These 1970s earrings capture the vibrant spirit of Mexican silversmithing, combining the natural, shifting iridescence of genuine abalone shell with the durable, high-luster finish of Alpaca silver. Featuring hand-inlaid shell sections that transition from deep sea-greens to peacock blues and purples, these earrings offer a versatile, bohemian aesthetic. Available in two distinct silhouettes—bold scalloped hoops or sleek geometric teardrops—each pair is a pristine piece of New Old Stock (NOS) history, preserved in excellent condition for over 50 years.


DETAILS
• Material: Genuine Abalone Shell Inlay
• Metal: Alpaca Silver (a high-quality vintage jewelers' alloy known for its strength and tarnish resistance)
• Style Options:
• Scalloped Hoops: 55 mm Diameter
• Teardrop Drops: Approx. 40 mm Drop Length
• Origin: Taxco Region style, Mexico (Circa 1970s)
• Condition: Excellent vintage New Old Stock (NOS); never worn.


ABOUT THE MATERIALS: ABALONE & ALPACA

• Abalone Shell: Often called "Sea Opal," abalone is prized for its chatoyancy. In the 1970s, Mexican artisans became world-renowned for their ability to hand-cut and inlay these shells into tight geometric patterns, ensuring each piece catches the light from every angle.

• Alpaca Silver: This is a vintage alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. It was the preferred medium for mid-century Mexican "tourist" and export jewelry because it provides the substantial look and feel of sterling silver while being much more resistant to bending and daily wear.


BACKGROUND / HISTORY / CULTURE

• The Mexican Jewelry Renaissance. The 1970s represented a peak for Mexican silver exports. Artisans blended traditional indigenous motifs with the sleek, clean lines of Mid-Century Modernism. These scalloped and teardrop forms are classic examples of that "modern-meets-traditional" transition.

• Golden Age of Bench Work. These earrings reflect the golden age of bench work, a time when pieces were finished by hand, giving them a more crisp detail than modern mass-produced jewelry. Even for "costume" or alloy pieces, the thickness and structural integrity were generally sturdier than the mass-produced jewelry that followed in later decades.

• Family Heritage and Import History. This set is vintage New Old Stock (NOS) from the 1970s and we are the sole owners of this never-worn inventory. Our family business sourced these directly from artisans in the 1970s, keeping them in professional storage until today.


SHIPPING AND RETURNS
• Free domestic shipping on orders $35 and up. No coupon needed.
• International Buyers: Please note buyers outside United States may be responsible to pay customs fees or duties, which vary from country to country, to receive their package. Also, customs can sometimes delay deliveries.
• Returns are accepted for 30 days after purchase for any reason. A full refund will be given, but please note the buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.