 1 1/4 by 3/4 inches rectangular.  This is a very unusual and memorable necklace.   $485.US.
preColumbian beads Peru   AM530.   Here is a charming group of shell animals strung onto 18 inches of shell/spondylus beads.  The spotted animal (jaguar?) is 7/8 inches across.  The central bead is a rough triangle.  These are beautiful warm colours against the skin.   $235.US.
preColumbian beads Peru   AM531.   This strand is very unusual as the grey beads are pyrite.  Because pyrite is essentially metal/iron the 22 inch long strand has an unusually heavy weight to it.  I am told that they can be polished up, but have not tried and do like them exactly how they look now.  The metal grey is an attractive contrast with the colours of the shell.   $260.US.
preColumbian beads Peru   AM532.   There are two very different strands of beads here.  Necklace #1 definitely needs to be restrung as it is fishing line without a clasp.  The beads are over 22 inches long and attractive sturdy flat rectangles.  They had been buried and show the signs of time underground.  The colour is a good rich deep orange, the pride of Peru.  The pendant on this strand is a bird and the wonderful thing about this clay bird, is that it is a whistle and you can blow a sharp loud sound on it.  The tail has an old chip on it but it still looks natural and good - it does not detract.   $325.US.   Strand #2 is that beautiful rich, deep orange (sometimes reaching a warm red) colour of spondylus from Peru.  The necklace is 19 inches long and the central pendant is 1 1/4 inches long.  The longest shell bead is just over 1 1/4 inches.  The colour is just amazing.   $255.US.   (#2 is sold)
preColumbian beads Peru   AM533.   The discs on this necklace sit very nicely when worn.  The largest one is stone and just under 1 inch in diameter.  The largest shell one is 3/4 inch in diameter.  The entire strand is 20 inches long and again, beautiful rich orange spondylus shell.   $225.US.
preColumbian beads Peru   AM534.   There are two strands here with beads very similar to the ones that Robert Liu shows on page 138 of "Collectible Beads".   Necklace #1 is 27 inches long.  I love the creamy feeling (and colour) of very old shell beads.  The way that they have been worn and smoothed gives them a great finish.  There is a nice variety of beads here and among them you can see the signs of time - the enlarged holes from string wearing against them, the shapes of the beads altered by others having rubbed against them for years, and marks left on the beads hundreds of years ago.  Quite wonderful.   $385.US.   Necklace #2 is ready to wear though I am always happier myself if cotton/silk or polyester cord is used rather than fishing line.  The long beads are nicely doubled up and then strands passing through single sputnik shaped beads.   There is a little more than 20 inches of beads which sit very nicely.  The bone beads have that softness and smoothness that comes with age and wear.   $385.US.   (#2 is sold)
preColumbian beads Peru   AM535.   There are two strands of beads here, each with nice flat shell slices for a bit of drama.  They look great when worn.  Necklace #1 has 22 inches of shell and spondylus beads with pendants all around.  The central pendant is 2 inches tall, smooth on one side and textured on the other.  The preColumbian aesthetic was always interesting and attractive.  The colours have a very natural sense to them and look great against the skin.   $395.US.   Necklace #2 is a heavier variation.  The beads going around are sturdier with them going around just under 20 inches.  The side pendants are closer together and the central pendant is 2 3/8 inches tall.  Again the colours are creamy variations of brown, orange, pinkish - looking great against the skin.  This should be restrung - one of the brick coloured beads has been improperly strung and sits sideways, and too much of the fishing line shows at the back.  A nice cord would work perfectly and would not take long to do...  $450.US.
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glass & stone preColumbian beads   AM537.   This is an early traded strand of rare glass beads, brought to South America by the Spanish.  The colour of the wound beads is deeper and richer than on the photo.  Strung onto the strand is a preColumbian Sinu shell double holed pendant, and some Mexican stone pieces.  There are 10 small stone carvings here.  Three of them are people, one is a three sided carving representing an animal I think, and the rest are spear shaped.  The necklace is ready to wear, delicate and beautiful.  There are 20 inches of beads with a 1/2 inch long shell pendant.  The little men are just under 1/2 inch tall.   $385.US.

assortment of stone beads
I have a new collection of preHispanic stone beads from Mexico.  They come from across the country starting at Guerrero on the west, across the State of Mexico, Morelos, Tlaxcala and the State of Veracruz to the east.  

It is always an adventure for me - what lies waiting for me to discover...

So please check the listings below.  The real items are much more attractive than the photos - I just can't seem to do the pieces justice.

A note is - that the beads do dry over the years and many collectors like to oil the beads to bring up their colour and textures.  Some rub beads on their foreheads for skin oil, others use skin cream (that is what I use as cooking oils change their smell over time) or a commercial oil.  Whatever suits the bead owner the best, works the best...















pre Columbian greenstone beads   AM539.   I don't have a scale that will check the weight of these beads accurately.  The closest I can come is a guess at 1 1/2 pounds or so, so shipping is more expensive than average.  The bead that is partly shown in the preview photo is 1 5/8 inch across at the widest and 1 1/4 inches across at the narrower end.  It is 1 inch tall.  The longer tubular bead is 2 inches long.  The entire strand is about 21 inches long and has a real variety of shapes of greenstone beads on it, most coming from the state of Morelos.  This could be a good foundation for a preHispanic collection of stone beads at a bargain price of  $500.US.  If you collected the beads individually they would cost at least twice as much.
heavy stone preHispanic beads   AM540.   Here is another heavy rock strand with a variety of beads on it.  The central bead illustrated in the preview photo is 1 5/8 inch across at the widest, 1 inch at the narrowest and is just under 1 inch tall.  Beads could be used individually as central points of interest on a necklace.  Even a bead strung onto a cord has a great time evoking look to it.  This measures about 22 inches in length.   $450.US.
preHispanic stone beads Mexico   AM542.   This 18 1/2 inch long strand of beads is nicely put together and ready to make into a necklace just as it is.  I like the contrast between the dark tubular beads and the lighter spacers.  The colours are rich and interesting and curious to spend time examining.  The strand came out of the state of Veracruz.   $350.US.  
preHispanic stone beads Mexico   AM543.   These two strands of preColumbian beads (in Mexico they are referred to as being preHispanico or antiguo) are well shaped and nicely graduated to make perfect necklaces.  The smaller strand is just under 18 inches long with the largest bead at the front being 11/16 inch in diameter and 3/8 inch thick.  The smallest beads are just under 3/8 inch in diameter.  The colours are good and rich with lots of speckled beads for interest.   $450.US.   The larger strand of beads is 24 inches long with the largest bead at the front being 1 inch in diameter and 3/4 inch thick at the widest.  The smallest bead on the strand is 7/15 inch in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick.  The graduation of sizes of beads on this strand is excellent.  One could easily use this to make both a necklace and a bracelet.  The greenstone beads are great in colour, some with wide streaks of white in them and others with a mottled pattern.   $580.US.
preHispanic stone beads Mexico   AM545.   This is a pale grey preColumbian stone necklace from Tlaxcala.  There is a lot of texture to the 20 inches of beads.  The beads have not been washed and they could use a soaking as they have been buried for hundreds of years.   $220.US.
preHispanic stone beads Mexico   AM546.   This is quite an odd necklace and if you are delicately set, it isn't for you.  This is a stone necklace (from the State of Morelos I believe) with some smooth and some rougher beads on it.  I have left it strung exactly as it was when I bought it.  There are 18 inches of beads but it is the pendant that is the special item - it is shaped like a penis, 3 1/4 inches long.  I know this piece has had a special significance but haven't had the chance to read up on it.  Here is something to research - my dealer in Mexico had great fun showing it to me.   $600.US.
