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 or pre-Hispanic.  If there are layers of knowledge, language, cultures, rituals and the arts then Mexico and the countries south are filled with them.
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 these pages.  There are textiles including shawls and clothing from Chiapas here:  textiles   and the first of three pages of rebozos here:  rebozos  I have also found some creative contemporary jewellery from a designer in Guadalajara, you can find it here...   I also have a new page of Mexican silver jewellery where I plan to keep adding new items to the page called Mexico Silver.
 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

To ask questions or place an order please email me at:   sales@oldbeads.com
I also have some preColumbian/preHispanic pieces on my Collections  page coming from my own collection and others. 

stone beads AM679.   This strand of preColumbian/preHispanic greenstone beads is fairly grey but attractive.  The strand measures a little over 16 inches long.  The old shell pendant in the middle is slightly over 2 inches tall.  This is ready to be made into an attractive necklace.   $300.US.
silver pin AM698.   This is a pin made of fine designs made of a delicate twisted silver wire.  The center has an enamelled image of Chac Mool laying on his throne.  This is an antique piece just over 2 1/2 inches wide and 1 5/16 inches tall.   $60.US.
preColumbian beads
AM723.   Here are two strands of preColumbian beads from the state of Morelos.  There was a rich and interesting Indigenous culture all around Mexico City.  Strand #1 is 24 inches long and nicely graduated from front to back.  The pendant at the front is a little over 5/8 inches tall.  These are attractive dark stone beads with just a tinge of green to them.  $350.US.   Strand #2 is 19 inches long with a central beads that is 1 7/8 inches long.  Some of the beads still have some scaling on them from a calcium deposit acquired by being buried for so long.   $325.US.   (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
Frida image AM736.   I have three self portraits of Frida Kahlo here.  They are set in a tin frame and have a tin backing with a hanging hook attached.  The images are 3 inches by 4 1/4 inches in size.  $15.US/each.   (#1 & #3 are sold, #2 is available)
AM737.   Here is a bunch of plastic coin purses bought in Oaxaca, Mexico.  I love them and keep a collection myself holding travel money from various countries.  The bags average 3 3/4 inches wide, 3 1/2 inches tall and an inch thick and close with zippers.  This is the whole bunch.  I don't have duplicates that are not shown in the photo.   $12.US/each.
AM738.   I think these images of la Senora el Virgen de Guadalupe are stamped out of thick aluminum.  It can be easily bent so one has to be careful - and none of these are perfect.  All good, just not perfect.  You can use the pieces creatively.  I have a dozen or so sheets of them here.  The pieces are 3 3/4 inches by 5 inches.  $3.US/each.
Mexico fifties charm bracelet AM746.   This is a beautifully made charm bracelet from Mexico from the fifties or sixties.  It takes a lot of labour to shape the pieces and construct them like this so they are no longer being made to the same standards.  The piece has a good firm clasp (takes effort to open it and can't accidentally slip off) and strong chain.  It measures 7 1/4 inches around when closed.   It weighs 57grams.  $225.US.
Colombian necklace AM747.   I just found this among a lot of vintage jewellery.  It came from a very different place.  The silver pieces are "tweezers" from Colombia with the largest one in the middle measuring slightly over 1 1/2 inches tall.  One of them is still springy enough to work but the other two cannot be used without breaking them.  The necklace (which definitely needs re-stringing) is made up of vintage bone beads contrasting with shell/spondylus beads that are hundreds of years old.  The tweezers or pinchers are hundreds of years old as well.  The strand is 18 inches long.   $165.US.
preColumbian stone beads AM756.   This strand was being worn when I bought it.  A loop goes over the double holed bead, that acts as a "button".  There are 15 inches of dark brown/green beads with a round central greenstone bead an inch in diameter.  The double holed piece is slightly over 1 inch in length.  Very terrific combination.   $450.US.
preColumbian stone beads AM759.   This 22 inch long strand of stone preColumbian beads has some variety included.  The longest beads are 1 inch long.  The central bead is 1 inch long as well.   $400.US.
preHispanic stone beads AM760.   These preColumbian greenstone beads vary in colour and shape and measure to 19 inches in length.  The fattest one at the front is 5/8 inch in diameter.  There is a 1 1/4 inch long piece of shell in the back.  $360.US.
preHispanic stone beads AM762.   Here is a good heavy strand of preColumbian beads that will cost a little more than average in shipping.  This is nicely graduated at the back and very impressive and memorable with the selection of beads at the front.  I find this to be a very exciting strand, and would love to see it with a silver "S" hook clasp attached.  The entire strand is 23 inches long, the largest round bead is 1 1/4 inches across and the disc is 1 1/2 inches across.   $550.US.   
preColumbian stone beads AM763.   This monumental strand of stone preColumbian beads from the State of Morelos is 23 inches long.  The rather amazing central bead is 1 3/4 inch in diameter, and nicely scored with lines.  It does not have a hole going through the center but two holes at the top where a cord can go in and out.  It has been broken across one side for hundreds of years and was found buried like that.  The fishing cord just snapped as I was measuring the strand so now the beads are mostly loose in the bag - ready to be re-strung (on something with more strength) once more.   $450.US.
gourd containers AM776.   There are two dried gourds here, turned into water containers (or pulque, mezcal or tequila) by an older man in Malinalco.  They are tied with cords so that they can be strung over your shoulder.  Gourd #1 is 4 12 inches tall plus cork.   $18.US.   Gourd #2 is 3 3/4 inches tall plus cork.   $15.US.   The "corks" are made from the centers of corn husks.
wood image from Mexico AM779.   The shape of this carving is rectangular though my photo gives it a bit of an angle.  This is a slice of wood 1/2 inch thick and carved with an image of the temple at the pyramid at Malinalco, Mexico State, Mexico.  You have to put in a hanging hook - I just have it leaned up against the wall right now.  This is a great memory of a magical town.   6 inches by 8 inches rectangle.   $60.US.
copper earrings Mexico
AM781.   I put together these earrings with coloured niobium earwires that will not have any allergic effect on your earholes.  It is a very clean metal coloured by heat, not by dyes.  The tiny copper pots are from Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacan, Mexico.  All handmade, each pot is different having been shaped by hammering and then soldering.  The earrings in the preview picture are 1 1/2 inches from top of earwire to bottom of pot.   $18.US/pair
bag holder AM782.   I often see these bag hangers in Mexico but haven't seen them used at home.  They are very practical (as long as your bag handles are not bulky) as you can slip them onto a table so have your bag hanging safely next to you.  This one has a decorative disc that is 1 1/2 inches across.  When placed on a table it hangs down 3 1/2 inches.  It lays flat in a soft bag which you can use to store it in your bag when not in use.  Quite brilliant I think.  I only have one of this style.   $26.US.
bag hook AM783.   This bag hanger is a little smaller than the one above.  The decorative discs are 1 1/4 inches across and when placed on a table it hangs down 3 inches.  The hook itself is an inch long.   Hanger #1 has an image from a self portrait of Frida Kahlo on it.   Hanger #2 also has an image from a self portrait of Frida Kahlo.  The third hanger has an image from Diego Rivera.   $20.US/each.
preColumbian beads AM787.   Here is another strand of beads from the State of Guerrero strung in a rather odd way.  There are 3 greenstone earpieces along with some almost black dark green stone beads.  The strand is 18 inches long.  The earpiece in the front is 1 1/4 inches in diameter.  The ones at the back are 7/8 inch across - $450.US.
preColumbian beads AM788.   The bead strand has a little over 14 inches of preColumbian greenstone beads and in the front there is a 1 3/4 inch long tubular bead.  The tubular bead has been damaged over the years, but still contains quite a charm to it.  With cracks going down it and broken ends it speaks of many years of wear and then burial.  It is ready to become a necklace.   $330.US.
preColumbian beads AM798.   Here is a tangled group of preColumbian beads that I found in a market.  Most of them are stone but there is are two shell slabs, a shell, and three clay beads - it is a good variety for a collection.  The fattest bead is 2 inches across at the widest diameter and 1 1/4 inches at its thickest.    $250.US.
preColumbian pendant AM799.   It is impossible to photograph this pendant properly as it has been carved quite askew.  It seems the the stone dictated a rather side-ways carving.  This preColumbian pendant does have two eyes but the head is facing a little to the side.  The stringing hole (big enough for a decent cord to go through) is at the back of the head, so at an angle to the whole body as well.  This is a dark brownish green stone, 2 3/4 inches tall, and it came from the State of Guerrero.   $165.US.
preColumbian stone AM800.   This creamy coloured (and dirty) carved man does not have a stringing hole.  It could be hung by knotting around the body.  Pieces like this are often set against a silver backing with prongs to hold them in place acting as pins or brooches.  The preColumbian piece is from the State of Guerrero and is 2 1/2 inches tall.    $75.US.
preColumbian pendant AM801.   This preColumbian pendant from the State of Guerrero is the colour of clay but actually carved of stone.  It has a simple but expressive face and strangely a stringing hole to one side of the head.  The pendant is 3 inches tall.   $135.US.
preColumbian stone AM803.   This carved preColumbian greenstone piece is simple, lovely, delicately carved, and reassuring to hold tight in the hand.  It is not pierced for stringing but is a more symbolic piece.  I liked this the moment that I first saw it... 1 3/4 inches tall.   $110.US.
paintings Mexico AM804.   These two paintings from Mexico City measure 8 inches by 12 inches.  The first is a portrait of Jesus Malverde a folk hero from the State of Sinaloa, but his image and empathy for the poor have gained popularity in other areas.  The second painting is one of Frida Kahlo a Mexican painter who worked on the edge of surrealism.   $35.US/each painting
Mexico painting AM805.   These two paintings from Mexico City measure 8 inches by 12 inches.  The first is a grandmother (la abuela) and her grand-daughter (la nieta) painted as skeletons or calaveras, imagery popular during the Days of the Dead, los Dias de Los Muertos.   The second painting is a portrait of a newly married couple, with the husband wearing a mask of a luchador, or masked wrestler very popular in Mexico.  The "fights" are often orchestrated and more like modern choreography than battle.    $35.US/each painting   (#2 is sold)
Mexico painting AM806.   
This painting from Mexico City measures 8 inches by 12 inches.  It portrays la Anima Sola (or forsaken soul), an image that you might find within a church or cathedral - sometimes painted but more often as a carved wood statue.  Leonard Cohen used an image for an LP cover as well.   $35.US.  
pre Columbian beads   AM815.   This preColumbian green stone bead strand would be great as a necklace with the addtion of some spacer beads at the back.  The strand right now is 12 inches plus the 2 inch long, nicely curved pendant.  The tubular beads at each side of the pendant are 1 1/4 inches and 1 3/8 inches long.   $350.US.
pre Columbian stone beads   AM823.   There are three strands of dark green preHispanic stone beads here.  They have been oiled to richen the colour a little as the beads dry out easily.  Strand #1 is a little over 14 inches long.   $260.US.    Strand #2 is just under 16 inches long.   $270.US.    Strand #3 is 13 inches long.   $235.US.
