Vintage Cecilia Toño Taxco Sterling Silver Bird Brooch T18 Piedra Negra Mixed Metals Turquoise Inlay Mexican Modernist Jewelry

Bold graphic composition, layered mixed-metal construction, and vivid turquoise accents define this vintage Cecilia Toño Piedra Negra bird brooch from Taxco, Mexico. Shaped as a softly rounded square, the brooch presents a stylized long-necked bird beside a flowering branch beneath star-like celestial details, creating a whimsical yet sophisticated example of Mexican modernist studio jewelry.

The face is constructed in contrasting sections of bright silver-colored metal and warm copper or brass, with dark oxidized linework defining the bird, foliage, and abstract geometric elements. Turquoise inlay appears throughout the branch, blossoms, starburst, and circular accent, adding concentrated flashes of blue against the warm metallic ground. Fine directional surface texture remains visible across the face, reinforcing the hand-worked character of the design rather than the uniform finish of mass-produced jewelry.

This is a genuinely constructed piece rather than a flat printed or simply engraved brooch. The decorated face is layered over a sterling silver backing, with a dark intermediate edge and small securing rivets visible on the reverse. This substantial fabrication gives the brooch excellent presence and reflects the mixed-metal Piedra Negra technique associated with Cecilia Toño jewelry.

The brooch measures approximately 1¾ inches tall by 1¾ inches wide and about ⅛ inch thick. The reverse is extensively marked Toño, Cecilia, Piedra Negra, Hecho en Mexico, and bears the circular Taxco Rancho Alegre 925 sterling mark, together with what appears to be the design or production number T18. The long pin stem and safety catch remain attached on the reverse.

Condition is good vintage condition with honest evidence of age and wear. The front retains strong graphic definition and attractive color contrast, while light surface scratches, minor edge wear, and natural patina are visible throughout. The turquoise inlay accents remain present, with fine lines and irregularities visible under close magnification. The reverse shows surface wear, oxidation, and areas of patina consistent with age. The piece has been left unpolished to preserve its original character and contrasting finishes.

Collectors of Cecilia Toño jewelry, Piedra Negra mixed-metal work, Taxco sterling silver, Mexican modernist brooches, turquoise inlay jewelry, artisan bird pins, and Mid Century Mexican design will appreciate the unusually complete hallmarking, layered construction, and distinctive narrative composition of this signed brooch.