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Classical designs by #MargotDesign
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September 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A big vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver floral motif fur clip designed by Margot Van Voorhies for Los Castillo in Taxco - design number 621, measures 5" tall by 3"!

#loscastillotaxco #handmade #floral #margotdesign #taxco #mexicansilver #furclip #vintage1940s #sterlingsilver #wearableart #art
October 21, 2025 at 3:09 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
Magnificent vintage 1940s Los Castillo handmade sterling silver pre-Colombian Dragon Quetzalcoatl design brooch - likely a Margot design - entirely handmade repoussage and with hand incised details at front. Almost 4" tall!

#lostcastillotaxco #mexicansilver #taxco #margotdesign #hechoenmexico #art
March 7, 2025 at 4:53 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A Los Castillo Taxco handmade copper Hippocampus design tray circa 1945-50 - super rare, possibly one of a kind. NFS

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #margotvanvoorhiescarr #margotdetaxco #taxco #mexicandesign #midcenturymexico #handmade #copper #hippocampus #hecoenmexico #hechoamano #mexicandesign
May 13, 2025 at 1:54 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
An exceptional Los Castillo Taxco sterling silver and amethyst necklace circa 1950. NFS.

#loscastillotaxco #loscastillojewelry #vintage1940s #vintage1950s #handmade #mexicansilver #necklace #jewelrydesign #margotdesign #sterlingsilver #amethyst #mexicanjewelry #mexicandesign #hechoenmexico #taxco
November 14, 2025 at 3:39 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A delightful pair of 1940s sterling silver 'putti' pins designed by Margot van Voorhies for Los Castillo in Taxco - each measures 3" tall.

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #repousse #putti #pins #brooch #jewelry #jewelrydesign #mexicansilver #taxco #handmade #wearableart #art #sterlingsilver #1940s
Designed by Margot van Voorhies Carr / Margot de Taxco, who was married to Antonio Castillo during the early days of Los Castillo. These are collector quality, with superb highly detailed repoussé silver work and a very unique design. Note the star on each pin - Margot had a star of each of her zodiac charms and pins. Measures 3" tall, 1 1/8" wide. Total weight is 38.6 grams. Signed and hallmarked with the early linear mark "Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Mexico" and design #257 on each pin.
February 26, 2026 at 3:15 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A lovely sterling silver and glass necklace and brooch by Los Castillo. The necklace designed by Margot, the fish brooch by Antonio Castillo.

#loscastillotaxco #handmade #margotdesign #mexicansilver #antoniocastillotaxco #taxco #sterlingsilver #glass #necklace #brooch #pin #1940s #wearableart
Antonio Castillo and Margot van Voorhies were an incredible design team as well as a happily married couple! She had great ideas, and he knew how to translate them into actual jewelry pieces. Together they produced the wonderful exotic ornate artworks characteristic of the first decade of Los Castillo. The examples shown are a necklace design number 456 by Margot, and a brooch design number 514 by Antonio. Both pieces have 1940s Los Castillo marks ie "Los Castillo Sterling Made in Mexico Taxco" along with their respective design numbers. These items sold June last year at Heritage Auctions in Texas for $1500 including the buyers premium. The new owner is a very lucky person! A rare and absolutely stunning necklace that I've only seen once before! I've seen the brooch a number of times, but this lovely shade of turquoise blue glass in Los Castillo jewelry isn't common.
September 23, 2026 at 1:45 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A spectacular vintage 1940s Los Castillo Taxco handmade sterling silver & amethyst necklace - 16" wearable length!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #mexicansilver #handmade #hechoenmexico #mexicanartdeco #jewelry #necklace #wearableart #art #taxco
A spectacular and very rare vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver and amethyst Mexican Art Deco floral Orchid necklace designed by Margot in the early days for Los Castillo in Taxco. All original, and entirely handmade repoussage technique silverwork with lovely and richly colored large amethyst cabochons each measuring just under an inch long! Designed in the early 1940s by Margot van Voorhies when she was married to Antonio Castillo, one of the founding four brothers of Los Castillo in Taxco. These much-desired early designs by Margot are some of the most sought-after designs by one of the greatest during the Silver Renaissance in Taxco! The necklace measures 1-1/2" wide at front and sides, and presently fits up to a 16" neck, but can be easily adjusted to larger sizes with the simple addition of an extender chain at back if needed. Weighs a hefty 2.9 ounces or roughly 100 grams total. Marked at back as shown, "Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Made in Mexico" and design number "403". Excellent vintage condition.
October 7, 2025 at 1:23 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
Here's a beauty from the 1940s designed by Margot for Los Castillo in Taxco - sterling silver with a single large amethyst cabochon - measures 2.5" tall by 2" wide - 1940s 'linear' marks with design number 591.