Chiapas amber beads   AM828.   This 23 inch long amber necklace is from the State of Chiapas, Mexico.  The beads have been nicely rounded and have an interesting variety of colours and patterns.   $200.US.   (sold)
Chiapas amber beads   AM829.   This is a richly coloured strand of Chiapas amber beads with a nice variety of shapes included.  Very unusual.  The strand is 18 inches long and ready to be strung into a necklace.   $155.US.
Chiapas amber beads   AM830.   A group of amber strands from Chiapas.  The strands are 22 inches long.    $65.US/each strand   (#3 is available, the others are sold)
Chiapas amber rings   AM832.   These two amber rings are from Chiapas.  They are quite wonderful to look at with all of the internal lines and colours.  They are softly facetted as well.  Amber is very soft so I would wear one of these rings with care.  Ring #1 is a size 8 - $75.US.   Ring #2 is a size 8.5 - $75.US.   (#1 is sold)
pre Columbian spools   AM833.   #1 - 2 3/4 inches across, 3/4 inch tall - $130.US.    #2 - 1 1/2 inches across, 1 1/8 inches tall - $110.US.    #3 - 1 inch across, 1/2 inch tall - $30.US.   (#2 is available, the others are sold)
Mexico mirrors   AM840.   These mirrors have images on one side and a mirror on the other - 2 3/8 inches across.   $9.US/each mirror.
Mexico pendants   AM841.   Pendant #1 - Frida Kahlo - 2 1/2 inches tall, set in aluminum with key chain attached (can take it off and use the pendant on a necklace).  $22.US.    Pendant #2 - Virgin of Guadalupe - 1 5/8 inches tall.  $18.US.    Pendant #3 - Virgin of Guadalupe - 2 1/2 inches tall, set in aluminum.  $22.US.
bead bracelet   AM842.   Bracelet #1is 2 5/8 inches wide and 6 inches long plus closures.  It will fit a wrist from 6 1/2 inches to 7 1/4 inches. - $28.US.   Bracelet #2 is 2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches long plus closures.  It will fit a wrist from 5 3/4 inches to 6 1/4 inches. - $24.US.
seed bead bracelets   AM843.   These Virgin of Guadalupe bead bracelets average 2 inches in width.  They are all different sizes though.   #1 will fit a wrist from 6 1/4 to 7 1/4 inches around.   #2 will fit a wrist from 6 1/2 to 7 3/8 inches around.   #3 will fit a wrist from 6 1/2 to 7 3/8 inches around.   #4 will fit a wrist from 6 1/2 to 7 inches around.    $24.US/each bracelet.
seed bead necklace Judas Tadeo   AM844.   When lying flat this
San Judas Tadeo necklace measures 16 inches from back of neck to bottom of fringe in front.  The image of San Judas is 2 1/8 by 1 3/4 inches in a rectangular shape. $24.US
Virgin of Guadalupe earrings   AM845.   These Virgin of Guadalupe earrings also have a variety of images on the back.  The pendants are 7/8 inches tall including hanging loop.  The finished earrings are 1 3/8 inches tall.  The earwires are coloured niobium which can be used comfortably without any allergic reaction that one might get from silver or even gold.   $16.US/each pair
Mexico earrings   AM846.   Sirena earrings - the round pendants are 5/8 inch across plus hanging loop.  They have flower images on the back.  The earwires are sterling silver and the entire earrings measure 1 3/8 inches tall.  $22.US.   The Virgin of Guadalupe earrings have pendants 1 1/8 inches tall including hanging loops.  They are strung onto coloured niobium and the entire earrings measure 1 5/8 inches tall.  $26.US.
miniature carved drums Mexico   AM849.   Here are two miniature, finely detailed, graceful carvings of two traditional drums from Mexico.  I bought these from the maker in Malinalco, a small and beautiful town in the State of Mexico.  The tall one is called a huehuetl and features a number of traditional Aztec symbols.  The flat one with the head and shape of a jaguar is called a teponaztli  and is 3 7/8 inches long and 1 1/8 inch tall at the top of the head.  Malinalco has a strong Aztec culture, traditions, spiritual rites and education in the historic and symbolic stories so that it was easy for me to ask people there to tell me some of the stories of the past.  Of course there were full size drums there as well but I fell in love with these two beautiful miniatures from a young and interesting young man.  They are sold as a pair for  $250.US.
pendants   AM857.   There are three pieces here that were all bought in a Mexico City street market.  Coin #1 is 1 1/4 inches across, a medallion in honour of "Asociacion Caballeros y Damas de Honor de las Madre Santisima de la Salud - Patzcuaro, Mich."  It is very beautifully made.   $65.US.   Coin #2 is a 1940 20 centavo silver coin with an image of the Madre Santisima on it.  It is 3/4 inch across.   $35.US.   #3 is a piece that I was told might have originated in Russia - but I have no idea where it was made, only where I bought it.  It is a silver pendant which is 2 inches tall from top of hanging loop to bottom of pendant.   $80.US.
Pre Columbian stone pendants   AM861.   Here are some bits and pieces of preColumbian work that I found in my drawer, leftovers from past projects.  #1 is a dark green pendant 1 1/4 inches wide.  It is lightly rounded on one side.  $45.US.   #2 is a double holed greenstone bead 1 3/4 inches long.  $85.US.   #3 is a 1 3/4 inch long shell pendant from Southern México.  $65.US.   #4 is a group of 3 beads and one pendant.  One of the beads is an early glass bead which would have arrived with the Spaniards.  $45.US.   #5 is a pair of double holed greenstone beads, the larger one being just under 3/4 inch long.  $50.US.   #6 is a 1 3/8 inch long carved greenstone pendant.  $50.US.   (#2, #3 & #4 are available)
Ecuador spindle whorl   AM863.   I bought this spindle whorl ten or so years ago with this description attached:  "Ecuadorian Whorl (geometric) C.800-1500AD/Manteno culture.  The diverse geometric patterns on Ecuadorian whorls may have each had special meaning (zigzag for snake, diamond-shaped line for reptilian scales, spiral for snail) but the symbology is now and forever obscure."  The base of the whorl is 9/16 inches across and it is 9/16 inches tall.   $45.US.
Mexico Bone carvings   AM864.   There are two modern bone pendants here (bought about 20 yrs ago) from west coast México - Guerrero.  Pendant #1 is 1 3/8 inch tall and has stringing holes on each side.   Pendant #2 is 2 1/4 inches tall and has a stringing hole going across the top.  The carving is similar to ancient work from the area.   $75.US/each pendant.
Pre Columbian spindle whorls   AM865.   There are 3 preColumbian spindle whorls here, each very different from the other.  #1 is from Ecuador C.800-1500AD/Manteno culture - 5/8 inches across and 9/16 inch tall.  It has 3 birds going around.  $55.US.   Spindle whorl #2 is a narrow cone which seems to be made of clay.  $20.US.   Spindle whorl #3 is Méxican and made of stone with scratchy looking lines adding a look of texture to the surface.  The whorl is 15/16 inches across and 5/8 inch tall.  $40.US.   (#2 & #3 are available)
mask from Guatemala   AM872.   These tiny carved faces of men are from Guatemala and are made of greenstone.  They are at least 50 years old and possibly much older but it is difficult for me to date them too specifically.  The face in the preview image is 7/8 inches tall.  I bought these in the early nineties as "vintage" pieces.  Each one has a tiny stringing hole at the back of the top of the head.  These are very beautifully carved and each has his own character.  $95.US/each mask
Guatemala earrings   AM875.   This is a great pair of vintage earrings from Guatemala.  It is made from coins that were once used in a necklace - the stringing holes have been filled in, pieces soldered together, and facet glass beads added to decorate the earrings.  The coins are dated in the late 1800s.  The earrings are 2 3/4 inches tall from top of earwire to bottom of dangles.   $220.US
Guatemala earrings   AM876.   This pair of vintage earrings from Guatemala uses two coins as the centerpiece, one from 1872 and the other from 1878.  The coins were once used on a necklace but the stringing holes have now been filled in with silver.  The earrings measure a little more than 2 3/8 inches from top of earwires to bottom of pendants.   $165.US.
vintage Mexico earrings   AM877.   Here is a pair of vintage earrings from the north of Guatemala.  Silver and facet black beads are used to construct water jugs.  The earrings measure 2 1/8 inches tall and are quite unusual.   $185.US.
vintage Mexico earrings   AM878.   There are two pairs of earrings from México here, the first from Tlaxco.  The earrings are both a little different, one longer that the other, and slightly different pairs of birds.  They measure 2 1/2 and 2 5/8 inches long.  $110.US.   The second pair of earrings is from Guanajuato.  They traditionall use a casting process to make the different pieces.  These earrings are 2 inches tall from the top of the earwires to the bottom of the pendants.  $110.US.   (#2 is available)
medallion Hospital de México   AM880.   This is the 50th Anniversary medallion for the "Hospital de México" in Mexico City.  It has a wonderful preHispanic figure on one side.  The medallion measures 1 3/4 inches across and weighs 53.5 grams.   $32.US.
Tairona pre Columbian bead strand Colombia   AM881.   Here is a great Tairona Indian bead strand from Colombia.  It has a figural pendant at the front made of shell measuring 2 3/8 inches tall.  The shell pieces poking outwards are about 1 1/8 inch long.  The beads going around are made of carnelian, greenstone and shell.  They measure 17 inches around and are closed with a brass hook so the beads are wearable as they are.   $365.US
Tairona pre Columbian beads   AM882.   What a gorgeous richly coloured lively group of carnelians suspending a greenstone larva/grub.  There is one "bullet" bead on the strand and a group of pendants.  The necklace goes 17 inches around and is closed with a silver clasp so ready to wear.  The grub is 1 1/8 inch long and 5/8 inch tall.  It is a great combination.    $925.US.
