Alicia de la Paz Zig-Zag Spiral Sterling Brooch
Alicia de la Paz (Alicia TO-40) · Jewelry & Watches > Vintage Fashion Jewelry
Era / Decade
1970s-1980s (Taxco 'Eagle' system ended in 1979; the 'TO-40' registration belongs to the later alpha-numeric system)
Material
950 Sterling Silver (higher purity than standard 925 sterling)
Condition
Good to Very Good; heavy natural patina/tarnish consistent with age, pin mechanism appears intact and functional
Demand Level
Moderate to Strong. Vintage Mexican silver has a dedicated collector base, especially pieces with clear maker marks.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $45 | Mid: $75 | High: $110
Estimated Retail Value
$150-$200
Comparable Sales
Similar Alicia de la Paz geometric brooches have sold on eBay and specialized vintage sites between $65 and $125 depending on weight and design complexity.
Description
A stunning vintage Taxco Mexican sterling silver brooch by renowned maker Alicia de la Paz. Featuring a bold, modernist zig-zag or stylized lightning bolt design, this piece is crafted from 950 silver, which is higher in purity than standard sterling. The back is clearly stamped '950 ALICIA TO-40'. A classic example of mid-to-late century Mexican silver artistry.
Key Features
High silver purity (950), collectible Taxco maker's mark (TO-40), modernist geometric aesthetic, significant weight/scale
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The 'TO-40' hallmark is a registered Taxco, Mexico mark for Alicia de la Paz. The '950' stamp and pin construction are consistent with authentic Mexican silver exports.
Flaws to Note
Significant surface oxidation/tarnish. Minor surface scratches. Tarnish can be cleaned but some collectors prefer the original patina.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching silver collectors), Etsy (suitable for vintage/artist jewelry), or Poshmark (for fashion-forward jewelry buyers)
Selling Tips
Do not over-polish; many buyers prefer the 'vintage' look. Use keywords like 'Taxco', '950 Silver', 'Mexican Modernist', and 'Alicia de la Paz'. Take photos against a white background to show the shape and a photo next to a coin for scale.