preHispanic stone figure Mexico   AM548.   This character from Puebla is crude in some ways - the texture of him is rough on both sides - is it volcanic rock?  It certainly looks like that to me.  Driving to the city of Puebla one sees the famous snow covered Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl as well as Malinche which is sitting dormant.  There is much volcanic rock in the area from years gone by.  This man has a stringing hole that will take a reasonable cord.  He is 3 1/8 inches tall and has a strong and direct stance.   $145.US.
preHispanic stone figures Mexico   AM549.   These three pieces are from Puebla.  The first two are not pierced but used to hold or to display.   #1 is 2 7/8 inches tall and slightly curved outwards.  The back has a crust on it from years gone by.  You can distinguish the line between the legs and barely see where the mouth is - all has been very worn over time.   $125.US.   #2 is quite 3-dimensional and 2 1/4 inches tall.  All of the lines are quite clear with most of the wear occuring at the forehead and feet.  It is a mottled pale green and very attractive.   $145.US.   #4 is 2 3/8 inches tall and has a stringing hole at the top.  You can see a little dent where it is in the photo, so it can be hung as a pendant.  It is quite plain with spread legs, a straight mouth and clear ears.   $125.US.
preHispanic stone figures   AM551.   Here are two very expressive face pendants - better in real life than in the photo.  Pendant #1 is a rich brown with a slightly lopsided face with the hole off to one side a little.  It is 2 7/8 inches tall and has a stringing hole large enough for a good cord.   $145.US.   Pendant #2 once had two stringing holes, one at each side.  Only one still exists as the other has worn through many years ago.  A fastening could be made circling that area of the face though as it is indented a bit.  The face has been very nicely carved with a fair bit of detail.   $120.US.   (#2 is sold)
Mexican preHispanic stone pendants   AM552.   Both of these pendants have good holes for suspension although they are quite heavy so one would have to make sure that the stringing cord is very strong.   Pendant #1 is slightly over 2 1/2 inches tall.  The nose is what strands out the most clearly carved into the pale hard greenstone.  The back is quite flat.  I don't think that this has changed very much from the shape of the rock as it was found in the state of Morelos long long ago.  $75.US.   Pendant #2 has a good hole for stringing too.  It was packed with dirt from burial but I gave it a quick cleaning.  The pendant is 1 7/8 inches tall and quite think.  It is carved of a very hard greenstone.   $75.US.
Mexican preHispanic stone pendants   AM553.   Both of these pendants are made of a very hard black stone.  Pendant #1 is quite curious making me think of the shape of a dog style of animal.  The shaping of the eyes points towards what appears to be the snout.  At the end of the snout (you can almost see on the photo) is a circular indentation which I imagine is the mouth.  This had a hole for hanging but it has worn through so this is a piece working best for display.  $50.US.   Pendant #2 is just over 1 1/4 inches tall with soft groovings (seen more clearly in real life) to indicate the eyes and the mouth.  It has a good hole for hanging with.   $75.US.
Mexican preHispanic stone pendants   AM554.   The first piece here was once a head pendant carved of stone but the holes have worn through - they are clearly visible on the back.  It is a great piece for display though with a clear and simple face.  $30.US.   Pendant #2 is 1 inch tall stone pendant with a vibrant face.  The stringing hole goes straight through his forehead.   $45.US.   (#2 is sold)
preHispanic Mexico carvings   AM555.   These two carved stone pieces from Mexico have both been broken hundreds of years ago.  They are still attractive and interesting.  Piece #1 is an expressive face of black stone - 2 inches tall.  It was once a pendant but the top with the stringing hole is missing - the stone is just rought at the top.   $35.US.   Piece #2 is the top half of a body.  The face has been damaged with a rather crushed top of head and nose, and the piece has been broken roughly at the waist.  It still carries a long story with it.   $35.US.
preHispanic stone beads   AM559.   Beads and whorls.  #1 - $45.US.   #2 - $45.US.   #3 - $40.US.   #4 - $50.US.   #5 - $50.US.   #6 - $40.US.   #7 - $55.US.
preHispanic stone beads Mexico   AM560.   Spindle whorls.   #1 - $75.US.   #2 -  $50.US.   #3 - $45.US.   #4 - $65.US.   #5 - $75.US.   #6 - $50.US.
preHispanic stone beads   AM561.   Most of these beads are very well rounded and needed a lot of work to make them so smooth as well.   Bead #1 - 1 1/4 inch diameter   $25.US.   Bead #2 - 1 5/8 inch diameter   $65.US.   Bead #3 - 1 1/16 inch diameter   $20.US.   Bead #4 - 1 1/4 inches diameter   $40.US.   Bead #5 - 1 1/2 inches diameter   $50.US.   Bead #6 - 1 3/8 inch diameter   $40.US.   Bead # 7 - 1 1/16 inch diameter   $35.US.   Bead #8 - 1 3/8 inch diameter   $55.US.   Bead #9 - 1 1/2 inch diameter   $65.US.   Bead #10 - 1 1/4 inch diameter   $50.US.   Bead #11 - 1 3/8 inch diameter   $40.US.   Bead #12 - 1 1/8 inch diameter   $20.US.
preHispanic stone beads Mexico   AM562.   I have a nice collection of stone rocks here so that you could simply string one onto a necklace rather than buy an entire necklace.  They are all a good size.   Bead #1 is 2 1/4 inches long and 1 3/8 inches wide.   $55.US.   Bead # 2 is smooth and black.  $50.US.   Bead #3 is 1 1/2 inches long.  $30.US.   Bead #4 has a rather odd shape and a great delicate colour.   $30.US.   Bead #5 is 1 1/4 inches long and only partly cleaned.   $20.US.    Bead #6 is a wide flat bead.  It is 1 5/8 inches wide and just under 1 inch thick.   $35.US.   Bead #7 is 1 3/4 inches long.   $45.US.   Bead #8 is a very nicely cut, nicely smoothed, well shaped bead.   $75.US.   Bead #9 has been shaped a bit on the sides so that it dips in and out 3 times.   $35.US.   Bead #10 is an extra heavy nicely smoothed slightly flattened round bead.  It is a warm brown and I think the extra weight means it has a percentage of iron in it.   $45.US.  #11 is a nicely shaped flattened round black & grey bead just under 1 1/4 inches in diameter.   $30.US.   #12 is casually shaped like a spindle whorl.  It is a nice soft green colour and shaped in an irregular but interesting way.   $55.US.  (#4 & #9 are sold)
preHispanic stone earspools   AM563.   This pale greenstone earspool is very smoothly shaped on the other side.  It is raised in an irregular way on this side.  There are no stringing holes but a cord could be knotted into it to turn it into a pendant.  This is quite heavy at 3 inches across and 1 inch at the thickest.   $120.US.
preHispanic stone earspools   AM564.   This is a monumentally attractive very large (3 5/8 inches at the widest with a 3/4 inch central hole) hard black stone earspool with a single suspension hole.  It could be an amazing pendant, perhaps hanging close to the throat.  I like it very much.   $195.US.   (sold)
preHispanic stone pendants   AM565.   Here are three heavy preColumbians pendants - each has one hole for suspension.  I don't know what #1 represents but it is an attractive oval with a carved line crossing it.  The hole is set to the side a little so it hangs on an angle which gives it a very creative and modern look.  It is rubbed to be very smooth so very nice to hold as well.   $85.US.   Pendant #2 is quite rough, pretty well like a rock with a stringing hole.   $35.US.   Pendant #3 is dark, smooth and black with a face carved into it by smooth lines crossing the stone.  The suspension hole is placed in the middle where the shape curves down a little.  It is heavy and very attractive.   $110.US.   (#1 is sold)
preHispanic stone pendants   AM566.   There are five very different bead/pendants illustrated here.  #1 represents a face but one has to imagine it.  The colour of the stone is an attractive mottled green, and there are two sets of holes in the back so that it can easily be hung with cord facing forward.   $70.US.   #2 is a pendant that once had two holes for suspension, but only one is still intact.  It is 1 1/4 inches tall.   $30.US.   #3 is a very interesting piece and I have no idea what it represents.  It is a creamy colour and still has a fair bit of coating from burial.  It hangs easily.   $65.US.   #4 is a 1 1/2 inch tall pendant with a face etched into it.  The eyes are deep and the mouth is a straight line across.  There is one stringing hole a little to one side of the middle of the top of the back.  $65.US.   #5 is simply a bead which has had its sides cut in so that it looks a little like a flower.   $25.US.