Pala CA Indian trade beads   AM884.   There are two strands of antique trade beads here, both found in Pala, California, a little ways south of Los Angeles in North San Diego County.  This was the home of the Cupeño and Luiseño people.  The beads have been made in Europe and include "Russian blues."  Strand #1 is 28 inches long - $200.US.  Strand #2 is made of finer beads and is 26 inches long - $175.US

Tairona man carving   AM886.   This amulet bead/pendant is a preHispanic piece from the Tairona people of Colombia.  It is difficult to photograph this to display all of its charms as it is a piece that one would want to hold.  It is made of a textured looking greenstone and carved as a standing man.   It stands 1 1/5 inches tall and would be a charming centerpiece of a necklace.   $220.US.
preHispanic greenstone beads   AM889.   There are three strands of preColumbian/preHispanic beads in this photo.  Strand #1 is 18 inches long with some nice solid looking mottled green beads.  The central bead is 7/8 inch in diameter.  $400.US.   Strand #2 is a little over 18 inches long with a 1 1/4 inch long central bead.  $380.US.   Strand #3 is 16 inches long with some odder shaped beads on it.  They are mottled greenstone beads, some with rust colours on them.  The tubular beads are 7/8 inches long.   $350.US.   (#1 is sold)
preColumbian stone beads   AM891.   This strand is 18 inches long with a variety of shades of beads on it.  Many have a shell or coral colour, others are pale green/cream.  The beads are graduated and the central broken bead is 13/16 inches in diameter.   $330.US.
preHispanic stone carving   AM896.   This is a very good sized preColumbian pale stone pendant - 3 1/2 inches tall.  One leg has an old chip in the front but that is just typical for a piece this size.  There are stringing holes at the back of the head.  It was full of dirt but I carefully used a dental tool to open up the hole - one could use a narrow size leather cord or a thick waxed cotton cord in it.  This is a very impressive piece.   $335.US.
Mexican saints pendants   AM901.   Here is a group of pendants, all typical Mexican imagery wrapped in zinc frames, and all with loops for hanging.  Pendant #1 is a man in purgatory, an image I often see in Puebla churches as well as others.  It is 2 1/8 inches tall plus loop.  $28.US.   Pendant #2 is 1 1/8 inches tall and is a saint holding a baby.  $24.US.   Pendant #3 is a nun holding a baby and measures 2 inches tall.  $26.US.   Pendant #4 is a nun with a skull.  2 3/8 inches tall.  $36.US.   #5 is 2 1/2 inches tall.  $36.US.   (#2, #4 & #5 are sold)
mixed stone pendants - preColumbian   AM902.   This is a preColumbian collection of beads and carved pendants.  One has to look carefully to see the various shapes and images portrayed.  I bought this group together and am selling them together.  The large piece that you see in the photo on the left is 1 5/8 inches from top to bottom.   $550.US/for the group.
preHispanic carved stone   AM905.   This stone preColumbian standing figure from Guerrero has no stringing hole but could be carried in a little pouch as a good omen.  It could also be set in silver as pieces have often been done in Taxco workshops.  He is slightly over 1 7/8 inches tall.   $110.US.
carved horn combs   AM907.   These combs were carved from flattened pieces of horn.  #1 is slightly over 4 inches across.   $26.US/each comb.   (#1 is sold)
carved horn combs   AM908.   These Mexican combs were carved from flattened pieces of horn.  #1 is 7 1.2 inches across.   $38.US/each comb.   (#1 is sold)
Oaxaca earrings   AM911.   Oaxaca earrings.   $245.US.
Oaxaca earrings   AM912.   Oaxaca earrings.   $245.US.
Oaxaca earrings   AM913.   Oaxaca earrings.   $245.US.
Oaxaca earrings   AM914.   Oaxaca earrings.   $135.US.
Taxco earrings   AM915.   Taxco earrings.   $195.US.
"tree of life" Taxco silver   AM916.   Taxco "tree of life" earrings, one pin, and pendants.  The prices are:  Earrings #1 - $65/pr.   Earrings #2 - $80/pr.   Pin #3 - $85.US.   Pendant #4 - $70.US.   (pendant #4 is sold)
Mexico Huichol beading   AM917.   $65.US.
preColumbian stone and shell beads   AM918.   This preColumbian bead strand from Mexico has a nice mix of beads on it.  It is ready to turn into a wearable necklace with some restringing and a clasp.  The strand has 22 inches of beads on it, a mix of greenstone, white stone and shell.  The shell disc is 1 1/8 inches long.  The green tubular bead has a chip at one end.  There are two double holed pieces on the strand.   $240.US.
Chiapas amber   AM923.   Here is a 21 inch long gorgeous strand of amber beads from Chiapas.  The largest diameter bead in the front is 1 inch across.  The beads are in attractive chisel shapes with soft facets and nicely graduated.  All of my amber has been light tested to make sure that it is good natural amber - no repros here.   $350.US.
Chiapas amber   AM924.   There are two strands of finished Chiapas amber necklaces here (though you can easily cut the beads and restring them to your desired length) each with an attractive pendant.  Necklace #1 is 19 inches long with a 1 3/4 inch long leaf shaped pendant.   Necklace #2 is also 19 inches long with a slice of raw amber as a pendant.  It measures a little over 1 5/8 inches long and is 5/16 inch thick.    $145.US/each necklace.
Chiapas amber   AM926.   There are two very different strands of amber beads from Chiapas here (and yes, I tested each strand and each piece to make sure that they are good, genuine amber) both quite impressive.   Necklace #1 is 24 inches long with a 3 inch long pendant bead.  The colours are rich and attractive.  $375.US.    Necklace #2 has 29 inches of nicely rounded beads, the ones in the front being 3/4 inch in diameter with sizes receding at the back to 7/15 inch in diameter.  There are easily enough beads to make both a long necklace and bracelet.   $420.US.
Chiapas amber   AM927.   Strand #1 of these amber beads from Chiapas is the largest of this group.  The strand is 21 inches long with the largest diameter bead in the front being a little under 3/4 inches across.  This does not have a clasp so needs to be finished into a necklace.  $260.US.  Strand #2 is 21 inches long with the central bead being just under 5/8 inch across.  $215.US.   Strand #3 is just under 21 inches long with the largest central bead being 3/8 inch in diameter.  $215.US.   (#1 & #2 are sold, #3 is available)
Chiapas amber   AM932.   Here are some great natural amber slices from Chiapas, all with a hole drilled across to turn them into pendants.  To gauge the sizes of the different pieces, compare them to pendent #1 which is 1 3/4 inches long.  They average 1/8 inch thick though some are double that.  $26.US/each pendant.   (#1, #7, #9, #11 & #12 are sold)
Chiapas amber   AM934.  There are three slices of rough amber here from Chiapas.  If you look carefully you can see that there is a stringing hole cut across the top of each one so that it can be used as a pendant.  #1 is just over 2 3/4 inches long and over 1/4 inch thick.  The rough shapes of these pieces work beautifully with more polished and disciplined beads in a necklace.   $55/US each piece.   (#2 is sold)
Mexico retablo   AM940.  
This is a newly made retablo (ex-voto) which has been dated into the past, as the new ones often are.  This is what is written at the bottom:  "Yo Rosendo Garsia da Gracia a la Virgen de Guadalupe por aberme sacado vivo de la operacion del corazon.  Yo agrade sido de las Grasias.  1967. Oaxaca. Oax. Mexico."  He left the "h" off 'alberme' and mis-spelled "gracias" - they are deliberate errors.  The english version is basically:  "Me, Rosendo Garsia gives thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe for allowing me to live after my heart operation..."  $35.US.
Mexico retablo   AM942.   This is a newly made retablo (ex-voto) which has been dated into the past, as the new ones often are.  This is what is written at the bottom:   "El luchador El Santo todas las veces da las gracias a la Virgen de Guadalupe por luchar y salir con bien, Mexico, Mex.  1966."  The piece of metal that the retablo is painted onto is 8 1/2 inches by 6 inches.  These are all ready to hang by the strings that are wound through a hole at the top.   $65.US.
Mexico retablo   AM943.   This is a newly made retablo (ex-voto) which has been dated into the past, as the new ones often are.  This is what is written at the bottom:   "Las gracias te doy Virgen de Guadalupe por hacerme el milagro de correr más rápido que mi novio y que lo pude alcanzar pa' casarnos.  Chole, Oaxaca, Mex. 1963."  The english version (más o menos) is:  "I give thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe for giving me the miracle of running faster than my fiance that allowed us to get married."  The errors in spanish are deliberate to make the story more innocent and natural.  The metal that the retablo is painted on is 8 5/8 inches by 6 inches.   $65.US.
preColumbian greenstone celt   AM945.   This ancient preHispanic Mezcala stone celt is from the State of Guerrero, to the west of Mexico City.  It is an attractive dark spotted greenstone, often called "jade" but that is not technically correct.  The stone has been laced with patterns created from long burial.  The celt is 3 1/2 inches long and 1 3/4 inches at the widest.  The round part at the handle end can be gripped very comfortably.  I love holding these pieces.  I can't even imagine the history that they have been through.   167.1 grams.   $150.US.
Mexico greenstone celt   AM946.   I hadn't seen a Mezcala stone celt in quite this shape before.  The piece is quite large, 5 1/2 inches long and weighing 299.3 grams but the cutting end is quite narrow and shaped to be quite sharp.  This must have had a very specific use to it.  The point is only 3/4 of an inch wide.  Part of the stone is quite rough - that is the side that I took the photo from.  The other side is much smoother and must have been the side that rested against the palm of the hand.  These pieces do excite me.   $195.US.
PreColumbian greenstone figure pendant   AM949.   This preColumbian/preHispanic Mezcala stone figural pendant was found in the State of Guerrero.  I don't believe it was made to hang as a pendant but to be laid down in a grave as the stringing hole is in the exact middle so that it doesn't suspend the figure in one direction or another.  The figure is just under 2 7/8 inches tall and weighs 52.6 grams.  The stringing hole is large enough for an average leather cord.  This was brought in by a farmer who found it while turning the soil in his field.   $200.US.
Mexico PreColumbian face pendants   AM951.   This group of preColumbian stone pendants all came out of the State of Guerrero.  Face #1 is 1 3/8 inches tall with a stringing hole at the top of the back of the head.  $85.US.   Face #2 is 1 3/8 inches tall with a stringing hole at the top of the back of the head.  $145.US.   Face #3 is 1 3/4 inches tall with a stringing hole at the top of the back of the head.  $145.US.   Face #4 seems to be wearing a hat.  It is 1 3/8 inches tall with a stringing hole at the top of the back of the "hat".   Face #5 1 3/8 inches tall with a stringing hole at the top of the head.  $85.US.   Pendant #6 is an entire person with the top half being the head, and the bottom half the rest of the body.  It is 1 3/8 inches tall with a stringing hole on one side of the head.  $85.US.   (#2 & #4 are sold)
preHispanic shell beads   AM954.   There are two strands of preColumbian shell beads here, each very distinctive.  Strand #1 is made up of 5 beads.  The two long beads are 4 1/4 inches long each and have pairs of holes cut into the inside of the beads.  The center bead is 3 3/4 inches long on the outside.  They could be the basis for a very interesting necklace or the pieces could be used separately.   $210.US.   Strand #2  is 20 inches long with the longest piece being  slightly over 3 1/4 inches long.   It could easily be strung into a finished necklace.   $210.US.   (#1 has been sold)
preHispanic greenstone beads   AM956.   I am having trouble getting the correct colour of green in my photos of the preHispanic/preColumbian greenstone/diorite beads.  These came from the State of Guerrero and are more attractive in real life.  Strand #1 is 20 inches long, plenty for a necklace.  The stones are a dark green, sometimes almost black.  The beads have been sorted so that they carefully graduated.  The largest diameter bead on the strand is 5/8 inch across.  $245.US.   There are 20 inches of greenstone beads on Strand #2 with the central bead being a little over 5/8 inch wide with a diameter of 5/8 inches.  There is a nice selection of beads with some attractive green ones included.  $295.US.   (#2 is sold)
PreColumbian greenstone beads   AM961.   The preColumbian diorite strands here both have face masks as pendants.  Strand #1 is 14 3/4 inches long with a 1 1/4 inch long pendant - the face bead being 3/4 inch long.  The beads are mostly greenstone, many with attractive spotting on them.   $300.US.   Strand #2 is 14 1/4 inches long with a 1 5/8 inch long pendant, the face bead being 1 1/8 inches tall.  The face has been worn, one can see the flat mouth and the smallest spots for eyes.  It all looks good together.   $280.US.
