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Thursday, January 31, 2013

Stunning Vintage Silver Cuff Bracelet

Handcrafted and intricately detailed this cuff bracelet is totally designed in Taxco silver and the style itself is inspired from the silver cuff bracelets of the 1940’s. Cuff bracelets are known to be a bit stiff, wider that a traditional bracelet and may be worn open or with a round or oval clasp or hinge. The usual style to wear a cuff bracelet is around the wrist and another very popular way to wear a cuff bracelet is around your upper arm. Either way you wear this gorgeous cuff bracelet, the magic of this vintage silver jewelry piece shouts “sophistication”.

This stunning model was created by using the pattern from a piece of antique jewelry as a representation and the design of this cuff is done so professionally that it difficult to tell the difference from the original. With detailing done to perfection right down to the swirls and the antiquing, this is a bracelet that would grace any jewelry collection. The metallic work on the bracelet is called repujado, also referred to as metal embossing. This type of intricate detailing can only be done by hand and those pieces done in the repujado style require deep concentration and a steady craftsman. It takes years of practice to be able to craft a jewelry piece in repujado.

Using a form of tar for fashioning the detail on the bracelet’s surface, Taxco craftsman form the twisted leaves, cut swirls and detail on the bracelet in the technique worn by Hollywood stars of the 1940s. Everything about this silver cuff bracelet will bring delight to the wearer and the price is perfect for those who are looking to invest in silver jewelry from Taxco.

This piece sits at one and on-eight inches wide on your wrist and the inside circumference is seven and three-quarter inches. It is substantial in weight with a total of 68.8 grams or 2.2 ounces. If you need the bracelet sized, the circumference can be designed to your specifications. When you order online or call customer service make sure you give the catalog number of BR2861; request your particular circumference or size. Your order can be shipped internationally and will be via UPS or FEDEX couriers.
Geseell@avilasterling.com

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Taxco Silver Bracelet

On the outskirts of Taxco is one silver mine that will soon be or has been closed down, but there will always be high commercial activity related to the crafting of silver jewelry and accessories.

Silversmithing was invigorated in Taxco by William Spratling who founded silver design workshops using local artisans and silver crafting talent. From the 1920s until today silversmithing has been a major economic force in Taxco and more than half of the town’s population is involved in the silver and tourism trade.

If you were to travel Taxco, Mexico you would find the streets lined with silver shops selling handcrafted jewelry, silverware and other silver goods. You will also discover that most of the silver pieces are handcrafted from silver mined from the local mines. Geseell@avilasterling.com

Friday, January 18, 2013

Gorgeous Taxco Sterling Silver and Turquoise Long Earrings

Some of the most gorgeous Taxco sterling silver and turquoise long earring made from Taxco silver are those from artisan Julieta Toledo. Her jewelry pieces represent her love for the sea and nature and this love reflects a sense of movement and delicacy that includes wavy shapes and handcrafted elegance.

The round turquoise stone in these earrings makes this set the perfect earring worn with any outfit, and these earrings are awesome when combined with a formal ensemble. The artistry is timeless and can be worn by anyone at any age with confidence and aplomb.

These gorgeous sterling silver and turquoise earrings are one and a half inches wide and two and a half inches long. They swing gently against your neck as you move and give the illusions of movement and grace. Those around you will be amazed at the elegance of these jewelry pieces and will definitely ask where you purchased them. Do let everyone know that each piece is handcrafted by Julieta Toledo whose designs are synonymous with unique. You will find that no two pieces are exactly alike. The jewelers mark is engraved discretely into each piece which gives you the assurance that your jewelry purchase is authentic Taxco silver.

If you look through online catalogs you will find that there are many awesome pieces handcrafted by Julieta Toledo. She has a matching pendant that compliments these earrings and there are bracelets and cuffs that carry the turquoise stone. Again remember that Taxco sterling silver jewelry is made to be highly detailed, handcrafted, and no two pieces will be exactly alike. This is the charm of handmade jewelry.