preHispanic stone earspools   AM567.   These preColumbian earspools all have holes hand drilled into them so they could be used to creat pendants.  Very attractive ones too.  Earspool #1 is just under 2 1/4 inches across, has one hole, and is made of a streaky grey stone.   $95.US.   Earspool #2 is greenstone with two sets of holes, 2 inches across (very nicely cut on the other side) and 1 inch tall.   $110.US.   Earspool #3 is mottled in browns and dull greens, 2 3/16 inches across and has two sets of holes.   $85.US.   (both sold)
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Guatemalan silver beads   AM547.   This is an old 2 meter long strand of traditional Guatemalan beads.  These are generally made of low end silver with a brassy colour at times.  They have a good look to their colour though.  The round beads are about 7/15 inch in diameter, some plain and some with cut-outs.  I have never had a strand so long - - $110.US.
silver Guadalupe pendant Mexico   AM568.   I love the good silver tokens from the past - the new ones are not at all as interesting.  This is a Virgin of Guadalupe token measuring 1 3/8 inches in diameter.  On one side is a typical 3-dimensional portrait of Guadalupe standing in the clouds.  Around her are the words "NON FECIT TALITER" and "OMNI NATIONI" with a rose next.  On the other side is a view of the basilica of Guadalupe in northern Mexico City.  Around the image of the plaza and the four main churches are the words "RECUERDO DE LA INAUGERACION DE LA PLAZA MONUMENTAL DE LA BASILICA DE GUADALUPE" and "1952 Mexico D.F."   Now there is a modern basilica as well with the image that is claimed to have been found by Juan Diego, now a saint hung in a hallway.  There are moving walkways like in an airport for people wanting to view the image - so everyone passes at one speed.  The token is  $45.US.
stone skull pendants   AM572.  
These greenstone skulls with stringing holes in the back have been carved by modern Mayans.  They use the same methods as in the past to create contemporary versions of the images.  The skulls are each a little different with individual personalities.  They have been smoothed nicely and have a rather elegant look.  They average about 7/8 inch in height.  They are  $24.US/each.
crystal skull pendants Mexico   AM573.   These skulls with stringing holes in the back have been carved by modern Mayans.  They use the same methods as in the past to create contemporary versions of the images.  The skulls are each a little different, carved in crystal as well as one small one in turquoise.  They have been smoothed nicely and have a rather elegant look.  They average about 3/4 inch in height.  They are  $20.US/each.   (#1 & #8 are sold)
preColumbian greenstone beads   AM576.   This is a nicely graduated strand of preColumbian greenstone beads from the area between Cuernavaco and Taxco.  They are nicely smoothed and the largest average 5/8 inch in diameter.  The strand has 21 inches of beads on it.   $350.US.   (sold)
preColumbian greenstone beads   AM577.   This strand of beads is waiting for some nice sturdy cord and a clasp to become a necklace.  There are 19 inches of spotted dark green preColumbian beads from the State of Guerrero.  The largest bead at the front is 7/8 inch wide and 11/15 inch in diameter.   $250.US.
preColumbian greenstone beads   AM578.   The first strand of preColumbian greenstone beads is very highly polished.  They have a very smooth finish to them.  The strand is 15 inches long, enough for a short necklace.   $250.US.   (#1 is sold)    Strand #2 has a little over 15 inches of preColumbian greenstone beads with a 1 inch long pendant in the center.  They are a little rougher than strand #1 and would also make an excellent necklace.   $250.US.
preColumbian greenstone beads   AM579.   This strand of preColumbian greenstone beads tends towards pale green, beige, and grey.  The colouring is delicate and has an interesting spotted pattern on it.  There is a little over 19 inches of beads here with a round central one measuring 7/8 inch in diameter.   $350.US.
preColumbian greenstone beads   AM580.   Here is a mixed group of preColumbian greenstone beads from the State of Guerrero.  The stone is so hard that beads were often just smoothed and holed pieces of found stone.  A number of shapes are included here - it is a very heavy strand with a 2 5/8 inch long central bead.  There is a very distinct 1 1/4 inch tall face bead as well.  The entire strand is about 22 1/2 inches long.   $375.US.  
preColumbian greenstone beads   AM581.   What a perfect strand of big (almost) round, preColumbian greenstone beads.  These are from the State of Veracruz and although I wanted to travel light, I couldn't refuse them.  There are 19 1/2 inches of beads with the central one being 1 5/8 inches across.  You need a strong neck to wear these or a statue to place them on, but I think they look excellent in a display case - they have so much power to their size and shape!   $750.US.   (sold)
preColumbian greenstone beads   AM582.   This is a rambunctious looking strand with a variety of shapes and sizes on it.  There are three face beads the largest one being 1 inch tall.  The two larger ones have very clear eyes and mouth, the third one is more subtle.  There is an attractive short (5/8 inch long) bead with two lines carved around it.  The longest bead on the strand is 2 inches long.  I liked it very much as it is so didn't unstring it to remove the masks - you get a great collection here...  $440.US.
Mexican amber beads   AM583.   These two strands of amber beads come from the southern end of the Gulf coast of Mexico.  It has a good rich colour, a natural variety of shapes, and interesting patterns within it.  The beads are not new, but not old enough to be antique - I would guess 30 or 40 years old.  Strand #1 is about 13 inches long with the largest bead being a little over 1 1/4 inches long.   $65.US.    Strand #2 is over 22 inches long with an interesting variety of shapes on it.   $115.US.   (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
Mexico silver Yalalag cross necklace   AM584.   This is a light weight silver necklace with a Yalalag cross hanging from it.  This is delicate looking, and unusual.  The necklace part is 26 inches long and just slips over the head.  The cross pendant is 3 7/8 inches long from the top loop to the bottom.   $350.US.
Mexico silver cross with stones   AM586.   This is a bold and striking pendant which is 2 1/4 inches tall.  It is studded with natural stones in various colours.  The piece would have been made within the last 50 years.   $75.US.
silvered bronze fish pendant   AM587.   I bought this dangling, wiggling copper fish in an antiques market in Mexico City but don't know where it originated from.  It moves nicely and has a great colour to it.  The piece has been hand made from flattened wires soldered together.  The piece is 4 3/4 inches tall.   $65.US.
antique earrings Guanajuato  
AM589.   I love the earrings from the city of Guanajuato, Mexico constantly filled with the chattering birds that the city is filled with.  These earrings are well over 50 years old and made in a complex style that is rarely seen these days.  Each earring has four birds decorating it.  It is impossible to see on a 2-dimensional photograph but the largest bird has a wind that stands outwards as if it was flying.  The earrings are decorated with glass turquoise coloured beads and a facet red stone.  They measure 2 inches long and dangle and move gently and beautifully.   $240.US.
Peruvian necklace   AM591.   This is a rather typical Peruvian tourist piece.  It has its charms though.  This is made from an unknown metal and is probably 30 or 40 years old.  The disc pendant is 3 inches across and the interesting chain is 15 1/2 inches long with a hook closure.   $40.US.  