PreColumbian greenstone beads   AM963.   The preColumbian greenstone/diorite beads here are ready to become necklaces.  Memorable ones at that, similar to ones that Frida Kahlo wore and that I now see artists, writers and those in tune with their pasts (both male and female as in the past) wearing in contemporary México.  Strand #1 is 16 1/2 inches long with a central tubular bead 2 1/8 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter.  $330.US.   Strand #2 is 17 inches long with a 2 1/2 inch long tubular central bead.  It is over 1/2 inch in diameter.  $365.US.
PreColumbian greenstone beads   AM964.   There is a little over 12 inches of beads on this preColumbian strand of greenstone/diorite - Strand #1.  There are two attractive polished beads at the front and 1 inch long central pendant bead.  $275.US.   The 21 inches of preColumbian stone beads in Strand #2 are very unusual cut in slices just like coconut beads might be, or shell beads at times.  This is stone though and a pendant or unusual beads along the strand would look great.  $330.US.
PreColumbian greenstone beads   AM967.   This strand of preColumbian diorite beads from the State of Guerrero in México has an almost opaque quartz bead at the front.  It is 7/8 inch in diameter.  The entire strand is 15 inches long.  There are two very nice tubular beads at the front as well.  $330.US.
PreHispanic greenstone beads   AM969.   These rough beads were collected by a group of farmers when plowing their crops in their Guerrero village.  They are in odd shapes and were oiled with "Pomada De Tepezcohuite" This is an ointment used on skin for burns, sprains, arthritis, etc. which is made from a tree in Chiapas.   It was used on the beads to moisten them to bring out their real colour - colours of stones fading  with dryness...  Strand #1 is  17 inches long.  $175.US.   Strand #2 is 22 inches long.  $200.US.   Strand #3 is 21 inches long.  $195.US.   Strand #4 is  21 inches long.  $195.US.   (#3 is sold)
PreHispanic clay pipe   AM970.   This is a wonderful preColumbian clay whistle.  I haven't tried it at all (don't want to breath the ancient dust) but every intact one that I have seen has worked.  This is a beautifully constructed sculpture of a face.  The piece is 2 5/8 inches tall and has been buried for a long time.  This sits beautifully as a sculpture in a display case.  $235.US.
PreHispanic clay pipe   AM971.  This preColumbian clay whistle has a face that reminds me of the people of SouthEast Asia.  There have long been discussions on travels across oceans long before the Spaniards arrive and pieces like this are indicators.  The piece is  2 5/8 inches tall.  It still has dirt inside from long burial but is easily ready to sit as a sculpture in a display case.  $235.US.
Virgin of Guadalupe   AM972.   I have two pictures of the Virgin of Guadalupe, both in wood frames - one in red, and the other in yellow.  The frames measure 4 3/4 inch by 5 1/2 inches and are 1 inch tall.  These were being sold to use in altars or ofrendas during los Días de Muertos, but would typically continue to hang for the rest of the year.  The collaged, boxed images are $28.US/each.
Huichol beadwork   AM974.   There is a lovely beaded zip top bag here made by Huichol beadworkers.  It measures 4 1/4 inches by 3 inches and is lined in black.  $28.US.   The earrings by the bag are 2 3/4 inches tall from top of earring hook to bottom of dress.  They are $18.US/each.
Chiapas wool bags   AM975.   These beautiful little bags are woven of wool and them embroidered with cotton in brilliant colours.  Each bag is different and many are made by groups of women.  The bags average 4 inches by 3 inches, tie shut and have shoulder straps tucked inside them that you can pull out.   $14.US/each or 2/$25.US.   (#1 & #2 are sold)
Chiapas wool bags   AM976.  
These beautiful little bags are woven of wool and them embroidered with cotton in brilliant colours.  Each bag is different and many are made by groups of women.  The bags average 4 inches by 3 inches, tie shut and have shoulder straps tucked inside them that you can pull out.   $14.US/each or 2/$25.US.   (#1 is sold)
preColumbian stone pendant   AM977.   This simple preColumbian stone pendant is 1 3/8 inches wide and rather lop-sided.  It has a reasonably sized hole for stringing.  $35.US.
preColumbian stone pendants   AM978.   The two preHispanic stone pendant pieces from Guerrero are quite different.  Pendant #1 is a fat oval and I don't know if it is portraying anything in particular.  It is 1 1/8 inches long.  $35.US.   I couldn't do a reasonable photo of Pendant #2 as it looks like the head of an animal or a snake.  It has a large mouth and then depressions for the eyes with the stringing hole running across the back in a rather odd way.  It is 1 3/8 inches long.  $40.US.
preColumbian stone pendant   AM982.   One needs to do research to discover what this carved pendant represents.  It is preColumbian and from the State of Guerrero.  It is slightly over 2 inches long.  $85.US.
Malinalco stone pendant   AM985.   I bought a number of interesting contemporary items in Malinalco in the State of Mexico.  There are lots of artists in stone, wood, horn, silver etc. there and I always fall in love with some pieces there.  This is a leg carved from stone.  It is 2 1/8 inches tall and just below the knee are the dry seeds that work as rattles during Aztec dances.  It is a very interesting pendant.  $45.US.
Malinalco ring   AM986.   This unusual ring was carved (by a young artist/carver in Malinalco, Mex) out of two pieces of horn - the creamy colour provides the ring band and the dark was used to carve the image of a snake.  The ring is a size 8.  $65.US.
Malinalco bug necklace   AM987.   This lovely creature was made of natural materials - the wings being horn - I am not sure what the creamy part is made of.  I bought this in the town of Malinalco, known as a "magical" town.  This is quite a magical piece itself.  The pendant is 1 5/16 inches tall.  It simply has a leather cord going through but that can be changed to what suits you, or this could be added to a beaded necklace.  $85.US. 
Malinalco pendant   AM989.   This contemporary pendant from Malinalco, Mexico is made of both wood and silver.  The silver piece is rivetted onto the wood.  It measures 1 3/8 inches across, and the center is set with a stone that looks like a garnet.  $75.US.
crystal frog Mexico   AM990.   This very attractive contemporary quartz frog was carved in a village in Guerrero in the same tradition as in the past.  It sits like a real frog deciding on where it will hop next.  This is an enlarged photo - it is 1 7/8 inches long and 7/8 inches tall.   $45.US.
crystal frog Mexico   AM991.  
This very attractive contemporary quartz frog was carved in a village in Guerrero in the same tradition as in the past.  It sits like a real frog deciding on where it will hop next.  This is an enlarged photo - it is 1 3/4 inches long and 3/4 inches tall.   $45.US.
amethyst carving Mexico   AM992.   This amethyst pendant has a stringing hole behind the knees of the legs are that are bent in the back of the piece.  It was carved in a village in Guerrero in the same tradition as in the past.  The colour of the amethyst is very pale and delicate.  The figural piece is 1 1/4 inches long and slightly over 1 inch tall.  $55.US.
vintage drink coasters Mexico   AM993.   I fell in love with these drinks coasters when I found them in a market in México.  They are vintage from the 50s or 60s I imagine, not in perfect condition but in quite good condition especially after those years.  Three of them have the original prices stamped on the backs, 85cents each - unfortunately that was in the "old days"...  These are 4 1/2 inches across and each has a different drink on it:  Cuba Libre, Mezcal, Aperitivo, Martini and Vermouth.   $65.US.
PreColumbian stone beads
   AM995.   There are two hefty strands of greenstone/diorite beads from the area of Ixcateopan, Guerrero, Mexico here.  These are often called "jade" by dealers but although they are symbolically known as jade, they are technically greenstone.  Strand #1 is 18 inches long with the largest diameter of the central bead 1 3/8 inches across.  If this was properly strung as a necklace it would be very close to some of the necklaces that Frida Kahlo wore - $380.US.   Strand #2 is 19 inches long.  The central bead is huge and heavy measuring 1 5/8 inch across.  The side beads are nicely graduated waiting to be made into a proper necklace - $445.US.
PreColumbian stone beads   AM997.   These 16 inches of preColumbian beads from Guerrero are about the correct size to make a necklace that sits close to the neck - in the style that Frida Kahlo made popular.  The largest bead at the front is actually a half bead, broken long ago.  It is 1 1/4 inches across and the widest end 15/16 inch in diameter.  The beads narrow down nicely to the back.  $385.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM999.   This strand has been arranged into a necklace but not put together properly.  Fishing line is not a good cord for stringing - it is simply the least expensive material to use.  The preColumbian beads are from the area of Ixcateopan, Guerrero.  The strand is 21 inches long - $350.US.
preColumbian stone   AM1002.   This is a lovely male figure from Santa Teresa, Guerrero, Mexico.  This comes from an old collection and the name "Santa Teresa" has been clearly written in ink on the back.  The area in Guerrero has many archaeological zones and pyramids.  There are no stringing holes - this is a piece for another collection, beautiful in a display case.  The figure is 2 7/8 inches tall carved of a mottled and streaked greenstone.  Very attractive.  $250.US.
preColumbian stone figures   AM1004.   There are two beautiful preColumbian Mixtec figural carvings/pendants from an old collection.  pendant #1 is a little over 1 7/8 inches tall with stringing holes in the back - $210.US.   pendant #2 is 2 1/4 inches tall and has stringing holes in the back - $200.US.   (#2 is sold)
preColumbian stone figures   AM1005.   There are three attractive preColumbian Mixtec stone figural carvings/pendants here - all from the same collection as above.   pendant #1 is 1 3/4 inches tall .  The stringing hole at the top has been worn through and can no longer be used - $150.US.   pendant #2 is a squat fellow 1 3/8 inches tall with stringing holes at the back - $175.US.   pendant #3 is 1 5/8 inches tall with stringing holes at the back - $175.US.   (#3 is on sold)
preColumbian stone figure   AM1006.   This is a large fellow to be used as a pendant as it weighs 158 grams (and would need a very strong cord) but it would certainly be impressive.   The pendant is from the area of I
xcateopan, Guerrero, Mexico.  The piece is 4 1/4 inches tall and has sturdy stringing holes at the back.   $285.US.
