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Alpaca and Turquoise Inlay Necklace

Classification:

391.451

Date:

March 5, 2025

Category:

Necklace

Type:

Collar

Collection:

Faux Silver

Color:

Blue

Era:

1990s

Material:

Made in/by:

Mexico

Hallmarks:

Primary Market:

Mexico

Style:

Southwestern

About this item

This necklace features a series of linked alpaca silver panels with turquoise chip inlay in a swirling, stylized design. The curved segments create a flowing pattern reminiscent of traditional Mexican craftsmanship. The clasp is a simple hook closure. Alpaca silver is a mixed metal alloy containing copper, nickel, and zinc, commonly used in Mexican jewelry

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Additional Information

Alpaca silver, commonly used in Mexican jewelry, is a non-precious alloy that mimics sterling silver but contains copper, nickel, and zinc. It was widely used in handcrafted jewelry from the mid-20th century, particularly for tourist trade pieces. Lucite was a popular alternative to natural gemstones, offering a lightweight and durable material that could be shaped and polished to mimic organic stones like mother-of-pearl. The beaded detailing and handcrafted elements align with traditional Mexican jewelry designs from the 1970s and 1980s. Adjustable bands were frequently used to accommodate various ring sizes, making these pieces versatile and appealing to a broad audience.

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