Fred Davis Sterling Silver Green Onyx Bracelet

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Fred Davis Sterling Silver Green Onyx Bracelet

About the Item

A Mexican bracelet comprised of fine sterling silver with green onyx cabochons in the form of Aztec masks. The bracelet has decorative silver panels with heavy beading, swirls, and oval onyx Aztec masks. This vintage panel bracelet was made in Mexico by the legendary Fred Davis. The bracelet is in very good condition. There is a marking on the bracelet. Measurements: L 7" (17.7 cm) x W 1.7" (4.3 cm) Weight: 45 grams Frederick W. Davis was born in 1880 in Chicago, IL. He moved to Mexico in 1910 to work. During his work at the Sonora News Company (selling guidebooks and souvenirs along the Southern Pacific Railway), he took an interest in the beautiful jewelry worn by Mexican women. Due to his appreciation and knowledge of Pre-Columbian art, he eventually became manager of the Sonora Company's arts and crafts showroom in Mexico City. During the unrest of The Revolution, many artifacts and antiques came on the market. At the end of the revolution (1920), many tourists began to flock to Mexico and the Davis' shop. Davis was one of the first to showcase artists such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, William Spratling, and Rufino Tamayo. In 1933, Fred Davis became the head of the department of antiques and fine crafts in Frank Sanborn's Mexico City store. Davis himself became a designer, employing the very best silversmiths to produce his creative designs of jewelry and objects. His items were meant to be collected, and he purposely did not cater to the "souvenir" market. He had a great understanding and appreciation of the aesthetic and is now considered a true visionary in Mexican Arts. Like his contemporary William Spratling in Taxco, Davis provided hundreds of artisans with a livelihood and elevated the Mexican Silver art form in the eyes of the world. Davis passed away in 1961, but his legacy will continue to flourish, as his pieces are prized by collectors.

Creator:
Frederick Davis
Metal:
Sterling Silver
Stone:
Onyx
Stone Cut:
Cabochon
Weight:
45 g
Dimensions:
Width: 1.7 in (43.18 mm)Length: 7 in (177.8 mm)
Place of Origin:
Mexico
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1930-1950
Condition:
Seller Location:
Chesterland, OH
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2526218212432