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #c1940s #mexicansilver #taxco #flower #brooch #handmade
A pretty design by Margot circa 1940s in hand repoussage sterling silver with a single large bezel-set amethyst cabochon. Typical of the Los Castillo 1940s work, and typical of Margot's design aesthetic at that time as well. Measures about 2.5" tall by 2" wide. Marked at back in block script, "Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Mexico" and design number "591".
February 22, 2026 at 11:55 AM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
An exquisite one of a kind vintage 1940s Los Castillo Taxco gold-plated sterling silver Chinoiserie design brooch created by Margot van Voorhies.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #handmade #mexicansilver #chioiseriejewelry #vintage1940s #hechoenmexico
An exquisite one of a kind vintage 1940s handmade gilt sterling silver red glass dangles and carved stone figure Chinoiserie Chinese Immortals Zhang Guolao Longevity design brooch created by Margot in her early years while at Los Castillo in Taxco. Margot was influenced by many styles and periods of art and jewelry from Art Deco to Asian art to pre Columbian etc! She did a series of one of a kind brooches featuring Chinese carvings at center, and often under the branches of a tree with dangling jeweled 'fruits'. I've been fortunate to have a few of these pieces over the years, and each has been unique, and centering a unique Chinese carving. This is the only example that I've seen with gold-plated sterling silver. Also, the figure has four red glass 'fruit' dangling from the branches of the tree, as well as tiny stones set in the 'eyes' and the 'belly button' of the figure. The carving at the center of this brooch is a depiction of Zhang Guolao, one of the eight Chinese Immortals from Taoist legend. He represents the Chinese blessing of longevity, long life, and he was supposed to have lived for several centuries back in ancient China of 2000 years ago plus! One of Margot's earliest designs at Los Castillo, which of course were realized in silver by Antonio (her husband) so should really be seen as a collaboration by two talented artists. In any case, a very early design for Los Castillo as well, and no doubt from the early 1940s. Measures 3.5" tall by 3.75" widest, and weighs 42.2 grams. Marked at back as shown with early 1940s Los Castillo marks, "Los Castillo Taxco" and "Sterling Made in Mexico" with design number "417". Rare and hard to find! A true collector coup for Margot jewelry lovers! Excellent vintage condition.
September 24, 2025 at 1:07 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A gorgeous vintage 1940s Los Castillo Taxco handmade sterling silver Mexican Art Deco pre-Columbian figure ring created by Margot van Voorhies.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #mexicansilver #hechoenmexico #taxco #ring #jewelrydesign #precolumbianart
A gorgeous and rare vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver and Mexican Art Deco pre-Columbian Figures adjustable ring designed by Margot for Los Castillo in Taxco. A lovely mixture of Art Deco gracefulness with monumental pre Columbian architectural references! Also, recalls antique French jewelry with similar 'colossal' figures on either side of a central stone. Entirely handmade, of. course, and one of their rare early designs! A central dome in sterling silver is flanked on either side by architectural pre Columbian figures who appear to be holding the dome up! No doubt inspired by Mesoamerican architecture, likely temple guardian figures, and likely originally quite large, but shrunk down to wear on your finger! Measures just over 5/8" wide at top and rises 3/8" above the finger, size 10 US presently but adjustable band will fit most sizes, and weighs 13.4 grams total. Marked inside the band as shown, "Los Castillo Taxco" on one side, and "Sterling Made in Mexico" with early design number "281". The only example of this ring design that I have seen! There is lots of patina and wear from being worn, but still has much life left in it! Excellent vintage condition.
September 24, 2025 at 1:16 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A very large vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver Mexican Art Deco 'Gazelle' brooch designed by Margot for Los Castillo in Taxco.

