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@patrickkapty.bsky.social Sep 7, 2026, 4:14 PM

A super rare 'Metales Castillo' bracelet in sterling copper and brass and centering a pre-Columbian jade bead at top c. 1950s - design by Chato Castillo for Los Castillo Taxco.

Available....

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillotaxco #chatocastillodesign #metalescastillo #mexicanmodernism

A super rare vintage 1950s handmade mixed metals (sterling, copper, brass) and large pre-Columbian jade bead Mexican modernist bracelet designed by Chato Castillo for Los Castillo in Taxco, Mexico. An incredible design entirely handmade by skilled artisans in the Los Castillo workshop in heavy-gauge brass and copper wire, centering a large (1.25" diameter!) pre-Columbian jade bead at top, and with a sterling silver closure at bottom! Both Chato and his brother Antonio Castillo were long-time collectors of pre-Columbian artifacts, and some pieces from their collections found their way into unique jewelry designs produced by Los Castillo. I've only seen one other example of this bracelet design which I purchased at auction a few years ago from the famous Hodosh collection in California. This is only the second example of it that I have seen, and I had the privilege of viewing some of the best collections of Mexican silver and modernist jewelry in the world when I worked on the Maestros de Plata exhibition and catalog back in 2001. The bracelet measures 1.5" wide at top, and fits up to a 7.5" wrist (snugly), though I suggest a 7 to 7.25 wrist at largest for comfortable wear, and weighs a hefty 71.5 grams total. The pre-Columbian jade bead measures 1.25" diameter by about 7/8" widest point. The bracelet is marked with the early 1950s "Metales Castillo" mark, also design number "191".You won't see another one for sale anytime soon! There is some wear as expected to the ancient pre-Columbian jade bead that is likely Maya in origin, and is no doubt in the vicinity of 1500-2000 years old! Excellent vintage condition.

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