Guatemalan chachal   AM1008.   This is a traditional chachal or necklace from Guatemala.  Because the actual coins were not available (or affordable) to the jewellery maker, a casting was made of the central pendant as well as the two cobs on the bead strand.  The strand is 28 inches long and full of dijes and beads.  I do have higher end chachals on the "Collections" page if you are curious to see them - quite close to the bottom of the page.  This one is $275.US.
Guatemalan chachal   AM1009.  
This is a traditional chachal or necklace from Guatemala.  Because the actual coins were not available (or affordable) to the jewellery maker, a casting was made of the central pendant as well as the four cobs on the bead strand.  The strand is 24 inches with dijes and beads.  I do have higher end chachals on the "Collections" page if you are curious to see them - quite close to the bottom of the page.  $250.US.
Guatemala chachal   AM1010.   These are two very nice strands of antique red whiteheart beads mixed with coins and bits and pieces from Guatemala.  I found these in Oaxaca where the southern area has much of the same material as in Guatemala.  Strand #1 is 26 inches long with five 1 real coins dating between 1900 and 1912.  The fake pearl beads are new additions - $260.US.   Strand #2 is 28 inches long with 6 coins dating between 1901 and 1910.  Some small vaseline beads are an attractive addition - $280.US.
Guatemalan chachal   AM1012.   This necklace is from Oaxaca where chachals can be similar to Guatemalan ones.  The 24 inches of beads are vintage not antique.  The decorative elements are not sterling silver.  The coins are all real though and sterling with the central one being a 2 real coin from 1849 measuring 1 1/8 inch across.  The tiny coins are from the late 1800s and early 1900s.  $145.US.

preColumbian shell   AM1018.   These preColumbian shell pieces are great for ornamentation.  The largest piece is 3/4 inch by 7/8 inch.  $60.US/for the group
preColumbian   AM1024.   There are three small pendants here - all preColumbian stone.  Pendant #1 is pierced through a corner.  It has shaping to it but I am not sure what it represents - $30.US.   Pendant #2 is showing the back - I neglected to turn it over.  It is a very small figural pendant with two eyes and lines portraying the body.  This is just under 1 3/4 inches tall - $30.US.   Pendant #3 is figural as well but in fairly rough condition.  Pale and attractive though - 1 3/8 inches tall - $35.US.
preColumbian   AM1025.   There are four small preColumbian stone pendants here from Guerrero.  Pendant #1 is 2-holed and 7/8 inches tall - $25.US.   Pendant #2 is 1 1/4 inches tall - $30.US.   Pendant #3 is 1 1/8 inches tall - $35.US.   Pendant #4 is 1 1/8 inches tall - $30.US. 
preColumbian   AM1026.   There are two rough preColumbian figural stone pendants here.  Pendant #1 is 2 inches tall and has a hole at the back of the top.  It seems to be a man hanging upside down though as the hole is at the opposite end of the eyes that you can see on the image to the left - $45.US.   Pendant #2 is like a crouched character - again with the hole at the opposite end of the eyes - $35.US.
retablo   AM1028.   These are contemporary retablos/ex-votos saying thanks for past miracles but created to express both serious ideas and jokes.  This one says "Gracias Virgen de Juquila porque pude regresar a mi pueblo con mis hijos al dejar a mi viejo. Tere, Oaxaca Mex."   The spelling error are deliberate to make it more realistic.  4" by 6".  $35.US.
retablo   AM1029.  
These are contemporary retablos/ex-votos saying thanks for past miracles but created to express both serious ideas and jokes. This one says "Virgen del Rosario las gracias te doy por que el perro de un compadre no me pudo morder gracias a Ti.  gracias.  Carmela.  Oaxaca.  Mexico.  1966."  The spelling error are deliberate to make it more realistic.  4" by 6". $35.US.
Loteria bracelets   AM1032.  These elastic beaded bracelets are for fans of Lotería.  There are little half inch tall images going all around...  the bracelets are 6 1/2 inches around buy you can always restring them.   $28.US/each.
Ecuador coin necklace   AM1033.   There are four 22 inch strands of beads making up this necklace.  Between them are 22 coins from Ecuador dating from 1909 into the thirties.  The coins are 11/16 inch in diameter.  The necklace is strung onto string and ready to wear - these are very typical from México on south.   $245.US.
milagro necklace   AM1034.   Here is a sweet, loving milagro necklace.  These are fairly recent traditions in México although in other countries like Guatemala and south pendants have been used on necklaces (chachales) to express something about the person who owns and wears the necklace.  This one has three milagros - a woman's chest, a dog, and a praying woman.  There must be a story related to them.  The necklace is made of red white heart beads and sterling silver ones.  It is 17 1/2 inches long.   $235.US.
lucky man   AM1035.   One sees plaster and clay statues that look like this man (much larger of course) in Bolivia.  He is an Andean legend known as Ekkeko who brings money, luck and abundance and who carries items that are highly desired - a guitar, hat, pots and pans, a house, a flute, a chair, table, a sandal, and more.  He is laden with your hopes and dreams.  On the plaster statues one offers Ekkeko a cigarette which is why his mouth is open.  One would have to find a very very tiny one for this fellow.  This is a pendant made of sterling silver and including the hanging loop, is 1 1/4 inches tall.   $110.US.
milagros   AM1038.  
These are old milagros that I bought at the back of a church.  They had been used pinned to a sculpture of a saint in the church and when removed were blessed by the priest and ready to be re-sold.  The eyes at the top of the preview picture measure 1 1/2 inches across.  $45.US.
Mexico milagros   AM1039.   These are old milagros that I bought at the back of a church.  They had been pinned to a sculpture of a saint in the church and when removed were blessed by the priest and ready to be re-sold.  The praying woman in the preview picture on the left is 1 1/4 inches tall.  A few of the milagros in the groups have a sterling content.  Each group is $45.US.
preColumbian whorl   AM1045.   This group of preColumbian/preHispanic beads came out of the State of Guerrero.  Bead #1 is a fat tube looking rather like a can.  It is 7/8 inch in diameter and 7/8 inch tall and would make a great central pendant.   Bead #2 is slightly odd shaped and 1 1/8 inch for the larger diameter.  $35.US.   Bead #3 is a spindle whorl.  It is 3/4 inch tall and 1 1/2 inches across.  $65.US.   (#2 is sold)
preColumbian green stone bead   AM1046.   These three preColumbian green stone beads are from the State of Guerrero, México.  Bead #1 is actually a pendant.  On one side it has lines cut into it - I am not sure what it is portraying.  $55.US.    Bead #2 looks like an earspool since it has a dip cut into all around.  It is slightly over 1 inch in diameter and 5/8 inch tall.   $65.US.    Bead #3 is more than 1 5/8 inches long and 15/16 inch in diameter.  It has 3 lines curving around it as well as a line cut into it at each end.  $85.US.   (#2 & #3 are sold)
Mexico saint earrings   AM1053.  I have some sweet little earrings here, both with Mexican religious imagery.  The earring wires are made of niobium and absolutely harmless to the ear causing no irritations - and they are beautifully coloured which occurs by sending a particular temperature through them.  Earrings #1 portray San Judas Tadeo, the saint of the poor and unpriveleged - the hopeless and the despaired...  The pendant is 7/16 inch in diameter.  The length of the entire earrings is 7/8 inch.  The earwires are green.  $12.US/each pair.    Earrings #2 portray La Señora - the earrings are the same size with blue earwires.  $12.US/each pair.
Oaxaca earrings   AM1054.   This is a sweet heart shaped pair of earrings from Oaxaca.  They are sterling silver glazed with gold.  The center pieces are pale dusty blue glass and pearls hang from the bottoms.  The earrings are 1 1/2 inches tall from top of hanging loop to bottom of pearls.  They lock at the back so they can't accidentally fall off.   $95.US.
coin pendant  
AM1058.   This 1895 10 centavo coin from Mexico was once part of a necklace.  There are two loops at the top and 3 hopes punched for stringing on the bottom.  $20.US.
Portuguese cufflinks   AM1059.   Here is a pair of cufflinks made from coins from Portugal.  One is 1954 and I can't read the other.  The coins are 13/16 inch across.  $30.US.
coin buttons   AM1061.   These four buttons have been made from actual antique 10 Kreuzer coins from Austria.  The dates are 1764, 1778 and1815.  The coins are 1 inch across and remain flat with a loop soldered onto the back.  These kinds of pieces would wind up being worn by invaders from Europe into the Americas.    $75.US/for 4 coin buttons.
coin bracelet   AM1062.   There are five coins from Panama here, four of them are quarter Balboas, and one is a tenth of a Balboa.  They date from the early 1900s and are made from silver.  The larger coins are slightly under 1 inch across and the small one is slightly under 3/4 inch.  They are attached to a silver chain (bracelet) which is only 6 inches around.  You need a slim wrist or you can add some more loops to extend the chain.  I have always been very interested in coins that were made into jewelry.   $165.US.
love token coins bracelet   AM1066.   This group of "love tokens" doesn't really belong on the "Americas" page as they are english coins.  I did buy the strand in Puebla, Mexico though, and I don't have a page for the UK.  Love tokens were generally created from regular silver coins to express affection for another.  Out of these five coins, three are love tokens.   A 3/4 inch across coin says "Connie".  The two thrupence coins (5/8 inch across) have birds and a geometric pattern etched into them.  As a bracelet this would need repair.  The chain plus latch is 8 inches across so it wouldn't be difficult to make wearable.  $150.US.
earrings   AM1067.   This pair of earrings was bought in the gift store of a Mason's Lodge about 10 years ago.  They are still in their original plastic case and have not been worn.  These are post earrings and they measure a little over 1 inch from top to bottom.   $25.US.
Frida market bag   AM1068.   This Frida bag was bought in Oaxaca, Mexico.  The bag itself is 9 1/4 inches across, 8 1/4 inches tall and 4 1/4 inches wide.  The handles are 20 inches long.   $26.US.
