***Circa Early 1900's- 1865 "MAXIMILIAN" 22K Gold Coin- Moveable 3 Tier Pearl - 14k Gold Earrings - From Ellen Jiménez's" Estate (Federico's Wife)***
***Circa Early 1900's- 1865 "MAXIMILIAN" 22K Gold Coin- Moveable 3 Tier Pearl - 14k Gold Earrings - From Ellen Jiménez's" Estate (Federico's Wife)***
FIRM ON PRICE-SORRY BUT ABSOLUTELY NO DISCOUNTS APPLY TO THIS ITEM
EARRING PROVENANCE:
I am truly very honored and deeply grateful to have been offered an exceptional collection of rare and exquisite gold jewelry. Many of these pieces are unique gold coin jewelry that is well-known within the Oaxaca jewelry tradition. What makes this collection even more special is that it once belonged to the late Ellen Belber-Jiménez, who was the devoted wife of the internationally acclaimed jewelry designer Federico Jiménez. They shared 56 wonderful years together until her unfortunate passing. (Please be sure to explore what’s left of my curated inventory of Gold jewelry, by clicking on the word “Gold” in the drop down in this same category)
Ellen and Federico first met down in Oaxaca in the mid-1960s. At that time, Ellen was deeply engaged in her work with the UCLA Oaxaca Market Study Research Project, immersing herself in every aspect of the region. Meanwhile, Federico was actively involved in writing insightful articles about Oaxaca's rich traditional arts and vibrant culture. Ellen completely lived and breathed the beautiful art of Oaxaca—the stunning jewelry, the intricate hand-woven textiles, the traditional clothing, the local food, and more. Like her husband, she had an impressive depth of knowledge and could speak expertly about each element, demonstrating remarkable skill and passion for every subject connected to the region’s artistic heritage.
Ellen collected quite an impressive and remarkable collection, one that truly deserves to be displayed in a museum.In fact, several pieces owned by Ellen are now housed at their renowned museum in Oaxaca that bears both her and her husband’s name, the "Museo Belber Jimenez." This museum is celebrated for its phenomenal and historically significant collection of jewelry and textiles, widely regarded as one of the most important in Oaxaca and the surrounding region. Her refined tastes for Oaxaca jewelry were nothing short of exquisite, and she owned exclusively the finest pieces that Oaxaca had to offer. These delicate coin earrings are just one shining example of her exceptional eye for the beautiful and intricate jewelry she treasured.
**************************
A LITTLE ABOUT OAXACA GOLD COIN HISTORY:
The gold coin jewelry of the Tehuanas (Zapotec women from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec) is particularly rare and unique, mainly because these pieces are not typically available for sale. Instead, they remain treasured possessions within Tehuana families or are preserved in museums. This coin jewelry holds significant cultural value and is proudly worn during important Oaxaca festivities, symbolizing heritage and tradition. It is important to note that this type of jewelry is not produced as a commercial line for widespread sale. Although there are replicas made, they are however, are made from real gold, differentiating them considerably from the authentic pieces.
Coin & gold jewelry were also traditionally used in marriages, where the fathers of the husband-to-be would bring all their valuable gold coins to give to the wife’s family, effectively passing on their wealth through this significant gesture. However, it wasn’t just these precious gold coins that were presented; it was also land, livestock such as cows, and other valuable assets that were often included as part of the wedding payment to the family of the “bride-to-be.” This payment served as a form of dowry, which could consist of money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband or his family in marriage. To prepare for these important ceremonies, families would carefully keep and preserve a private collection of gold coins specifically set aside for such occasions.
**************************
A NOTE:
Ferdinand Maximilian (Maximilian I of Mexico) was the Emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867, so coins minted under his reign, including for example, this 1865 year as seen in these earrings, belong to the period of the Second Mexican Empire. He accepted the invitation to become Emperor in 1864 and ordered the first Mexican pesos under his rule to be minted that year, with his profile and the imperial shield appearing on the back of them.
**************************
THE EARRINGS:
Made in the early turn of the twentieth century in Mexico, these earrings possess a somewhat romantic and distinctly feminine appearance. They feature a sophisticated three-tiered moveable design, with each tier showcasing its own unique shape and character, adding depth and elegance to the overall piece. Two particular aspects stand out when comparing these to others I have or have had in my collection. First, a specialized technique known as "Diamond Cutting" was employed, where the jeweler meticulously etches into the metal, creating a subtle sparkle. This detailed workmanship allows the earrings to catch and reflect light beautifully as they move, producing a faceted, shimmering effect. Second, while many similar pieces were made using 22k "Dos Pesos" gold coins, these earrings are distinctively made with Maximilian coins, lending them a rarer and more historically significant charm.
Both the 1st and 2nd tiers each feature a delicate little white pearl, carefully set to sit snugly within their own handmade prongs, ensuring they remain securely in place. Each section is thoughtfully designed to act as an anchor for the subsequent tier, creating a fluid, stable layered effect. All of these tiers were meticulously cut entirely by hand, showcasing the artisan’s skill and dedication. Notably, the bottom tier was not only hand-cut, but also includes intricate cut-out work that follows its circular shape (see photos). When examining the backside, it’s quite impressive to see how the tiers are connected with a fine gold wire, skillfully looped to secure each piece together. Everything except the coin was professionally tested 2x’s, confirming a positive reading for 14k gold purity.
These earrings are neither overly heavy nor bulky, making them comfortable and wearable for daily use, while still offering a genuine and authentic Mexican–Oaxacan aesthetic. They would complement any wardrobe wonderfully, but especially enhance a traditional Mexican ensemble with their rich cultural appeal!
** Please view all photos since they play a role to the description **
****************************************************
**PRICE IS FIRM**
ARTIST: Unknown
EARRING PROVENACE: From Ellen Belber-Jimenez's Private Estate.
CIRCA: Turn of the Century (Early 1900’s)
METAL: Gold (PROFESSIONALLY TESTED 2 TIMES)
METAL PURITY: COIN: 22K (91.67 per cent pure gold) ELSEWHERE IN THE EARRING:14k Gold
COIN DROP SIZE: 20 mm (About 3/4" Round-With it's bezel)
COIN SIZE: About 10 mm Round (3/8”)
MEASUREMENTS: 2-1/8" x 7/8" (From Wire curvature to bottom-Width taken in the middle which is it's widest point)
DROP ALONE: 2" (Without Wire)
COMBINED WEIGHT: 6.4 Grams
CLOSURE: Shepherds Hook with Safety Latch
MADE IN: Mexico ((Possibly Oaxaca?)
CONDITION: EXCELLENT -WELL kept condition. Ear Wire in Original shape
Comes Gift Boxed.
*************************
SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT:
Because of the price,these will have a mandatory signature confirmation requirement & will come insured.. If you're not home in the day & need these shipped where they can be signed for,please change that in your "Ship To" section before I create the shipping label***I'm sorry if this may be an inconvenience, but I do not ship expensive pieces without one.This is for your protection & mine..
PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING:
*****I do not consider myself a 'professional photographer" but I do try to give you photos that are 'realistic in color.. Please understand that all screen monitors are different, so the materials can look brighter (or duller) ,more intense or less intense from one computer/phone to the next.
In order to give you close up photos so I can provide you with all the detail, can tend to make the item look much more larger & everything is more magnified & exaggerated than in actuality. So to get an accurate idea of how big these are,please either check them out being worn to get a rough idea (photos) or you can pull out a tape measure & compare to my given measurements.
