Vintage Venetian Glass Bead Necklace

Carrying an artists mark (side view of eagle head), this Sterling Silver Link Bracelet is an excellent example of vintage designer jewelry from Mexico. Silversmith's designed and manufactured jewelry for centuries in Mexico. It wasn't until the 1930's that Mexican Silver Jewelry become popular in the United States, when William Spratling established a retail outlet near Taxco Mexico. Soon after,  Mexican Silver Jewelry began to be imported by retail outlets in U.S..  In short time, Mexican Silver Jewelry could be found in stores throughout the states, from fashionable Gump’s in San Francisco to Montgomery Ward in Chicago and it was "all the rage".  Mexican Silver continues to be a highly collectable item. The "stones" set in this piece are not actually stone but highly prized art glass known among collectors as "Dragons Breath" faux opals.