Vintage Alicia de la Paz Ortiz Cuevas Malachite Choker Necklace
This magnificent, vintage choker necklace, by Alicia de la Paz Ortiz Cuevas, features a colorful array of polished malachite inlaid in .950 silver.
Alicia de la Paz is a silversmith from Taxco, Guerrero,Mexico, that began her career in the 1980s. In the 1990s, a tragic automobile accident left Alicia partially paralyzed and her husband, Antonio lost use of one arm. An economic recession also swept over the country, leaving many customers with unpaid bills. Although these tough times affected business negatively, she and Antonio were able to eventually recover and continue working. Her early work was done in .950 silver while her contemporary pieces are done in .925 sterling silver.
The necklace has thick, chunky, scalloped rectangular links that graduate in size, and are inlaid with polished malachite. The malachite has very attractive green banding. Each malachite measures approximately 30 x 12mm.
It's difficult to get an exact length of the necklace, but it measures ≈ 15" long, and fits like a choker necklace.
The piece is fastened by a tongue and groove box clasp that snaps closed, locking into place.
Signed and hallmarked, "TD-96 Mexico 950".
Gross weight of the necklace is 170.4 grams.