This vintage cross and chain came from an estate sale in Northern California. Once polished, it will be a beautiful addition to your antique jewelry collection. It has a wonderful patina built up and I will leave that for the new owner to see. I did use a polishing cloth on the area on the back where the hallmark is so that I could see what it said.
The cross measures 3.25 by 2.5 inches and has 5 bezel set cabochon malachite stones measuring about 3/8ths by 1/2 inch. The edges are decorated by an elaborate rope design. There are several content stamps and hallmarks on the back including 'taxco" and 'sterling 925'. The back also has an eagle with the number 47 plus the famous Ballesteros fancy 'B" hallmark.
The bail at the top of the cross is signed Talleres De Los Ballesteros (although all of the name did not fit onto the bail) and also has the 'B" logo. Los Ballesteros was a family business in Mexico which began in 1937 by Jalil Ballesteros. They only produced handmade jewelry. Even today, they are considered one of the most important companies producing jewelry and silversmithing in Mexico.
Most Mexico jewelry like this is estimated to be 1940s. The hallmarks and stamps present on the cross and on the chain are worn, so this has definitely been around for a very long time.
The chain, unclasped and opened, measures 25.5 inches long. The chain is marked 'Hecho in Mexico'. I do not see a sterling stamp. I did do the magnet test and it did not stick, so I'm fairly confident that it is also sterling (but just can't promise).
It will be mailed via USPS First Class Mail. The package will be insured and will require a signature for delivery. Since these safeguards are for the protection of us both, I split that cost with the buyer.
Buyer to pay $5.95 delivery charges. Shipping is from Nevada.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT SHIPPING CHARGES: Twice yearly, and again in November for the holiday season (so three times per year) the postal service increases shipping charges. This is what they call their "Delivering For America" plan in which they hope to become profitable. It's a 10 year plan that started in 2021, so we've got years to go with multiple price increases on shipping charges each year. I try to absorb the new charges and haven't increased my shipping charges in three years. This year unfortunately, I have to if I want to stay in business. I'll try to keep it reasonable and even absorb some of the increases when possible.
I do combine shipping on multiple items purchased as long as all items will safely fit into a single box or envelope. However, my web host is not set up to calculate multiple item shipping costs. At checkout, you will be charged full shipping price on each item purchased and I will refund the appropriate amount of overpayment. If you are uncomfortable with that, you can send me an email with your zip code and stating which items you'll be purchasing and I'll calculate the correct combined shipping charges and send you a custom invoice.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASED: Sorry, I do not ship to locations outside of the United States.
All items in my listings come from either estate or garage sales. I do not know if they come from homes where smoking or pets were present. Unless otherwise stated, all items are sold in the same condition as when I obtained them.