Taxco Silver

Although jewelry making has changed over the years with new markets being opened and closed and styles changing, Mexican and particularly Taxco silver jewelry has always been at the top of international jewelry markets and customer satisfaction. Unique and awesome silver jewelry pieces will always be the hallmark of Taxco silversmiths who retain the values and distinction that was brought to Taxco by William Spratling in the 1930s.

Jewelry making is highly respected and regarded as an art form and particularly in the city of Taxco, Mexico. William Spratling brought Taxco into the realm of silversmithing with his remarkable apprentice programs and love of Pre-Columbian and silver jewelry. There are hundreds of designs that can be made from Spratling’s molds and designs from the artisans of Taxco. Every piece will be and is handmade and these artisans hold the highest regard for their craft.

Hector Aquilar, one of the greatest silversmiths, has contributed to the silver jewelry industry in Taxco with his unique designs. Aquiliar’s molds use his unique style of silver crafting and all pieces are signed and stamped with his initials, Taxco and the silver content.  All modern silversmiths follow this same way of identifying their pieces which make Taxco sterling silver jewelry very high end. Geseell@avilasterling.com

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Taxco Silver Poison Ring

This stunning and classic Taxco silver poison ring is totally hand crafted by Taxco artisans. The workmanship in excellent and this beautiful silver ring is hand polished and finished to give the art work engraved in the ring definition and design.

The rustic colonial Mexican handcrafting is finished in a style that makes this ring very unique. Crafted in sterling silver the ring itself holds a very nice gemstone in the opening or bezel. You can also fill in the center opening with plain silver for a totally unique look. Use this ring as your own personal pill box; just like the poison rings you see in Hollywood movies.

You can also put small devotional symbols under the stone or if you are a spy (heaven forbid) add a touch of cyanide dust. Whatever you wear the ring for it will last for generations due to the timeless design and stunning craftsmanship.

This particular Taxco sterling silver ring is one and a half inches long elongated on your finger, adjustable, and you can customize your ring in your particular size. The intricate detailing and swirls represent the best of elegant Mexican styling. 

Notice the swirls and cuts mirror the silverwork done by ancient Aztecs. On the website choose your favorite gemstone from Amethyst, green Venturine, and Sunstone, or Onyx gemstones. You may also order the ring with plain silver and customize the bezel at a later date. The clasp and opener on the ring is crafted so cleverly that they blend in with the design and become a part of the beauty of this poison ring.
Geseell@avilasterling.com

Sunday, January 13, 2013

History of Taxco Silver and the Poison Ring

This ring takes the wearer back to the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s when Taxco’s jewelry was considered high fashion. People all around the globe are familiar with Taxco Mexican jewelry and purchase this jewelry for its ethnic and creative style.

This displayed poison ring is also known as a pillbox ring or described as a ring that has a storage section inside or under the bezel. In the sixteenth century poison rings were used to contain poison until the wearer could slip poison into the drink or food of an enemy. At times poison rings hold cyanide to provide a way for the user to commit suicide.

These rings became highly popular during the 17th century when locket or poison rings were used to hold perfume, locks of hair or devotional relics. Messages carried between political allies or even lovers were additional uses of these types of rings.

Taxco silver jewelry was awakened by William Spratling in the early 1920s and today’s revolving and unique selection of silver jewelry are all handcrafted by Mexican silversmiths who live and work in Taxco. Hector Aquilar, who was one of the greatest silver craftsmen in the world, is still the inspiration of these awesome silversmiths from Taxco. His designs and work in the ranchero style are echoed in this poison ring.
Geseell@avilasterling.com

Friday, January 11, 2013

Silver Jewelry from Taxco, Mexico

It is no wonder that people from all over the world love Taxco Mexican jewelry. They are crafted in a style that sets them apart from any other silversmithing in the world. In the 1930s William Spratling became the father of Taxco silversmithing and used designs that were pre-Columbian motifs and early ranch life. Spratling used circular discs, balls and straps applied to rope designs and created a whole new industry of jewelry design and form. Spratling also used rosewood, gold and copper to weave unique and highly creative pieces of jewelry.