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillo #taxco #margotdesign #mexicansilver #mexicanartdeco #handmade #artdecojewelry #mexicandesign #hechoenmexico #taxcosilver
a BIG vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver Mexican Art Deco Gazelle brooch designed by Margot van Voorhies Carr for Los Castillo in Taxco Mexico. At the time, Margot was married to Antonio Castillo, one of the four Los Castillo brothers that founded Los Castillo in the late 1930s in Taxco. A very large and particularly attractive brooch that makes a stunning statement when worn! Measures 3-7/8" tall by 2-3/4" wide, and weighs 17.9 grams total. Marked at back as shown with the 1940s Los Castillo hallmarks, "Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Made in Mexico" and design number "629". Excellent vintage condition.
December 13, 2024 at 5:11 AM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Just added this unique possibly one of a kind Los Castillo Taxco 1930s/40s handmade 980 silver and jelly opal Mexican Art Deco sentimental design brooch!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillotaxco #handmade #margotdesign #artdeco #hechoenmexico #brooch #wearableart #art #opal
A super rare possibly one of a kind vintage 1930s handmade 980 silver and jelly opal Mexican Art Deco Crown Bow & Heart design brooch by Margot Van Voorhies Carr for Los Castillo of Taxco in their very earliest days and during her marriage to Antonio Castillo, one of the founders of the Los Castillo Taller. The early days of Los Castillo, and the early days of the marriage between Margot and Antonio Castillo! Everything about this brooch screams love, fidelity, unbreakable bonds (marriage), etc. The crown at top represents not only royalty but also reward for hard work, faith, and perseverance. The bow represents unbreakable bonds, pledges, and the enduring nature of love and loyalty. And of course, the heart represents love, but also affection, and everything that comes with love whether it's romantic, or parental, or friendship! Last, the opal stone also represents love, and passion, and romance, as well as protection, and good fortune! All in all, a powerful statement, and likely a one of a kind given the rare nature of the stone! I've only seen jelly opals used one other time by Los Castillo, in a pair of fur clips also in 980 silver! It's even prettier in person! The brooch measures 3-1/8" tall by 2" wide, and weighs 24 grams total. The stone is quite high domed as shown in my photos, and there is a lot of play of color in the crystal clear stone as shown! Marked at back as shown in the photos, "980 Los Castillo Taxco Made in Mexico" and design number "463". Excellent vintage condition.
June 15, 2025 at 5:27 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A huge 1940s Los Castillo Taxco handmade sterling Seated Goddess fur clip designed by Margot - measures 3" by 1-58"!

Available in my Ruby Lane shop...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillotaxco #taxco #handmade #margotdesign #seatedgoddess #precolumbianinspired #wearableart #furclip #art
A huge vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver Seated Goddess fur clip / brooch designed by Margot van Voorhies (aka Margot de Taxco) for Los Castillo in Taxco during the early days of the workshop and while she was married to Antonio Castillo. An elaborate design entirely handmade and quite striking! These oversized fur clips from the 1940s can be worn as pins, but also would look amazing on a hat or even on a purse! Measures 3" tall by 1-5/8" wide, and weighs 0.8 ounce or roughly 24 grams total. Marked, "Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Made in Mexico" and design number "526". Excellent vintage condition.
February 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A very early design by Margot van Voorhies (aka Margot de Taxco) for Los Castillo in Taxco circa late 1930s - hand crafted in 980 silver and set with a large jelly opal in the dangle - measures over 3" tall!

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #980silver #jellyopal #brooch #mexicansilver #artdeco #art
A rare and possibly one of a kind vintage 1930s handmade 980 silver and jelly opal Mexican Art Deco Crown Bow & Heart design brooch by Margot Van Voorhies Carr for Los Castillo of Taxco in their very earliest days and during her marriage to Antonio Castillo, one of the founders of the Los Castillo Taller. The early days of Los Castillo, and the early days of the marriage between Margot and Antonio Castillo! Everything about this brooch screams love, fidelity, unbreakable bonds (marriage), etc. The crown at top represents not only royalty but also reward for hard work, faith, and perseverance. The bow represents unbreakable bonds, pledges, and the enduring nature of love and loyalty. And of course, the heart represents love, but also affection, and everything that comes with love whether it's romantic, or parental, or friendship! Last, the opal stone also represents love, and passion, and romance, as well as protection, and good fortune! All in all, a powerful statement, and likely a one of a kind given the rare nature of the stone! I've only seen jelly opals used one other time by Los Castillo, in a pair of fur clips also in 980 silver! It's even prettier in person! The brooch measures 3-1/8" tall by 2" wide, and weighs 24 grams total. The stone is quite high domed as shown in my photos, and there is a lot of play of color in the crystal clear stone as shown! Marked at back as shown in the photos, "980 Los Castillo Taxco Made in Mexico" and design number "463". Excellent vintage condition. #crown #bow #heart #symbolisminjewelry #vintagejewelry #silverjewelry #mexicanjewelry
August 5, 2026 at 4:11 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A large vintage 1940s Art Deco handmade sterling silver Leaping Gazelle design brooch designed by Margot van Voorhies for Los Castillo in Taxco, Mexico - measures 3.25” by 2.5”!

#loscastillotaxco #margotvanvoorhies #margotdesign #taxco #mexicansilver #hechoenmexico #mexicandesign #handmade #brooch
May 31, 2025 at 2:44 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A pair of vintage 1930s Los Castillo 980 silver and jelly opal Mexican Art Deco floral design fur clips - so wonderful and so so rare!

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#loscastillotaxco #artdeco #980silver #furclips #floraldesign #handmade #opal #mexicansilver #taxco #taxcosilver #margotdesign
RARE pair of vintage 1930s handmade 980 silver and gorgeous fiery jelly opal floral motif fur clips designed by Margot in the early years of Los Castillo in Taxco. One of the earliest marks for Los Castillo, and using a stone that I have never seen before in Los Castillo jewelry, and I am a long-time collector of their work! In fact, I can't remember seeing jelly opals used in jewelry from Taxco at all, so doubly rare! The stones are quite fiery and have a wide range of colors from a golden body color to flashes of red blue green and yellow! Each clip measures 3" by 2-3/8", and the pair weigh 1.4 ounces total or about 40 grams for the pair. Both are marked at backs as shown, "980 Los Castillo Taxco" and design "270". I've only seen one other example of this design over the years, and that one was all silver without a stone. Excellent vintage condition. https://www.rubylane.com/item/1879775-5328/Pair-Vintage-1930s-Los-Castillo-Tax78co
December 5, 2024 at 3:38 PM
loscastillotaxco.bsky.social
A magnificent vintage 1930s Los Castillo handmade 980 silver floral design belt - one of Margot's earliest designs!

