Such an intersting very vintage ring! Art Deco? Tirbal Head ? How should this be described?

[mewmew52lk]

I've had this for many years....it is marked inside the band "silver."

How should I describe this piece? I will start the discussions......vintage silver ring......

Thank you in advance for any and all information that helps me with my mystery.

[bambih2005]

Looks like Mexican Silver carved Green Onyx Aztec tribal mask.

[mewmew52lk]

Thank you!!!! Have yourself a fabulous day!

[debora_34_]

That's what it is.  Never seen one used in a ring before.  It should be marked, as Mexican silver is.

Debora 

[acquisator]

Art Deco? No! This is a typical Aztec tribal mask carved from green onyx or jade. The silver may be anywhere from .900-.950 (sterling standard  is .925, or 925/1000 parts silver). Since your ring is marked only "SILVER", it predates Mexico's eagle system of hallmarks, which was instituted in 1948, and was probably made sometime between the early 1920s and the late 1940s. In addition, the silver content is probably higher than .925 (sterling).

If you do a keyword search for "aztec mask ring silver mexico" (without quotation marks), you will see quite a few rings with this traditional motif. Aztec masks are also used in bracelets and earrings. They were very popular with tourists back in the early 20th century, at which time they were considered pretty exotic.

Not terribly valuable today (check sold prices), but a very cool vintage accessory.

[acquisator]

Rings, bracelets, and earrings featuring carved Aztec masks (usually in green onyx or jade, although other stones such as black onyx and jasper also were used) were produced in large quantities by Mexican silversmiths in the early years of the 20th century, largely for the burgeoning tourist trade. 

[mewmew52lk]

Oh my aren’t you full of fascinating information!  Thank you so much for enlightening me!!!  I truly appreciate it!  Have a fabulous day!!!!

[mewmew52lk]

Again I thank you for your detailed information!

[acquisator]

You are most welcome! We have handled a lot of Mexican silver over the years. The definitive resource for this is "The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks".