Vintage Mexican Abalone Cat Brooch

Description
A 1960s–1970s Mexican inlay brooch in the shape of a cat mid-stretch, its long body filled with abalone that shifts from green to violet like oil on water. Black enamel fills the face, paws, and tail tip, with two small metal dots for eyes. Pieces like this came from workshops in and around Taxco, where shell inlay set in alpaca silver became a signature craft. Graphic, a little playful, and long enough to make a statement on a lapel.

Materials
Alpaca silver (nickel silver), abalone shell, black enamel

Details

• Era: 1960s–1970s
• Markings: Mexico, with a partial stamp above it
• Style / design notes: Modernist stretching cat silhouette with channel inlay
• Stone or material notes: Natural abalone shell with black enamel accents
• Function: Pin back with safety clasp
• Color: Silver-tone, iridescent green and blue, black
• Condition: Good vintage condition, surface wear to the metal with small spots of corrosion at the ears, paws, and tail tip
• Measurement: 3.1"

Collected by Mineral and Matter