Chalma market bag   AM1069.   This bag is from Chalma, Mexico - a town with a famous church where pilgrims come to pay reverence.  The way to the Cathedral is down a steep slope with market vendors along the sides.  Coronas of flowers are often worn and left on a pole outside the Cathedral door.  After bathing in the stream or visiting the church, people often sit for meals with mole sauce and drink pulque.   It is a fascinating place.  The bag is like an envelope 9 1/2 inches by 11 1/2 inches.  The handles are 14 inches around.  This bag is $18.US.
Chalma market bag   AM1070.   Here is another bag from Chalma.  This is like an envelope 9 inches by 9 inches in size with a 14 inch long handle.   $18.US.
chalma market bag   AM1071.  
Here is another bag from Chalma.  This is like an envelope 9 inches by 9 inches in size with a 14 inch long handle.   $18.US.
tokens from Quebec City   AM1072.   I have three antique stamped metal religious pieces here, the colour of silver.  These came from the City of Québec in Canada.   #1 is slightly over 1 3/4 inches tall and has no stringing holes so I am not sure how it was originally used.  $15.US.   #2  is 2 3/8 inches across and has a stringing hole on each side.  $34.US.   #3 is 1 7/8 inches across and has stringing holes on each side.  $26.US. 
New Orleans glass pieces   AM1073.   These two vintage pieces of glass (they have loops for hanging) were made in the nineties by Studio Infierno in New Orleans.  The voudou man is 6 1/2 inches tall - $45.US.  The hand is 6 inches tall and has flames from the top.  $40.US.
Virgin of Guadalupe bracelet   AM1074.   Virgin of Guadalupe mixed metal bracelet.   $45.US.
Guerrero preColumbian beads   AM1078.   Beads, pottery and stones are constantly being dug up by farmers in the mountains of the State of Guerrero.  The reminders exist of their past ancestors and tribal groups.  Since the preHispanic population was a large one and ornament was always important it is not surprising how much still gets turned over by the plow.  This strand is ready to be turned into a necklace with 20 inches of nicely graduated preHispanic greenstone beads and a 1 1/2 inch tall triangular face mask as the central pendant.  There are a few pieces of shell on this strand as well.   $380.US.
preColumbian beads   AM1081.   Here are some small sized fairly light weight preColumbian beads from the State of Guerrero, Mexico.  Strand #1 is 18 inches long - $250.US.    Strand #2 is 17 inches long - $250.US.    Strand #3 is 18 inches long - $250.US.   (#3 is sold) 
preColumbian face mask   AM1084.   The two preColumbian pieces here came from the State of Guerrero, Mexico.  The bead #1is just under 1 5/8 inches tall and 3/4 inch in diameter at the fattest. $75.   The face pendant #2 is quite handsome, 1 9/16 inches tall and it has a good solid stringing hole across the back.  (nicer than it looks in the photo)  $145.US.   (#2 is sold.  #1 is available)
small Mexico market bags   AM1085.   Here are two mini Mexican market bags.  Bag #1 features an imagine of the Virgin of Guadalupe.  The entire bag including handles is 10 1/4 inches tall.  The bag #2 has images of Lottería, that great traditional Mexican game.  Including handles, it is 10 inches tall.  The backs of the bags are striped with no extra designs.  The bags are $24.US/each.
Blue Demon box   AM1086.   This is a wooden hand made Lucha Libre box featuring the Blue Demon on the lid.  The box is 1 1/3 inches by 1 1/3 inches square from above and 1 7/8 inches tall.  For those who love the luchadores there are also images of el Santo.  This is very charming.   $32.US.
Mexico skeleton gourds   AM1088.   This skeleton made of dried gourds charmed me in one of the Mexico City markets.  It is nicely cut and swings around in the breeze.  The entire skeleton is a little over 15 inches tall but weighs very little.  It was made for Los Días de Los Muertos.   $22.US.
Quebec souvenir bracelet
   AM1090.   I wish that souvenir bracelets  were still made in the same quality as they were up until the 60s or so.  This is a nicely detailed bracelet illustrating:  Quebec City 1608, Parliament, Chateau Frontenac, Porte St. Louis, Spencerwood and the Basilique.  Souvenirs with architectural images are great.  This is not silver but metal.  It snaps shut firmly.  When closed the bracelet goes about 7 inches around.   $45.US.
Día de los Muertos   AM1091.   Here is a rather comedic image from Los Días de Los Muertos.  I bought this in a market from the maker.  The painted frame is made of wood and measures 6 1/2 inches by 7 inches as well as 1 inch thick.  Molded faces have been attached to the painted bodies of the women in their swimsuits.  It is really a lovely collection of colours and piece of tradition.  The piece is wrapped with plastic to protect it.  I didn't want to remove it as you can see the image fine with it on, and the new owner can remove it when it arrives.   $35.US.
Peruvian shawl pin   AM1092.   This antique shawl pin from Peru is called a Tupu/Topo.  Generally a pair are worn, one on each side, but a single one works fine as well.  These are often a sign of wealth, done in sterling grade silver and intricately patterned, but this is a more simple one made of brass.  One leave from the design below the spoon shape has broken off years ago.  This spoon is quite long measuring 10 5/8 inches in length.  The widest part of the spoon is 1 7/8 inch across.  This could use a little gentle polishing to bring up the colour of the brass a little, and could still be worn.   $135.US.
Guatemala coin necklace   AM1093.   These are typical necklaces from Southern Mexico and Guatemala.  Strand #1 is 28 inches around, has glass trade beads on it like red whitehearts, tiny vaselines and Chinese beads.   Nine coins are 1/2 and 1 silver real pieces from Guatemala.  One coin is a bronze "Republica de Guatemala Provisional"  They are all from around 1900 to 1910.  $250.US.    Strand #2 is 27 inches around and made up of red whiteheart trade beads.  There are 12 1 real coins on the necklace from the early 1900s.  There is one small coin at the back and one blown glass bead.  $250.US.   (#1 is sold)
preColumbian   AM1095.   I have two very different strands of preColumbian shell beads here.  I believe that these came from the State of Veracruz in México.  Strand #1 is 18 inches around so enough for a necklace.  It has a nice variety of beads on it with the longest tubular bead slightly over 1 inch in length.  The fattest bead at the front is 1/2 inch in diameter.  $165.US.    As you can see strand #2 is much heftier and some of the fat tubulars are stone beads in colours that work very well with the shell.  The strand itself is 21 inches around plus the 2 3/4 inch long shell pendant.  This just needs to be restrung to create a memorable necklace.  $245.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM1096.   It is always a little annoying taking photos of beads on fishing line.  It is the cheapest stringing material to use by the Mexican farmers and people who find the beads in the earth.  When on a proper strand with an attractive clasp the dark stone beads become a beautiful, historical necklace with many memories of a strong culture withint them.  These beads came from the State of Guerrero which spreads from just outside Mexico City to the west coast.  This strand is nicely graduated with a fat bead in the middle - ready to string exactly as it is.  The strand is 16 inches long and the fat bead in the center is an inch in diameter.  $400.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM1097.   Strand #1 of these preColumbian/preHispanic beads is largely made of quartz of different shades of cream or beige or grey.  The strand is 21 inches around and has a bead in the middle that acts like a pendant since its stringing hole is by one side of it.  The beads still have colouration of the earth from having been buries for over a thousand years.  Some have calcium that was forming on them.  Imagine their previous lives around the neck of an Olmec or Mezcala...  $350.US.    Strand #2 is from the same area but is a mix of greenstone beads and shells except for the three fat tubulars at the front which are quartz stone.  Of course this is a contemporary mix and not how they were found.  The beads were found in the soil as farmers were turning over their fields.  On the weekends people will take their small bags of beads into town to be sold, where they are sorted and strung up into necklaces (más o menos) and ready to be sold as strands.  This necklace is a little over 20 inches long.  $375.US.   (#1 is sold)
preColumbian stone beads   AM1099.   Here are more strands of preColumbian/preHispanic stone beads from Mexico.  They were found in the State of Guerrero to the west of Mexico City and originated in the Olmec or Mezcala cultures.  They have a long history to them which wound up in an even longer burial.  The farmers find them as they work their fields as there was a very populous culture there long ago.  Strand #1 is quite heavy with a central bead that is just under 1 1/4 inch in diameter.  The strand is 19 inches around and graduated with a variety of shades of colour of the stones.  I rarely get very perfectly cut beads like the central one at that size.  Years ago I would save them from the necklaces and built a strand that was sold long ago as well.  I love seeing these beads again.  $400.US.    Strand #2 has been organized quite differently.  There are two very nice tubular stones.  I noticed that one of them (see preview picture on left) looks like it is cracked.  No - those are just lines of a darker colour of stone that streaks through the bead.  It is quite beautiful looking at them but in digital photos everything is a little exaggerated.  This strand is a little over 18 inches long and the longer tubular bead is 1 5/8 inches long.  $375.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM2001.   I finally found small preColumbian/preHispanic stone beads.  They were so much work to create that small ones are less frequent.  This strand is 19 inches long and includes two shell pieces at the sides plus a piece of shell at the front.  $250.US.
preColumbian stone pestle   AM2002.   This is the first preColumbian pestle (from a mortar and pestle used for grinding food ingredients) that I have seen in quartz.  It is quite wonderful and I wonder if it had any magical aspects to it.  The piece is fairly rough and I don't think that long burial has helped it any, but it does have a smooth section too that shows what it once must have looked like.  I did find this to be a real treasure as it is 3 1/4 inches long and a little over 1 1/2 inches across at its fattest.  What I liked the most is how nicely it fits into my hand - it is very comfortable to grip.  $300.US.
preColumbian stone carving   AM2003.   This poor preHispanic fellow has lost one leg below the knee it seems.  He is old though - perhaps around 2000 years as he was created in the Mezcala world in the State of Guerrero in México.  This Mezcala standing figure is typically abstract and I am wondering if it was carved to be used a celt, and at some point was damaged.  The carving is 3 1/2 inches tall on his good side.  It is very hard stone and has a residue from burial.  He would look very nice displayed standing.  $150.US.
preColumbian stone sculpture   AM2004.   This is a stone Mezcala standing figure from the State of Guerrero west of Mexico City.  He is 3 7/8 inches tall and quite heavy.  The carving would look great in a standing display.  I find the abstractions used in that time to be very interesting - the implications of the carving are quite strong for such an abstract piece.  $200.US.
preColumbian stone carving   AM2005.   This sweet stone carving is a treat because it has usable stringing holes at the back of his neck.  He would make a great pendant on a necklace.  This is a piece that was carved more or less around 2000 years ago during the Mezcala culture in what is now the State of Guerrero west of Mexico City.  I don't know what to call this stone.  It is a softer stone than the greenstone that is most often used, and it has almost a dried leaf look to it with its colour and texture.  The little man is 2 1/4 inches tall.  $150.US.
preColumbian masks   AM2010.   All of these pieces are characterized with their markings as being human, either masks or figures.  They all have stringing holes and are from the State of Guerrero, and all preColumbian/preHispanic dating from over 1000 years ago.   Pendant #1 is a 2 1/8 inch tall human figure. with face and legs marked.  $85.US.    Pendant #2 is a face mask 1 1/4 inches tall.  $85.US.    Pendant #3 is a face mask 1 1/8 inches tall.  $65.US.   Pendant #4 is a tiny abstract face mask 7/8 inches tall.  $40.US.    Pendant #5  is a face mask that just has 2 eyes showing and is a little over 3/4 inches tall.  $45.US.    Pendant #6 is a rough profile (I think) that is 1 1/8 inches tall.  $45.US.    Pendant #7 is a small figure with the stringing hole where the ear would be.  It is 1 1/8 inches tall.  $40.US.   (#2, #4, #5 & #6 are sold)
preColumbian Mexico   AM2011.   I have three odd little preColumbian/preHispanic items here.  #1 is a spindle whorl which is 1 inch across and 1/2 inch tall.  It still has clay in one end so the new owner can use it in a display as is, or clean out the clay to use it as a pendant.  $35.US.    #2 is a tiny stone pendant 7/8 inch across.  I have another smaller one that I put in the bag as well.  $30.US.    #3 is a bowl shaped stone pendant 3/4 inch across and 1/2 inch tall.  $30.US.