Tairona beads   AM592.   I collected these pale Tairona beads over the course of a few years.  Usually the beads are a true carnelian colour or straight crystal, but these are a bit of one and a bit of the other.  These are preColumbian beads that have a sharp click when you hit one against the other.  There are six beads, with the largest being a little over 1 5/8 inches long, and the shortest 13/15 inches long.  They total 6 1/8 inches long.   $200.US.  
preColumbian stone beads Mexico   AM593.   There are two strands here of PreColumbian beads from Guerrero, Mexico.  Strand #1 is 28 inches long with the largest beads a little over 5/8 inches in diameter and the beads in general averaging 3/8 to 1/2 inches in diameter.  The beads have a nice gloss to them that isn't showing on the photo.  $350.US.   Strand #2 is 14 inches long and gently graduated.   $
175.US.
preColumbian beads Mexico   AM594.   This is a really long well sorted strand of PreColumbian beads from Guerrero, Mexico adding up to 40 inches long.  The smallest beads are less than 1/4 inch in diameter and the largest are about 1/2 inch across.  As usual, they look better in real life.   $380.US.
preColumbian beads Mexico   AM595.   Here is a 23 inch long strand of PreColumbian beads from Guerrero, Mexico.  The center tubular bead is a little over 3/4 inches long.   $270.US.
preColumbian stone beads Mexico   AM596.   This is a very attractive strand of PreColumbian beads coming from Guerrero, Mexico in the southern area.  The strand is 30 inches long.  The central beads are quite interesting, one being a spindle whorl over over 1 3/8 inches across, another being a mask face, a small ear piece, and three interesting carvings that need to be examined off the cord.  The back beads are quite strong green, a lively colour and much stronger green than average.  There are two little shell beads tucked in.   $650.US.
preColumbian stone beads Mexico   AM597.   I have a small group of beads here with the largest tubular being slightly over 2 inches, the next 1 7/8, and the next 1 1/4 inches.  The entire strand is 8 3/4 inches long.  The tubular beads are very nicely smoothed.   $160.US.
preColumbian stone pendant   AM598.   This thin slice of stone reminds me of a butterfly or a pair of wings though slightly lop-sided ones.  It is a perfect preColumbian dark grey stone pendant.  This measures 1 7/8 inch across and 1 1/5 inch tall.   $65.US.   (sold)
preColumbian shell birds   AM599.   These spondylus shell beads make up a little fleet of preColumbian birds.  The largest is 3/4 inch across and 3/4 inch tall.  There is a little rectangular block as well.  They look just beautiful as they are.  These came out of Mexico but might have been traded in from Peru or Ecuador where they are more typical.  $75.US for the group.   (sold)
preColumbian shell pendants   AM600.   These two pendant carvings made of spondylus shell are sold as a pair.  I don't want to separate them as they came from the same place from the same artist.  They came out of Mexico but may have originated in South America.  The one of the left is 1 7/8 inches tall, and the one on the right is 2 1/5 inches tall.  They are surprisingly heavy and solid feeling as shell is very dense.  They each have a pair of stringing holes just beneath their chins so could easily become pendants on a necklace or with a little wire work they could become a pair or earrings.   $315.US/for the pair
clay spindle whorl   AM601.   Here is a simply clay spindle whorl.  It is 1 1/2 inches across.  It is clearly over 100 years old but I don't know if it is old enough to be qualified to be preColumbian.  It is impossible for me to date it that specifically.  This would make a very nice pendant.    $18.US.
preColumbian stone sculpture   AM602.   This is an excellent and wearable stone statue of a man.  He has a nice curved back that must have been the original shape of the greenstone rock.  The stringing holes are at the back of the top of his head.  There are small holes about even with his elbows but one is worn through.  The second is still fine though.  His image is nicely traced into the stone.  The piece is just under 2 1/2 inches tall.   $160.US.
preColumbian stone pendant   AM603.   This is a very curious pendant.  It is made from a soft stone and has lost (during burial) most of its surface.  There are just a few small areas on the piece where you can see the darker original surface.  It has a slightly dusty surface now.  This is one of those strange pieces though, that has more than one image to it.  If you hold it in one way it looks like a bird with head, eyes, wings, and a tail.  In that case the stringing hole is just under its tail.  If you tip it and look straight at it while it is sitting on the stringing hole and tip of tail, it looks like a sitting man facing you.  The arms and face are clearly defined.  Perhaps there is another creature to see there as well - those are the two that are clear to me.  The piece is 2 1/2 inches at the longest and quite a collector's piece.   $185.US.
preColumbian cascabels   AM604.   Cascabels are bells, and these are old (preColumbian) ones in which the brass has coloured, acquired a patina and a crust on some.  They average 5/8 inch long and are separated by spondylus shell tubular beads.  The entire strand is 6 inches long.  This would make a good center section for a necklace.   $75.US.   (sold)
preColumbian stone sculpture   AM605.   Every visit I manage to find a sculptural piece.  This is a heavy stone figure with clearly defined arms, legs and face.  He has a long Mayan nose and peaceful face.  The sculpture is 4 1/2 inches tall.  $225.US.   (sold)
antique earrings Mexico   AM606.   You can see earrings like this in Oaxacan art museums.  I have a modern version on my "Mexico" pages.  The silver part of these earrings (birds) though is hundreds of years old and very traditional.  They have been newly strung with natural coral from the Gulf coast.  The earwires (new sterling silver) are very traditional of the area around Yalalag.  The pendant is 1 1/2 inches across and the entire earrings are 4 1/2 inches long.   (sold) 
antique earrings Mexico   AM607.   These earrings are antique in the traditional filigree style brought by the Spanish and Portuguese.  The Mexican (these are from Oaxaca) version has its own aesthetics.  The largest part of the earrings are 10K gold although the hanging wires for the pearls are white metal.  The pink glass stones are bright and contrast beautifully with the natural pearls.  They are very eye-catching.   $245.US.
Guatemalan earrings   AM608.   This is a sweet small pair of silver earrings from Guatemala featuring doves in the center.  They have many coloured glass dangles.  I haven't seen earrings quite like these before and like them very much.   $95.US.   
preColumbian stone beads Mexico   AM609.   Here is a 17 1/2 inch long strand of beads from just outside of Taxco Guerrero.  There is a variety of colours and shapes.  The longest bead is 2 inches long, the second is 1 7/8, and the third is 1 1/2 inches.   $300.US.
preColumbian clay beads   AM610.   There is a little more than 22 inches of clay beads from preColumbian times.  Each one is different with precise little designs carved into them.  They range from very complex to quite simple as they have been made by different people at different times. There is a nice range of colours of beads too as they were collected over time.   $255.US.
greenstone mask   AM611.   This is a fat and simple greenstone mask from the State of Guerrero, Mexico.  It has the usual stringing hole at the back of the head.  For once it is actually big enough for a small cord to go through.  It is 1 7/16 inches tall and 1 1/8 inches wide.   $85.US.
greenstone pendant   AM612.   The first thing to know about this PreColumbian pendant is that this has been broken and glued together again.  The break line is just under the inscibed line that goes all around the piece.  I would not recommend wearing this just in case it might break again.  It is great for a display though.  2 inches tall.   $25.US.   (sold)
greenstone masks   AM613.   All three of these PreColumbian greenstone masks have stringing holes of a reasonable size with no threat of breaking.  They are all safe to wear.  Mask #1 is 7/8 inches tall.   Mask #2 is 5/8 inches tall and Mask #3 is 3/4 inch tall.   $45.US/each mask.   (all three are sold)
greenstone masks   AM614.   The four PreColumbian pieces here all have good sized stringing holes - all are ready to string up and wear.  The first piece is like a leif, pale green and 1 inch tall.  $20.US.   Mask #2 is slightly over 1/2 inch tall with a very plain face.  $25.US.   Mask #3 is 1/2 inch tall - two eyes and a line across for a mouth.  $25.US.   Mask #4 is 1 inch tall.  It has two fat eyes and a bit of a smile.   $35.US.
Tairona stone beads from Colombia   AM574.   Strand #1   $245.US.   Strand #2   $245.US.   Strand #3   $245.US.   Strand #4   $245.US.
AM300.   This is an attractive 20 inch long necklace with black clay whorls and 3 stone pendants.  $275.US.