This same creativity has carried on to modern times where Taxco silversmiths continue the tradition of deep detailing along with handcrafting. Sterling silver pieces form Taxco, Mexico are not carbon copies of one another nor are they made in excess. Each piece is handcrafted and formed out of nearly pure Taxco silver and molded into the pieces you see in high end jewelry stores.

Trading on Spratling’s success, jewelry stores lining the market district of Taxco carry recognizable styles of clean designs and the appreciation of Mexican history. Over 120 employees worked in Spratling’s design studios in the 1940s and descendants of these designers still fashion jewelry pieces that are handcrafted to order. Every piece is signed with the designer’s initials, “Taxco”, and the silver content. This is one sure way of knowing that you are purchasing authentic Taxco sterling silver jewelry.Geseell@avilasterling.com

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Unique Contemporary Taxco Sterling Silver Bee Earrings

These are the cutest bee earrings and are totally handcrafted in sterling silver. There is a great deal of detail and high creativity lovingly crafted into these pierced earrings. Wear them one time and these bee earrings will become your favorite ear pieces and the craftsmanship and silver content will ensure that these bees will be highly prized collector’s items in the years to come.

Highly handcrafted and creatively detailed these earrings are so intricate that you can actually see the folds on the wings of the bees and the hair on their backs. They are finished in shades of shiny and oxidized silver which brings out the detailing. You will be so amazed when you wear these earrings at the compliments and shrieks you hear. Taxco silversmiths had a great time creating such natural curiosities and only three words can adequately describe these earrings “Taxco Ethnic Wonders.”

These bee earrings are very well priced and are one and a quarter inch wide at their thickest point. They are only one inch long and will not interfere with your hairstyle or the scarves you choose to wear around our neck and close to your ears. Be funky and fun!  Order and wear these delightful little sterling silver earrings. You will also find matching brooches and bracelets available in the bee motif.

What fun these Taxco artisans had while crafting and forming these earrings. One can only hope they did not break the mold. All sterling silver pieces are handcrafted with deep detailing and expertise. You will not find any two pieces alike which makes their collectivity very high.
Geseell@avilasterling.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

History of Mexican Sterling Silver Jewelry

Image Provided by panoramio.com
Jewelry enthusiasts will definitely have Mexican sterling silver jewelry in their collection. Mexican silver is a secret among jewelry experts, but silver jewelry is quickly gaining interest due to the rich history and high quality of craftsmanship.
Sterling silver was fashioned in Taxco, Mexico and the creation of Mexican silver can be credited to Cortex in the early 17th century. In the Taxco area of Mexico the conquistador placed his claim of silver and began developing silver mines. Silver was mined, refined, purchased and used to make fine jewelry and ornaments. By the 17th century, Taxco sterling silver was sent to Spain, England, Germany and France. However, by the 18th century the silver mining industries of Taxco faded into obscurity.
Don Jose De La Borda brought Taxco's rich silver heritage back into popularity. De La Borda discovered a vein of silver in the local rocks, and his silver mine made him very wealthy. To show his gratitude De La Borda funded homes, schools, and Santa Prisca Cathedral. This giving fostered the tradition of giving back to Taxco by utilizing the Mexican sterling silver industry is still being carried on.
In 1920 college professor William Spratling, arrived in Taxco to find his fortune. He began encouraged local workers to develop silversmithing talents. As a result of Spratling’s dream, Taxco gained and still holds a worldwide reputation for having the most visually spectacular and high quality silver jewelry. In the world of Mexican sterling silver, jewelry designers like Chino Ruiz and Castillos are still viewed with respect for their silver craftsmanship. The demand for Castillos silver jewelry designs along with other Taxco designers is very high. Geseell@avilasterling.com