Oaxaca gourd bowls   AM2012.   Here is a collection of carved gourds bought in a market outside Oaxaca, in Tlacolula.  These are very traditional for drinking from and are carved with animals and birds that are featured in the folklore.  The bowls each come with a rattan circle to sit them on.  They average 3 1/2 inches to 4 1/2 inches across.  $10.US/each.  (remaining are #2, #7, #8 & #9 - the rest are sold)
San Judas Tadeo   AM2013.  This is a 4 3/8 inches tall thick plastic statue with an image of San Judas de Tadeo so that he can watch over the household and protect the people.  This has a light at the bottom (screw in a knob underneath to turn it on) which changes colour.  It is the first and only one like this that I have seen.  I bought it outside of the church dedicated to San Judas near the Alameda in Mexico City.  $18.US.
papier mache doll Mexico   AM2014.   I bought these two papier mache dolls on a street in Mexico City where the vendor had brought a box of them.  I only had space for two.  The dolls are just over 13 inches tall, one dressed in yellow and one dressed in magenta/pink.  These are very traditional.  $18.US/each.
preColumbian stone spindle whorl   AM2015.   I have two preColumbian/preHispanic very large spindle whorls listed here, both from my own collection.  These pieces (although often called "jade") were carved from greenstone hundreds of years ago, a speckled and attractive stone from Mexico.  These came from the Mezcala people from the State of Guerrero.   Spindle Whorl #1 weighs 204 grams.  It is 2 1/2 inches across at the bottom, 1 1/4 inches across the top, and 1 1/2 inches tall.  It is very impressive.  $250.US.    Spindle Whorl #2 is smaller but still oversized weighing 136 grams.  It measures 2 1/8 inch across the bottom and is 1 1/8 inch tall.   $185.US.   (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
huge preColumbian stone beads   AM2016.   These are among the biggest beads that I have ever had, and by far the heaviest.  These are from my own collection - I bought them decades ago.  The beads are both preColumbian/preHispanic and came from Central Mexico.  It is quite amazing to think about carving stones that are this hard, shaping them and holing them.  Bead #1 weighs 270 grams.  The bead is 2 1/2 inches across and 1 3/4 inches tall.  The hole in it is beautifully conical.  $250.US.    Bead #2 weighs 320 grams.  The bead is made from an interesting rusty coloured stone that is mottled in an attractive way.  It is 2 3/4 inches across and 1 1/2 inches tall.  $250.US.
huge preColumbian stone bead   AM2017.   Here are more preHispanic/preColumbian beads from my own collection.    Bead #1 weighs 265 grams.  This is an attractive dark green bead, an unusual rich colour.  The bead is 2 1/2 inches across and 1 1/2 inches tall.  It fits nicely into the palm of my hand.  $250.US.    Bead #2 weighs 147.6 grams, is 1 7/8 inches across and 1 3/8 inches tall.  I love the mottled colour and just the amazing fact of how much labour went into carving and polishing this.  $160.US.    (both are now sold)
huge stone preColumbian bead Mexico   AM2018.   Here is a spindle whorl - preHispanic/preColumbian from Central Mexico.  The bead weighs 222.5 grams, is 2 7/8 inches across and 1 1/4 inches across.  This has a nice curve across the bottom.  $200.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM2019.   This strand of preColumbian beads originated with the Mezcala people of the State of Guerrero.  It is a bit of a mix of stones, mostly pale, creamy green, and a few greenstone with a stronger colour.  The strand is 31 inches long and could be used to make a double stranded chocker like Frida Kahlo wore at times.  She loved the historic, traditional beads of the original people of Mexico.  $400.US.
preColumbian stone axe celt   AM2021.   Here is a very large, very heavy (335 grams) stone axe or celt from my own collection.  This is a preHispanic/preColumbian piece from the State of Veracruz.  The piece is 3 5/8 inches long, just under 1 1/2 inches tall and the blade is 1 3/4 inches wide.  This is a very monumental sculptural piece and really great to hold.  That is always one of the reasons that I buy these pieces - according to how they feel in the palm of my hand.   $350.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM2023.   Here are two preColumbian/preHispanic Mexican spindle whorls from my own collection.  I fell in love with the unusual stones with streaks of black and white.  Whorl #1 is oval in shape and 1 1/2 inches long at the longest.  It is 3/4 inch tall.  It would make a great pendant.  $55.US.   Whorl #2 is more perfectly shaped measuring 1 1/4 inches across at the bottom.  It is 7/8 inches tall.  This too would be a great pendant.  $65.US.
preColumbian greenstone bead   AM2024.   Here is a nice sized preColumbian/preHispanic greenstone bead from the State of Guerrero in Mexico.  The bead is flattish on one side and rounded on the other.  The bead is 2 inches long and 1 1/4 inches at the widest.  The middle of the stringing hole is large enough for a leather cord to fit through.  $75.US.
preColumbian stone celt axe   AM2025.   Here is a small and beautiful preColumbian/preHispanic axe or celt.  This is a very sweet one with a fine textured stone and a sharp cutting edge.  I have had this for decades, and again, love the way that it fits into the palm of my hand.  I can close my fingers over this since it is so small.  The piece is 2 1/2 inches long and 1 3/8 inches at the fattest.  It is really very very nicely carved - what skill was used!   $145.US.
Mexico stone bead   AM2026.   This bead is a reproduction of a preColumbian bead, bought in Mexico.  It has the typical red sand rubbed into it as repros from a particular town often have.  I bought it because it is very attractive and an example of a bead that is rare and difficult to find.  I have seen a similar style bead in the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City.  The spiral is a sign of forever, of endlessness, and continued energy.  The bead is 2 1/4 inches long.  $45.US.   (sold)
preColumbian stone pendant Mexico   AM2027.   This pendant was broken long ago, but still hangs very nicely.  The broken part has been smoothed from wear.  The preColumbian greenstone piece is 2 5/8 inches long.  The stringing hole goes from the top of the pendant to the top of the back of it, so you don't see it from the front.  I bought this decades ago and saved it for myself.  $95.US.
preColumbian stone beads Mexico   AM2028.   There are two strands of preColumbian - preHispanic stone beads here, from the State of Guerrero.  These strands are a bit more green than they seem in the photo - there is a creaminess in the photos that I couldn't adjust out.  The strands are both radically graduated with very large and heavy stone beads in the front.   Strand #1 is 20 inches long and the largest bead in the front is 1 1/4 inch in diameter.  This would make a dramatic necklace.  $350.US.    Strand #2 is 19 inches long with the largest bead in the front a little over 1 1/4 inches in diameter.  $350.US.
preColumbian stone beads Olmec   AM2031.   These two strands of preColumbian - preHispanic stone beads from the State of Guerrero were most likely made by the Mexcala people.  They are a more attractive green than they appear in the photo.   Strand #1 is 24 inches long.  The center bead is just under 1 3/4 inches across and 5/8 inch in diameter.  This is ready to string into a necklace.  $380.US.   Strand #2 is 24 inches long.  The center bead is 1 3/4 inches across.  The beads are nicely graduated.  $380.US.
preColumbian stone beads Mexico   AM2032.  
These two strands of preColumbian - preHispanic stone beads from the State of Guerrero were most likely made by the Mexcala people.  They are a more attractive green than they appear in the photo.   Strand #1 is 22 inches long with a center bead that is 2 inches across.  It is ready to string into a necklace.  $380.US.   Strand #2 is 24 inches long and has a huge center beads.  It is beautifully cut and polished, measures 2 1/4 inches across and 1 inch across at the fattest.  It is very impressive.  $420.US.
preColumbian stone beads Mexico   AM2033.   These two strands of preColumbian - preHispanic stone beads from the State of Guerrero were most likely made by the Mexcala people.  They are a more attractive green than they appear in the photo.   Strand #1 is almost 24 inches long with the center bead measuring 2 3/8 inch across.  $380.US.   Strand #2 is 24 inches long with the center bead measuring 2 inches across.  $380.US.
preColumbian stone beads Mexico   AM2034.   This strand of preColumbian - preHispanic stone beads from the State of Guerrero is 18 inches long and made of mixed beads.  $290.US.
preColumbian stone beads Mexico   AM2035.   I rarely come across this "heishi" style of beads from this region so was very happy to find them.  These are preColumbian - preHispanic stone beads from the State of Guerrero.  The strand is a little over 26 inches long and tied shut with a cord so it can be worn as is.  Of course it would work great with a pendant as well.  $310.US.
Mexico coin ring   AM2036.   This sterling silver ring has a Mexican silver coin as the centerpiece.  The ring is a size 7.   $110.US.
Cuba coin ring   AM2037.   This Cuban coin "Patria y Libertad" is set in sterling silver.  The ring is a size 8.    $105.US.
UK coin ring   AM2038.   This English thrupence coin (3 pence) is set in sterling silver.  The ring is a size 6.   $70.US.
USA coin Indian head penny ring   AM2039.   This copper Indian head penny from the US is set in sterling silver.  The ring is a size 7.   $70.US.
Mexico stone carving   AM2040.   This is a contemporary hand carved stone grasshopper, imitating the style of a PreColumbian sculpture found in Chapultepec Park where the "grasshopper hill" is.  Chapul is the Nahuatl word for grasshopper.  The sculpture is almost black in colour, and carved of a very hard stone.  It has some colour changes especially at the back which give it a very attractive look.  The piece was carved by an excellent craftsman in Malinalco, Mexico.  This is 5 inches long and almost 3 inches tall.  It sits very nicely on its slightly rounded base so it can be pushed to rock back and forth a little.   $75.US.