AM303.   This is a long strand of shell beads (outer strand is 22 inches long and inner strand is just under 16 inches long) suspending an odd collection of items.  A metal donut shape, a 7/8 inch long crystal bead, 2 pieces of turquoise and a fat spindle whorl...   There is enough material here to do some restringing.    $230.US.
AM304.   Strand #1 - $320.US.   Strand #2 - $320.US.
AM310.   This Tairona strand has some very large beads on it.  The longest one is 3 3/8 inches long, and the central bead is just over 2 1/4 inches long.  The length of the necklace is 19 inches.  You can certainly admire the high skills of the Tairona bead-makers in these impressive beads.  The darker bead has a line around it - it has NOT been broken.  That is an internal fracture that shows as a fine line.  It is quite attractive.  Do look at page 147 of "Collectible Beads".   $380.US.
AM316.   These preColumbian greenstone beads come from the Guerrero area outside of Taxco, just to the west of Mexico City.  They are found over time by farmers tilling their fields, collected, strung onto fishing line and sold for some extra income.  The beads have been washed but still have bits of eath, lime, etc. on them giving them a strong sense of age and burial.   Strand #1 is 18 inches long with the central bead measuring 1 inch across.   $230.US.   #2 is a little over 18 inches long, has a few interesting lopsided beads and a tubular one measuring 1 1/8 inches long.   $225.US.   (#1 is sold)
AM317.   These preColumbian greenstone beads come from the Guerrero area outside of Taxco, just to the west of Mexico City.  They are found over time by farmers tilling their fields, collected, strung onto fishing line and sold for some extra income.  The beads have been washed but still have bits of eath, lime, etc. on them giving them a strong sense of age and burial.   Strand #1 has about 18 1/2 inches of nice chunky beads.  The fattest one is 5/8 inch in diameter.   $240.US.   #2 is 17 inches long with two lopsided beads making me think of small pendants.  There is some creamy opaque quartz on this too.   $230.US.  #3 has 18 inches of beads (one broken one) - all nice and sturdy.  I am always amazed when I look at the holes drilled by hand - a huge amount of work to create ornaments coming from the earth.   $225.US. (#1 & #3 are sold)
AM322.   This preColumbian holed disc was found in west Mexico in a shaft tomb area.  It was originally collected by Lynn Langdon in the 1950s.  He was a major collector often working with archaeologists and museum curators.  This pale greenstone piece measures 1 7/8 inches across.  It has a small hole at one side and it is thought that it hung as an ear decoration.  It could easily be worn now as a pendant.  The piece has cracks going all across one side but I am told that it has never been broken - that the line is part of the stone itself.  Even though this is a hard stone, I would be careful not to drop it while wearing it or bang it against anything equally hard.  This has a great old worn feeling to it and is dated C.300BC to 300AD.   $175.US.
AM325.   This is a nicely polished 24 inch long strand of carnelian beads made by the Tairona of Colombia (900-1500AD).  The central bead is 1 1/2 inches long.  The colour is a little more muted that I could show on the scan.  These are very nicely cut and full of life.   $410.US.
AM328.   Here are 3 Tairona preColumbian stone frogs along with a slice of a bird.  The bird is 1 1/4 inches long from end of beak to tail.  The frogs are quite 3 dimensional and best seen in real life.  #1 is not a frog but a clenched fist, a popular symbol in south America $80.US.   #2 is $150.US.   #3 is $110.US.   and #4 is $75.US. (#1 is available)
AM331.   This very manly piece was made from an antler horn of a small deer from the state of Guerrero, Mexico.  It was created in Taxco, one of the silver smithing centers of Mexico.  This can hang like a talisman or hold a set of keys...  The piece is signed but I can't quite make it out.  The antler itself measures about 5 1/2 inches in length, and the entire piece including silver caps, chain and connector is 11 inches long.  I had never seen a piece like this before and was quite amused by it.    $220.US.
AM332.   Here is a beautifully made, typically styled bracelet and earrings from Taxco.  Taxco is not producing a lot of jewellery that could have been made anywhere in the world, and I always search for the pieces that reflect on Mexican history instead.  The pieces are sterling silver and set with amethysts, turquoise and glass representing the colour of coral.  The bracelet is 8 inches long and 1 1/4 inches wide.  The earrings hang 3 inches long.  The pieces are just beautiful and very well made.  $465.US for the set.
AM335.   These are good heavy preColumbian stone beads from an old collection which was formed in the mid-1900s.  I don't think that they were used as beads to wear but the holes were smoothed through so that they could sit on a rod - performing some sort of function.  The tall bead $4 is 2 inches tall and just under 1 1/4 inch in diameter.  Bead #5 has a broken part this is old and worn.  #2 is the largest - 1 1/8 inches tall and 1 5/8 inches in diameter.   #1 - $120.US.   #2 - $140.US.   #3 - $120.US.   #4 - $150.US.   #5 - $100.US.   #6 - $130.US.   (#4 is available, the rest are sold)
AM337.   There are two charming strands of beads here, both made mostly of shell, and both with spindle whorls as the bottom pendants.  Strand #1 has 28 inches of beads and a 2 inch long pendant composed of beads.  The clay spindle whorl is 1 inch in diameter.  There are also some small clay and stone spindle whorls on the strand.  It has a great combination of soft colours and textures.  It does need to be restrung.   $325.US.      Strand #2 has 28 inches of beads with a 1 3/8 inch long pendant.  The bottom bead is 7/8 inch across in diameter.  The shell beads have a rusty brown tone, all different shapes, textures, and polishes.  This needs restringing before wearing as it is just done on fishing line.   $325.US.
AM338.   The central part of this necklace - the pendant - is a gold Tairona nose ornament which is I think is more comfortable being worn from a strand of beads instead.  The piece is a lost wax casting with lovely spirals on the outsides (broken away a little on one side - but that happened hundreds of years ago and is softened as if it was alway like that...  or perhaps it was - perhaps the casting didn't work out perfectly....  This is a high karat gold with a beautiful colour to it.  It is now a pendant and hangs from a strand of beautiful deeply coloured turquoise and sodalite beads with a little shell as well.  There are 3 glass beads as well which must have been from an early trade.   Above the pendant is a shell spindle whorl with holes patterned around it for decoration.  They most likely originally had little bits of turquoise pressed into the holes.  The strand of beads is 18 inches long and the length of the pendant section is 1 7/8 inches.  The gold piece is 2 inches wide.  A new gold fill "S" hook and beads are used for the clasp.  This is very very beautiful.   $1600.US.
AM342.   Here are two strands of beads brought from Peru and made larely of shell.  Strand #1 is 26 inches long plus pendant.  The beads have shell tending to purple mixed with shells tending towards orange.  They look great together.  There are also greenstone rectangular pendants running down the sides of the necklace.  These have a number of holes in them and in preColumbian days would have been used to suspend a number of strands of beads.  They look great flaring out as they do.  There are also some wider shell discs as well as some small thin copper discs between the beads.  There are also two regular shells strung on looking great close to the 1 1/4 inch wide donut shaped pendant at the bottom.   $365.US.    Strand #2 is 31 inches long plus pendant.  It has some good sized shell ovals and tubes divided by orange shell disc beads.  The pendant at the very bottom is 1 inch across.  This is a very warm variety of shades and is very attractive.   $365.US.
AM347.   This is an amazing small amethyst bead from South America.  It is pinker in real life than on the scan.  The bird is 7/8 inches long from end of bead to end of tail.  It stands 13/16 inch tall with the hole about half way down.  Because of where the hole sits, if the piece is strung onto a cord, it hangs upside down as the weightiest part is the bird.  I do not know how it was meant to be used, other than look beautiful in a collection. I was told by a knowledgeable customer though that it might be a "Atlatl weight.  The atlatl was a spear or dart thowing device depending upon the culture, time period and design".  If you look at the base in the scan you will see that part of it is clear quartz which suddenly transforms into amethyst.  There is no break in the piece there, just a sudden internal change of colour.  The end of the tail is clear quartz as well.  I have held onto this piece for about 20 years now but don't pay enough attention to it, so it needs a new home.   $850.US.
