Dámaso Gallegos (Mexican, 1890-1976)
La Amatista (Mexico, est. 1941)
Paneled Bracelet
sterling silver, signed
6 ¾” long x 1 1/6” wide
55.2 grams
Description: Vintage paneled sterling silver bracelet featuring scenes representative of Mexican life, by master silversmith and goldsmith Dámaso Gallegos (Taxco, Mexico, 1890-1976). The five panels each present a symbol of life for those who call Mexico a home, they include a donkey, agave plant, person wearing a sombrero, a decorated clay vessel and a house each presented in relief on an intentionally burnished ground to add depth and contrast.
Markings: impressed on back, ‘STERLING’ / ‘TAXCO’ / ‘DG’ [Script Mark] / ‘925’ [Post 1950]
Condition: Antique, Very Good
For Accuracy: an antique/vintage item it may show expected light signs of age. The patina is fine with a heavy quality construction, the hinges and box clasp in excellent working order.
Biography: Dámaso Gallegos (1890 – 1976) Learning in the ‘Taller Border’ workshop of Héctor Aguilar and from the lineage of William Spratling, Gallegos mastered the art of both silversmithing and goldsmithing before setting up his own shop ‘La Amatista’ in Taxco, Mexico, in 1941. Utilizing a Modernist style Gallegos hand-crafted artisan jewelry in a variety of grades of silver and gold often utilizing specialty hand-made tools for custom finishing. Antonio Gallegos, his son, has carried on the tradition after his father’s death in 1976.