PreColumbian beads   AM2041.   Strand #1 is made up of nicely cut greenstone/diorite beads from the State of Guerrero.  These are considered to be from the Mezcala world.  The strand is 17 inches around and ready to be made into a necklace.  $350.US.   Strand #2 has beads in an attractive pale green colour and a variety of shapes and sizes.  The longest tubular bead is 2 1/4 inches long, and the other is 2 inches long, and the entire necklace is 17 inches around.  The beads are very nicely cut and shaped and come from the Mezcala culture.  $420.US.
preColumbian beads   AM2042.  Bead strand #1 was made to be worn by the owner, but I can open the loop/bead closure so I am pretty sure that it needs restringing.  The big fat round bead bead is pretty wonderful, measuring 1 1/2 inches in diameter.  I rarely get such nice almost black beads from Guerrero.  I know that the greenstone beads are also known as diorite, but I don't know what stone this one is.  There is a good variety of beads on the strand, all over 1000 years old.  $400.US.    Strand #2 is over 21 inches long and is made up of greenstone/diorite from the State of Guerrero.  It has some of the odd shaped beads that are often called "dientes" - teeth.  $300.US.
preColumbian beads   AM2043.   This strand of beads is 19 inches around and made up of greenstone, also known as diolite.  These preColumbian/preHispanic beads are from the State of Guerrero in Mexico and well over 1000 years old.  The beads average 5/8 inch in diameter.  I would love to see them mixed in with some silver.   $310.US.
preColumbian beads   AM2044.   Both of these ancient preHispanic/preColumbian strands of beads came from Cuetlajuchitlán, Guerrero.  Strand #1 is made up of greenstone/diorite and is 24 inches long plus pendant.  $300.US.   Strand #2 is made up of a sand coloured hardstone but I don't know what it is called.  There are 20 inches of beads on the strand with a pendant that is about 1 1/4 inches by 1 1/2 inches and squarish.  The beads are strung up onto a cord and ready to wear as is.  $320.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM2045.   Here is a group of ten preColumbian/preHispanic bead/pendant pieces from
Cuetlajuchitlán, Guerrero.  The largest piece is 1 1/4 inches long.  $120.US.
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.
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.   $235.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.
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...  $55.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...  $55.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...  $55.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 larger relicario is sold)  The smaller relicario (2 3/4 inches tall, 1 3/8 inches wide, and 5/16 inch thick) is  $270.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.    (#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 & #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.
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.
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.
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   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.   
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.
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.
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 are State 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.
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.   (#3 is sold)  #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.   (#1& #5 are available)
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.   $115.US.  
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.   (#1 & #2 are available, #3 is 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.   (#1 & #3 are available, #2 is sold)
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.
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...   $24.US/each bracelet.   (#2 & #3 are available, #1 is sold)
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  $24.US.   (#3 is sold)
blown glass beads   AM619.   This is a beautiful strand of blown glass beads which were cherished in Guatemala and southern Mexico.  This strand has a great variety so is excellent for a collector - shapes, sizes and colours vary a huge amount.  There are 30 inches of beads on the strand, and two coins tied onto it.  The coins are silver, 1/2 real, and from Guatemala - 5/8 inches across.  One reads 1945 but the beads are older than the coins and antique, most likely made in Bohemia.  The glass is very thin on the beads so they do need to be handled with care.   $275.US
Mexico silver charm bracelet   AM628.  Here is a traditional sterling silver charm bracelet from Mexico.  Pieces like this have traditionally been made since the forties & fifties.  They are always time consuming to make as the shapes of the charms are all constructed individually by hand.  There are two pitchers, an Aztec calendar, a sombrero, a sandal, and a cooking grill.  There is also a cowbell with a little ringer inside so that it makes a delicate sound.  Thes pieces are very well made.  The bracelet is 7 1/4 inches long when closed.   $120.US.
Tairona beads   AM635.   This is a charming group of preHispanic/preColumbian beads.  Two of them are shaped like larvae or grubs.  The one on the left of the preview image is 5/8 inch long.  The small creamy one (1/2 inch long) is a tiny "bullet" bead.  These are often gathered together in groups on necklaces from the Tairona people of Colombia.  Seven beads for  $255.US.
preColumbian greenstone beads   AM642.   I love getting these groups of beads that have a character of the place where they were collected.  These preColumbian beads came from Veracruz.  Strand #1 has an interesting collection within it of round, tubular, tooth shaped, and one face bead.  The face bead is the creamy one that you can see in the preview on the left.  It has two soft barely there eyes and a delicate impression of a mouth.  The longer tubular bead is 2 inches long.  The entire strand is just under 13 inches long.  With some beads to go behind the neck, this could be a fascinating necklace.   $300.US.    Strand #2 is a short strand (only 7 1/2 inches long) but it contains a wonderful pendant of a man which is 2 1/4 inches tall - becoming very hard to come across.  The stringing holes across his chest are quite large and a strong cord could go through.  This strand came from Veracruz as well.   $300.US.   (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
preColumbian beads   AM643.   Here are two pale strands of preColumbian beads, made of a softer stone than greenstone.  They are closer to a pale fresh colour than this photo demonstrates.  It was impossible for me to get the colour correct.  Strand #1 has a nice selection of rounded beads measuring 15 inches in length.  The fattest one is just under an inch in diameter and the one tubular bead is 1 1/4 inches long.  Many of the beads have a chalky feel to them.   $250.US.   Strand #2 is a combination of rounded and tubular beads with that same chalky surface.  The strand is 20 inches long.  3 of the beads have lines going from top to bottom to portray melons.  I saw similar beads in the Museo Nacional del Antropologia in Mexico City.   $325.US.   (#2 is sold) 
preColumbian clay bird whistle   AM650.   This preColumbian clay bird whistle originally came from Veracruz, a state that is full of music in every form.  It can be blown quite loudly into the end of the tail with the air hole at the bottom.  The piece is intact with the only damage being a shortened wing on one side and a little old chip on the crest above the eyes.  Those are old changes and not noticeable.  From front to back the whistle is a little over 3 1/4 inches long.  When sitting it is 1 7/8 inches tall.  It is quite a thrill to make the same sound that was made well over a thousand years ago.   $110.US.
Mexico bag - Frida Kahlo   AM659.   I bought three of this style of bag in Mexico - the other two are below.  I thought that they were all interesting and made by hand and sold by a small distributor to very few shops.  I imagine another one would be pretty difficult to come across.  This bag features images of Frida Kahlo, a photographic portrait in front and a focus on her eyes in the back.  The images are much more attractive in real life - it was difficult to take pics avoiding glare from light in the room.  The bags snap shut in the front.  On the back they have a flap which covers a pocket where you can slip some pieces of paper or credit cards...  The bag, when closed is 8 1/2 inches tall, 6 3/4 inches wide, and slightly over 1 1/2 inches thick.  This is a small bag but fine for a wallet, with sunglasses and a phone, or perhaps a paperback novel.  The webbed strap is 3/4 inch wide and can be shortened to comfort.  When fully extended the strap is about 50 inches long.    $35.US.   (Frida is sold)
Mexico bag - Che Guevara   AM660.   The size of this bag, and length of strap is the same as the one above.  This features Che Guevarra.    $35.US.
Mexico bag - Santo   AM661.   The size of this bag and length of strap are described in AM659 above.  This one features el Santo, a famous luchador in Mexico.    $35.US.
coconut bowl from Mexico   AM664.   Carved coconut shell bowl 4 inches across, 1 3/4 inches tall.   $15.US.
coconut shell bowl from Mexico   AM665.   Carved coconut shell bowl 2 3/4 by 3 3/4 inches across, 1 1/2 inches tall.   $15.US.
preColumbian stone beads   AM668.   This strand of preColumbian stone beads is 16 inches long and ready to make into a Frida Kahlo style necklace.   $320.US.
pre Columbian stone necklace   AM670.   This is a rather wonderful necklace with an elegant man standing at the center.  He has double sided holes at the back and had a code number written on him (6550) as he had been part of a serious collection which was disbanded ten or so years ago.  He is 2 inches tall, made of a dark green flecky stone, has his hair-line or hat defined, a line across his face for a mouth, a belt, a line across the bottom of his tunic and he has his legs and arms well defined.    The necklace is 17 1/2 inches long, made of more delicate preColumbian stone beads graduating nicely to the end.  The necklace is closed with a sterling silver clasp of a pair of hands, made in Oaxaca.   $550.US.
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.   (#1 is available, pair of pins #2 are sold)
preColumbian beads Peru   AM535.   There are two strands of beads here from Peru (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...), 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.   (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
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.   $145.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.   $185.US.   #3 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.   $145.US.   (#3 is sold)
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, #1 is available)
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.   (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
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.   (#6 is available, all others are sold)
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.   (#1, #2, #5 are available, all others are sold)
spindle whorl   AM567.   Spindle whorl #3 is available - a preColumbian piece 2 1/8 inches across and a little over 1/2 inch thick.   $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.   (#1, #2 & #3 are available)
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.   (#2, #3, #4, #7 & #10 are available, all others are sold)
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.  
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.
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.
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 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.   (#1 is on hold, all of the rest are sold)
Tairona stone beads from Colombia   AM574.   This is a group of pre Columbian/preHispanic beads all from the Tairona people of Colombia.  Strand #1 is 22 inches around and made mostly of shell.  14 of the larger beads are carnelian though, and the central bead is a curled up larva made of carnelian as well.   $245.US.   Strand #2   $245.US.   Strand #3 has 20 inches of beads going around plus a 1 1/8 inch long carnelian pendant in the center.The 8 largest beads on the strand are carnelian as well.   $245.US.   Strand #4   $245.US.   (#1 & #3 are available, #2 & #4 are sold)
AM300.   This is an attractive 20 inch long necklace with black clay whorls and 3 stone pendants.  $275.US.
Peru
AM305.   This is a vintage Peruvian shawl pin.  The needle part is pushed into the wool where one part of a shawl is laid over the other.  The piece is 8 inches long and made of typical mised metals.  The dangles clink lightly when walking.   $135.US.
shawl pin AM226.   This vintage Peruvian shawl pin has a hook on the back (3 3/4 inches long) to weave into the fabric of the shawl to keep it closed.  This is made of the typical mixed metal and has three proud peacocks on it.  The hand at the bottom holds a chain but the pendant at the bottom has been long gone.  You can add something of importance there.  The decorations are made of glass, some with a reflective backing.  The piece is 5 1/4 inches tall plus chain.   $125.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)
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.   (#5 is available, the rest are sold)
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.
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.   (#1 is available, the others are sold)
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, #2 is available)
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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