AM352.   The central bead on this Tairona (from Colombia as above) group of beads is quite special.  I love the beads which narrow in their middle areas, and are slim and long.  This piece of crystal is almost 3 inches long and has perfect conical holes drilled into it.  You can see a similar bead on page 147 of "Collectible Beads" where Liu says "The flared ends of the beads make the lapidary work a tour de force."  The necklace is 20 inches long and a dark carnelian "bullet bead" sits at each end of the crystal.  Very impressive.  The carnelians around the necklace are quite full of life.   $550.US.
AM354.   Here is an attractive strand of carnelian stone beads made by the Tairona people of Colombia.  (a Chiefdom level society from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria of Colombia - 200BC until 1650 AD)  These beads are warm and curious with all kinds of patterns in them, mostly made by stripes of quartz.  The beads are glossy and alive.  The center bead is 1 1/4 inches long and the entire necklace is 20 inches long.  Very attractive.   $475.US.
AM361.   Here are two sodalite strands of beads from Peru.  These are often sold as "preColumbian" but truly they have been made in recent times - probably being made in the last 200 years or so.  They have a good typical look to them and would a highlight a preColumbian pendant or a specially carved bead.  They are much less expensive that the true preColumbian as well - $155.US/each strand.
AM362.   This is a museum reproduction piece replicating a Mixtec pendant in the Regional Museum of the State of Oaxaca located in the Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo in the city of Oaxaca.  If you click on the name of the museum above and then scroll down to the treasures of Monte Alban Archaeological Ruins Tomb 7 you will see the original piece.  This is an amazing likeness.  A helpful researcher found images of the original for me so that I could identify where it was from.  This is hand made (not cast) of sterling silver and then lightly gold plated.  I think it is a great colour as is, but if you want to bring it back to silver any jeweller can give it a quick dip to take surface colour off.  This joined pendant is 9 inches tall, and the bells at the bottom ring clearly and strongly.  The piece is very evocative to me.  It has a big loop at the back so that you could wear it as a pendant - the loop is thick enough for a rope of velvet or a hand-made cord - something that your imagination decides on.  There is also a pendant closure.  I do think this is quite wonderful.   $395.US.
AM364.   These beads have come from Guatemala and combine local coins with beads which were traded in over the years.  They were collected by a well respected bead researcher/collector back in the 1960s or so, and have sat in his collection until now.  Wearing the strands with the coins brings luck along with the showing of silver.  Strand #1 is 17 1/2 inches long and could be restrung with a clasp into a necklace.  The coins are 1 REAL, dating from 1885 to 1912.  The beads are Venetian white hearts, a couple of Czech "rice" beads, and some hollow blue glass from China.  - $145.US.   Strand #2 is a collection of trade beads in gorgeous shades of blue and turquoise accented with pink, yellow and orange.  They are gorgeous and the strand measures 18 inches in length.  - $145.US.   Strand #3 is mostly red grade beads from Bohemia/Czechoslovakia.  This is 26 inches long, and again, would make a great necklace.  - $145.US.   Strand #4 is made for religious purposes as an item to hold onto, to put in a special place, and to carry to the church.  The 1 5/8 inch long cross is silver, has a silver bead above it - - and the tiny coins (7/16 inch across) are 1/4 REAL each.  They date from the late 1800s.  There is one golden blown glass bead here, as well as balls of coloured wool.  Enchanting.  $175.US.    (#2 is sold)
AM365.   Here are three strands of beads from Guatemala, originally bought from the people there by a well respected bead researcher/collector back in the 1960s or so.  They continue to be collectible, and would make great necklaces as well.  Strand #1 is 24 inches long, and the Venetian red white-hearts are contrasted with pale yellow vaseline beads as well as Guatemalan coins - REALES.  The reales range in date from 1900 to 1911. - $135.US.   Strand #2 has 28 inches of beads with lots of reales in-between as well as yellow vaselines.  There are two 1/4 reales tucked in as well as one 1/2 real.  They date between 1900 and 1911.  With some spacers this could make a double stranded necklace.  - $325.US.   Strand #3 is 25+ inches long, has an orange tinged version (rare) of Venetian whitehearts, yellow vaselines and a group of reales.  They date from 1900 to 1912.  - $225.US.  (#2 is sold)
AM367.   Strand #1 is an attractive mixed collection of Guerrero beads in shades of pale pale green, cream, and grey.  It is 17 1/2 inches long plus pendant and could be re-arranged into something very terrific - $350.US.   Strand #2 is very eclectic in its variety of beads.  The strand is over 19 inches long and would be good in a collection or turned into a necklace - $390.US.    (#2 is sold)
AM369.   This is a well worked preColumbian grooved stone block decorated with cut stripes.  This measures 2 5/8 inches long, 1 1/2 inches tall, and 1 3/4 inches wide and is made of a dark roughly hewn volcanic rock.  A strap would have been fastened around the indented center.   I saw one very much like this in a museum in Mexico in San Luis Potosi placed next to a piece of paper.  It is known as a "bark beater" and used to pound bark to make it soft and sticky enough to work with - to create textiles or paper.  $145.US.
AM371.   Sculpted stone face, beautifully done in preColumbian style but contemporary carving.  Looking at this it is hard to believe it is a copy as it is so well done.  The face is 2 1/4 inches tall so would be quite impressive on a necklace.  It has the typical four stringing holes in the back so it could be used in a number of ways.  It would also look great in a display.   $185.US.
AM376.   This is my last contemporary piece carved by a Mayan out of crystal - in the same manner as the old and famous carvings.  History is being brought into the current age.  This standing figure is 2 3/4 inches tall, can stand on his own (but that wouldn't be a safe way to leave him if the table gets jiggled at all), and has stringing holes at the top of his back.  This is more attractive than I could show in the photo and would make an amazing centerpiece on a necklace.   $165.US.
AM378.   Here is a Tairona preColumbian bead strand with a contemporary brass pendant.  There are 24 inches of beads, both shell and stone clasping a flat brass pendant.  It does look good but would be nice with an old piece in the center.    $300.US.
AM379.   This Tairona bead strand has a wonderful pale green preColumbian pendant.   The strand is 26 inches of shell with a 7 1/2 inch long beaded pendant hanging from it (shell and stone)..  The figure hanging from the bottom is of a man, 1 5/8 inches tall.  He has a very poetic face and I like him very much.  As is, this can slip over your head but if it was mine I would feel more secure restringing it first.   $550.US.
AM380.   Greenstone preColumbian State of Guerrero bead strand 22 inches long.  At the back is a broken earspool.  It is attractive nevertheless and would look great in a collection.  It is in a great mossy green colour.  The pendant of the necklace has been mounted at some point 50 or so years ago.  It is a dark green marbled preColumbian face which has been set into gold which is marked as 14K.  The necklace needs restringing, but all that you need is there other than the clasp.  $650.US.
AM381.   This strand of preColumbian Tairona shell and stone beads has a centerpiece of a nose clip.  It was once gilded with gold and still has a very small trace of it remaining.  The necklace itself is just under 24 inches long.  the pendant/nose piece is 7/8 inches tall and just under 1 3/4 inches at the widest.   $330.US.
preColumbian carnelian beadsAM390.   I have rarely acquired nice large roundish carnelian beads from the Tairona people of Colombia before.  Here though, is 218 grams of good substantial beads.  The strand is 23 inches long and has no clasp, but for me it slips easily over my head.  The beads are nicely graduated with smaller carnelian beads in-between.  The largest central bead is 3/4 inch long and 1 inch in diameter.  I haven't had a strand of round beads of this size before...   $900.US.