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign #mexicansilver #belt #980silver #taxco #hechoenmexico #platamexicana #hechoamano #joyeriamexicana #mexicanjewelry #margotvanvoorhies #mexicandesign
a MAGNIFICENT vintage 1930s 40s handmade 980 silver Mexican Art Deco Flowers design concho-style belt by Los Castillo of Taxco Mexico, and no doubt a Margot design. The very earliest of Los Castillo marks, and in nearly fine silver quality of .980 pure silver. An extremely rare prize for the Los Castillo collector, and unlikely to be seen again available for sale anytime soon, if ever! Measures 32.25" long (which can be shortened or worn with one or more of the links hanging down at front, or lengthened with a bit of chain added at the hook clasp) by 1-3/8" diameter (of each link), and weighs a substantial 142 grams total. Marked as shown with the earliest Los Castillo mark, "980 Los Castillo Taxco" and design number "235". As you can see in my photos, the links are unbacked, but the metal is of a thicker gauge and is in no danger of deformation or damage from use - after all it has already survived nearly a century with just fine wear (patina) as expected. I have left this beautiful belt as I found it without any polishing. The only example of this very rare design that I have seen in my 45+ year career, and not published in any of the literature on the subject. Excellent vintage condition In the summer of 1938, Margot Van Voorhies and Antonio Castillo became romantically involved despite their age difference, and they were married soon after. The quaint town of Taxco was up and coming, with small groups of tourists and artists trickling in from busier towns in search of peace and inspiration. Antonio Castillo had been working for William Spratling as one of his most talented silversmiths. Together, Margot and Antonio decided to start their own business making and selling silver jewelry. Their venture seemed a bit treacherous given a number of micro workshops that were already in business, copying and selling the popular designs by Spratling. Spratling was not too keen on the idea of letting Antonio go, but he did so “with one request, that the Castillos never replicate his designs.” In 1939, Castilllos en el Aire was established, but soon the name was changed to Los Castillo when Antonio’s two brothers, Jorge and Justo Castillo, and his cousin Salvador Terán joined in to work as silversmiths. As the primary designer, Margot took inspirations from a wide array of sources, including pre-Columbian motifs found in the nearby archeological sites, Mayan, Baroque, Rococo, Ancient Roman and Greek, Chinese and Japanese. Her design, as a whole, can be described as having stylized geometry, defined outlines, and figurative yet abstract motifs. Margot did not shy away from designing bold and large statement pieces of jewelry, finished with hand-hammering, repoussé work, beading and vibrant semi-precious gemstones. Margot incorporated Chinese ivory figurines and Japanese netsukes in her jewelry, which were likely supplied by Margaret Clayes. In 1944, Los Castillo’s jewelry was introduced at La Tausca in New York City. Despite the success, Margot and Antonio’s marriage was falling apart, and it unfortunately ended in divorce in 1946. Margot went on to found her own company, and was very successful for many years as "Margot de Taxco".
April 17, 2025 at 1:56 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Some wonderful examples of the work from Los Castillo in Taxco back in their early days the late 1930s to 1940s, all designed by Margot Van Voorhies who was married to Antonio Castillo at the time. Available in my Ruby Lane shop...

www.rubylane.com/shop/califor...

#loscastillotaxco #margotdesign
a PAIR of rare and quite large vintage 1930s 40s handmade 980 and sterling silver Chinese Dragon brooches designed by Margot in the early days of Los Castillo when she was married to Antonio Castillo. A very rare pair and a collectors dream! One is in 980 silver with their earliest marks circa late 1930s, and the second was made a little later in the 1940s and is in sterling silver with their 1940s marks. As you can see in my photos, they are slightly different in how the details of the design are done, but overall the same design. These have been in my personal collection for many years, but my collection has grown too large, and it is time for some of these rare and wonderful treasures to find new homes. Each measures 3-5/8" by 2-1/4", and both weigh 1.2 ounce for a total weight of 2.4 ounces or 68.5 grams. The first is marked with their earliest marks "980 Los Castillo Taxco 291", and the second is marked "Los Castillo Taxco Made in Mexico Sterling 291". An interesting pair and a great addition for any collection of early Los Castillo or Margot designs! Excellent vintage condition a BIG vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver Mexican Art Deco Gazelle brooch designed by Margot van Voorhies Carr for Los Castillo in Taxco Mexico. At the time, Margot was married to Antonio Castillo, one of the four Los Castillo brothers that founded Los Castillo in the late 1930s in Taxco. A very large and particularly attractive brooch that makes a stunning statement when worn! Measures 3-7/8" tall by 2-3/4" wide, and weighs 17.9 grams total. Marked at back as shown with the 1940s Los Castillo hallmarks, "Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Made in Mexico" and design number "629". Excellent vintage condition a HUGE vintage 1940s handmade sterling silver Cornucopia and Fern Leaf design brooch pin created by Margot for Los Castillo of Taxco. One of her earliest designs from while she was married to Antonio Castillo in the 1940s, and certainly one of her more appealing and whimsical designs from that period! The design is of a small cornucopia shape at bottom from which an oversized fern leaf projects upwards! Entirely handmade, and superbly crafted by the talented silversmiths at Los Castillo! Measures an impressive 3.75" tall by 1.5" wide, and weighs a hefty 25 grams total. Marked at back as shown, "Los Castillo Taxco Sterling Made in Mexico" and design number "150". The marks are a bit worn, but you can clearly make them out under magnification. Not an easy design to find, and this one is in such great shape! In excellent vintage condition
January 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM