Vintage Alpaca Silver & Red Enamel with Abalone Inlays Necklace from Mexico

This lovely necklace is in excellent condition with no scratches or missing inlay.  It was made is Mexico and is stamped ALPACA MEXICO.  The cascading crescents are silver colored with red enamel and abalone inlay. It has a hook clasp. This excellent condition set would make a perfect gift for anyone or a treat for yourself. Alpaca Silver is a metal alloy of copper and nickel, and sometimes zinc or iron. The metal is a shiny silver color that looks similar to stainless steel. It does not contain any Alpaca (the animal). It is commonly and traditionally used in Mexico, Central America, and South America. A similar alloy is used in Europe and is known as German Silver. Alpaca Silver is a durable material. It is very malleable allowing it to be formed into intricately detailed works while at the same time being solid and sturdy enough to hold the desired shape. Alpaca jewelry traditionally incorporates real semi-precious gemstones, handmade glass, or abalone inlays. Three of my aunts traveled to Mexico together in the mid-1980s. They hit up street fairs and local vendors, including antique shops. I inherited the lot. Smoke-free, cat-friendly home. Reasonable offers welcomed.