AM258.   I have four cutting tools - preColumbian celts here that came from the area of Copán in Honduras which was occupied between AD 400 and 800.  They are smoothed beautifully and very worn from use so that they have the smoothness of silk when held in the hand.  #1 is 1 7/8 inches long and an attractive buff colour with darker lines running through it.  $75.US.   #2 is 2 inches long and has lots of the grain of the stone showing though it has been well smoothed in use.  The cutting edge is nicely polished.  $55.US.   #3 is the fattest and widest.  It is 3 1/8 inches long just over 3/4 inch thick.  I love holding it in my hand.  The edges curve to a point very gracefully.  $195.US.   #4 is a beauty as well.  It measures just over 3 inches in length and is again gracefully cut.  Looking at it from the side makes me think of perfection.  $165.US.
AM264.   I have some strands of rough  ApreColumbian beads from Guerrero, Mexico.  These are fairly rough beads where much work was taken to cut stringing holes into the beads, but less was taken to reshape the beads.  These were very popular for over 1000 years...  and were recently dug up in farmers' fields outside of Taxco, Mexico...   #1 is 22 inches long plus pendant bead.   #2 is 28 inches long (finer beads) plus pendant bead.  (#2 is sold)   #3 is 25+ inches long.   - $175.US/each strand.
AM270.   I know very little about these two volcanic rock statues which I bought at auction.  These two fellows can actually stand up, though the first one is more stable than the second.  Statue #1 is 5 1/8 inches tall and has very clear clenched teeth and hands touch each other across his stomach.  Statue #2 is 4 inches tall, has half closed eyes and a dreamy smile.  They are both nicely rounded with flattish backs.  These have been buried for an awful long time.  When I look at the pieces with a magnifier the carving looks very old (preColumbian makes sense) and eroded over time.  The research on these pieces will be up to the customer.  Each statue is $165.US.   (#2 is sold)
AM273.   There are three strands here of Mezcala beads, each with a pendant at the bottom representing a human figure.  These are protective pieces.  Necklace #1 is 17 inches long with a 2 inch long pendant.  The lines carved into the nicely polished stone represent the head and body of a person.   $350.US.    #2 is a little more complex.  The strand is about 17 inches long and has some tubular beads on it as well as a carnelian.  The pendant is 2 1/3 inches long and clearly shows eyes, mouth, shoulders and feet.  It is a lovely pale green.   $400.US.   (#2 is sold)   Strand #3 is just over 16 inches long with a pendant measuring 2 1/4 inches.  It is very polished with a gentle curve in its shape and has some very simple lines chiselled into it.  I think that one at the front indicates the mouth and two slanted ones indicate where the arms are.  It is very subtle but again, beautiful.   $350.US.    (#3 is available)
AM283.   These preColumbian stone beads and pendants are all figurative.  I am repeating here what I said next to AM271:  "These are from the people living in the area of the Mezcala River of northern Guerrero in Mexico.  The Mezcala and Chontal lived their culture fully from about 1200BC to 200AD.  They worked very much in stone, and with their need of effigies to work with their instinctive feelings of the existence of an afterlife, much of their stonework depicted faces or figures.  In the beginning, they generally worked with stones which they kept in their basic shapes and made the simplest eyes and mouths.  They would often use grooves to distinguish heads from torsos, and mark wedge shaped cuts to define the legs.  Entire communities, including the children would work at shaping and marking stone pieces and as time went on they became more complex and realistic."   - $5 is the last one available.
#1 is a triangulated pendant 2 1/8 inches long with eyes and a mouth carved into it.  $45.US.    #2 is a 1 3/8 inch tall figural pendant.  You can see the carving distinguishing the head from the body as well as angles where the arms finish.  $40.US.     #3 is the same style of figural pendant which also has eyes and a mouth carved into it.  It is a rather rough stone.  $40.US.     #4 is a bead with the hole going from top to bottom.  It is also shows a human with subtle indications of the body.   $45.US.     #5 is 1 7/8 inches tall pendant and illustrated a face.  The eyes and the mouth look out simply.  The pendant has been carved into an attractive shape and I wonder if it indicates the shape of the ears framing the face.   $45.US.   #6 is a small pale green polished little person pendant.  It is 7/8 inch tall and very perfectly made.  $35.US.    #7 is a piece of the imagination.  The stringing hole goes across the top from one side to the other.  It just has the general form of a person - a rather ghostly one.  $35.US.    #8 is a pendant carved as a frog.  It has been carved into its general shape and leaves the rest to the imagination.  $45.US.     #9 is a 1 1/4 inch tall bead with the hole going from top to bottom.  The shape of the human is clearly shown and he is a lovely pale green.  $45.US.      #10 is a face pendant   It has two eyes and a goofy smile and an irregular shape.  It is charming.  $40.US.      (#5 is available - all others are sold)
AM284.   Here are more pieces as above, just smaller in general.   #1 has simple implications of a body.  It is 1 1/5 inches tall.  $35.US.    (#1 is sold)    #2 is a rather spaced out looking face.  $28.US.   (#2 is sold)    #3 is a small (just under 1 1/4 inchestall) figure.  It has a circle drilled on one side too like an eye so I wonder if someone changed their mind as they were making it.  $25.US.    (#3 is sold)   #4 is 1 1/8 inches tall and has vague implications of a body.  $30.US.   (#4 is sold)   #5 is a rather odd shape - a rather erratic looking stone.  It has two eyes and is lightly polished.  $35.US.    #6 is a very smoothly polished face pendant with two eyes and a mouth on the face which stands out further than the rest of the body.  $35.US. (#6 is sold)  #7 is a clear face 1 3/8 inches tall - with large eyes and a mouth that has the slightest hint of a smile.  $35.US. (#7 is sold)    #8 is a triangulated bead with a stringing hole passing from one side to the other at the top.  It is a dark green face with eyes, mouth and chin shown clearly.  $35.US.   (#8 is sold)   #9 is a tiny (over 3/4 inch tall) pale green person with eyes, mouth and chin shown clearly.  It is rather delicate looking compared with the other pieces, but good solid stone nonetheless.  $30.US.  (#9 is sold)     (#5 is available - all others are sold)
AM285.   There are three good sized preColumbian pendants from the Mezcala people here.  The widest one is 1 3/4 inches across.  These are very natural looking old pieces with the look of being buried with them.  They can be cleaned further but many people like to see their beads with their age showing on them.  Bead #1 is $45.US.    Bead #2 is $35.US.    Bead #3 is $50.US.   (all are sold)
AM226.   I rarely see these pieces, other than very modern cast copies.  This is an antique silver pin (which is probably just a little less than .925 sterling) measuring 5 1/3 inches from top to bottom and it is meant to hold a woman's cloak shut.  It is 3 1/3 inches wide from the ends of the bird wings on the sides.  The pin is partly cast (birds, flowers, and hand at the bottom) and partly cut from sheet silver - -  wings and flourished tails of the three standing birds at the top.  The holders of the 4 glass pieces in the front are pegged into the cast piece with fat silver studs.  In the Andes, in Peru and Bolivia, in the chill winds, these were important and expressive pieces.  This one has been beat up a little but that is from its long wear.  Something would have been fastened to the chain at the bottom, perhaps a little bell or a coin or another cast bird.  One could attach some little piece of their own.  It is a great piece to sit dramatically in a collection, but with the strong sturdy pin at the back, it can also be worn.  $185.US.
AM234.   This strand of Nueva Cádiz beads is from the same group as the strands above (AM232) - a historical description is given there.  The beads above are glossier, with these being slightly darker in colour and showing more surface effects than the others.  The strand is quite fascinating as there are a few different styles of beads (of equal age) strung together.  There are beads with a very light aqua core, as well as beads with a deep, night sky blue.  There are some beads that are more delicate than others, as well as a bead that has a huge stringing hole running through it so that it has almost no core glass.  A number of the beads are twisted with some variety to them.  This is an excellent museum worthy strand which will add to any collection.  22 inches of beads.  $550.US.
