I got this bracelet/cuff/whatever years ago in the late 80's, early 90's. Actually, I found it and have had it tucked in a box for, oh, 15 years. It's not my style and I've never worn it. Any info on age, style, and what the "stearling" stamp on the back really means would be a great help! Janine <img src="http://hipvintage2.home.mindspring.com/April%202%202005/metal%20cuff%20closed.jpg"><br><br><img src="http://hipvintage2.home.mindspring.com/April%202%202005/metal%20cuff%20open.jpg"><br><br><img src="http://hipvintage2.home.mindspring.com/April%202%202005/metal%20cuff%20tag.jpg">
I can't really make it out. If it is "Sterling" and a number it could be 925 sterling silver or whatever other ratio. unless you really meant stearling and that is the maker or designer.
I'll pull it out of the storage box and take a look in person. I took these photos months ago. Janine
Oh, drat! I wish I knew right where the twisted bits of the bracelet, that looked like this, that my ex-boyfriend from Mexico gave me were (twisted by the next, serial, ex-b.f., circa 1983). My gold-toned figures didn't hold their gold color and judging only from mine, I'd call it silver, though I'd suspect some more creative mix like nickel silver. I'm seeing S-T-E-R-L-I-N-G, without the "A," on yours, though, and it seems more finely-crafted. Have you tried holding it near a magnet to it to see if it pulls toward the magnet?
I know nothing of jewelry, silver ratios & metal types, etc. Other than straight on gold & silver, I'm cluless. So, I took a closer look - as I should have done in the first place - and this is what is says: Sterling 925 Taxco The mermaid refrigerator magnet - the only one I have - pulls at the hinges, between each plate, but that's it. What does all this mean?? Janine
My husband is very into silver and the 925 number is what qualifies the amount of actual silver for it to be called sterling. I believe. He's not here so I am spared the lecture and you are spared a 100% sure answer, but in doing a search on the Internet the numbers seem to stack up as sterling.
I LOVE Taxco, Mexico. It is a town/village with narrow, winding cobblestone streets (so windy you had to unpack your luggage out of a car and carry it up a bump or dip so the car wouldn't bottom out) that harken back to Raiders of the Lost Ark meets El Mariachi. brightly painted doors, a fantastic view of the whole town in this one valley, so you wonder if it would flood. Everything - furniture was either whitewashed or painted a bright indigo/cobalt blue, reds, and yellow. some greens too. Okay, I was only there one day/night/next morning, but it really captured my attention more so than a place like Acapulco, etc ever could. As far as 925 sterling, that is GOOD. you don't have to define it, people who collect or want to wear silver just 'know" that that is what you look for and some folk even collect mexican specifically Taxco silver...some are artist signed but most are not if they are Taxco, they just have the town on it. I wish i was greedier when i went there and bought stuff for myself instead of gifts for other people! Chris
Hi Janine. Mexican sterling silver can be very valuable. since yours has Aztec figures on it, I would list that in the title. You should well at auction. What age is it? No clue.
The magnet test i think tells you if it is silver or has an over abundance of nickel in the mix...i think??? Steph, is that right? actually, i will have to look it up and check.. But i think since it is marked 925 Sterling its not necessary......?
HEY! Here is one that's just about the same: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4991107004&fromMakeTrack=true
Janine ~ If you are listing it on eBay, put STERLING TAXCO and MEXICAN in the title - they will find it!
Not too shabby for "being tucked in a box for 15 years'. looks like its time to clean out my drawer of little boxes... Chris