AM235.   There are three strands of preColumbian greenstone beads from Guerrero, Mexico here.  They were found a short distance from Cuernevaca in farmers' fields when the land was being tilled.  The strands are 22+ inches long and a deep dark green that is almost black in its depth.  The beads are fairly roughly shaped but can be strung together to make rather elegant necklaces like Frida Kahlo wore.  Interestingly I saw one of the original costumes worn by Selma Hayek when she played Frida, and the necklace that she wore with it was honestly made of preColumbian Guerrero beads.  I was happy to see that real beads were worn rather than duplicates.  These necklaces are $220.US/each.   (#2 is available)
AM242.   This is a very nicely coloured, polished, sleek strand of preColumbian beads from the Tairona people of Colombia.  They were the most honoured bead makers in South America.  The best carnelian is "full of life" and these certainly are.  The strand is 24 1/2 inches long, and the pendant measures 1 3/4 inches.  The beads reflect each others shapes and sizes nicely, and are strung in a very attractive order.  They do need to be restrung on something nicer than fishing line though.   $480.US.
AM243.   There are some attractive delicate carnelian beads on this preColumbian strand from the Tairona people of Colombia.  They are very graceful and nicely graduated.  The strand is 22 inches long, with the central bead being about 1 1/8 inches long and a little under 3/4 inch across.  This can be strung to be a very graceful necklace.  $350.US.
AM247.   Here is a terrific grey clay pre-Columbian bird, happy to swing, with wings tucked up - - from a strand of shell beads.  The bird sits nicely in my hand.  He is simply shaped and has lines on his sides for wings, a closed bead and round eyes.  He has been chipped a little in the past, but those pieces have been nicely rubbed so that the appearance is of a few ruffled feathers.  While sitting, the head of the bird is 1 1/3 inches taller than his tummy.  The bird is 1 3/4 inches long at his longest.  The strand of beads is 22 inches long.  I can barely pull it over my head so most people would need the beads to be re-strung with a clasp.  very charming.   $265.US.
AM249.   Two strands of preColumbian beads from the Tairona people of Colombia.  Strand #1 has three lovely pieces of quartz on it as well as two tiny, perfect "bullet" beads.  It is 16 1/2 inches long and has a new clasp at the end.   $380.US  (#1 is sold)    Strand #2 is 17 1/2 inches long, and has some nice longish beads on it.  It also has a new clasp at the end.   $360.US.   (#2 is available)
AM199.   Here are some individual preColumbian beads from the state of Guerrero, Mexico.  They are priced on the scan.  These are good sized beads, rough in shape, and having amazing holes cut from the hard stone that they are made off.  The top bead is 1 3/8 inches across at the widest, and the bottom bead is a little over 1 1/4 inch long.  They would make great hunks sitting individually on a heavy cord.   (#2 is available)
AM200.   Here is one more strand of heavy stone beads from Guerrero, Mexico - found by farmers between Cuernevaca and Taxco.  There are about 7 1/2 inches of beads, the longest one being 1 5/8 inches long and flattened on one side.  These beads will have a bit of a gleam to them if they are oiled with some natural lotion.  Right now they are still dusty from having been buried for so long.  $200.US.
AM203.   These preColumbian beads come out of a collection that was sold at auction but the name of the previous owner was not given.  The back of the male pendant amulet has some numbers written on it, but they don't provide information.  The beads are Mexican though, and most likely from the south half of the country.  The stones of the necklace are a quiet pale olive type colour which is fairly unusual - I usually get the Guerrero greenstone strands instead.  The figure is quite elegant and tall (2 inches) and sits very nicely just below the throat.  The necklace is about 16 inches long and closed with modern silver beads and a clasp.  The piece has some delicacy....    $475.US.

AM205.   This necklace is ready to wear.  The beads are tubes and discs made of shell originating in the Sinu culture of Columbia, dating from around 600 - 1600 AD.  Their colour is a mellow cream and their surfaces have been smoothed over the years.  The centerpiece is a small, heavily patinated, bronze face pendant measuring slightly over 1 inch long.  It is preColumbian again, but I can't identify exactly where it was made.  Perhaps some research would discover some similar pieces to compare it with.  The necklace will just slip over your head as it is 24 1/2 inches long.  It just ties shut at the back.   $275.US.

AM214.   This is a sweet little necklace made up of carnelian preColumbian beads from the Tairona people of Colombia.  All except the two greenstone ones (called "jade" by some dealers)  which are from the state of Guerrero in Mexico.  The necklace is delicate and pretty.  It measures 17 inches around so sits nicely below the bottom of the neckline. The central tubular bead is slightly over 1 1/8 inch across and the beads at the end are shell and stone.  The necklace is closed with a modern sterling silver "S" hook.  $355.US.

AM215.   Three pairs of earrings are illustrated here, all bought in Mexico within the last 20 years or so.  Earrings #1 have hammered silver discs with Aztec faces elegantly showing on them.  They have rectangles hanging below them of shiny black onyx.  They look quite elegant and dramatic.  $65.US.  Earrings #2 pierce straight into the ear and have safety clips to hold them comfortably.  The top pieces have carved onyx as centerpieces.  Glass drops (1 1/8 inches long) fall beneath them.  Lovely.  $60.US.   Earrings #3 are made with amethyst.  The colour did not scan really well.  The top amethyst is quite dark in colour, a little mysterious in nature, and the pendant is a delicate colour.  The earrings from top to bottom are 1 3/8 inches long.  $45.US.   (#1 onyx & #3 amethyst are sold)
AM192.   There are three rough and tumble strands of preColumbian beads from Guerrero here.  Found, as usual in the fields of farmers they are strung into strands of about 28 inches long each.  There is quite a variety of stone ranging from almost black to creamy, some bright greens ones and a small carnelian.  With a clasp and a few spacers added in you could make two necklaces out of any one strand.  $210.US/each strand. (#1 and #3 are available)
AM160.   What am impressive strand of prcolumbian beads from Bolivia this is! The shell ones are a gorgeous warm hearty colour that would have been highly cherished.  There are some tiny greenstone beads that look like jade. There are two spindle whorls, and two strangely carved pottery beads. One creamy coloured bead looks like bone.  There are small metal beads as well.  It is an eclectic mix, and I think it looks lively and energetic and full of life.  I don't think that the beads sit well on their cord so I would restring it, and then I would cherish it.  27 inches long.   $425.US.
According to Collectible Beads, "For the precolumbian jewelry maker, shell was an important raw material, often imported over long distances by land and sea.  Prehistoric Southwest pueblo peoples followed well known routes to the Gulf of California.  Among the shells were those spondylus, the thorny oyster;  this mollusc was of even greater importance to Prehispanic South America where it had religious significance and was traded by sea routes north and south from Ecuador.  The bright orange-reds and purples of this bivalve are probably the strongest colours in the shell bead palette."   (sold)
AM111.   Three preColumbian shell pieces are illustrated here.  #1 could easily be used as a pendant.  It looks like some kind of a whistle but I am not capable of causing it to make any noise.  The piece is 4 3/4 inches long and gently curved.  On the inside of the curve are 3 holes rather like those in a flute.  There is another hole that runs the length of the piece so that the 3 holes on the side all open into the larger channel which opens at each end.  $45.US.  #2 is a necklace with a shell pendant a little over 4 inches long.  It is pierced straight through at the strung end, and has a small hole drilled across one corner of the bottom end.  The pendant is strung with small pre-Columbian shell and stone heishi beads.  The black beads at the end are new Peruvian beads though.  This is a great & wearable piece.  $145.US.  #3 is another necklace with a shell pendant.  Broader and shorter and in lovely fleshy tones, it makes a lovely slice.  Above it are two pre-Columbian beads - the tubular one is shell, and the one above it is a very dark greenstone.  The necklace beads are new Peruvian ones.   Lovely to wear.   $145.US.  (#2 is available)

 

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.........Mexico - traditional rebozos and market shopping