Fine Wholesale Silver Jewelry from Mexico

Silver is classified as a metallic element and the chemical symbol for silver is Ag. In chemistry books the atomic number for silver is 47 or a soft and white precious univalent metal that has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal.

Since ancient times silver has been cherished as the metal of kings and no matter where in the world you mine silver it is basically the same soft precious metal. Silver is used in jewelry making as well as silverware or eating utensils. Silver can also be crafted into serving pieces as well as decorative art. As a leading producer with an impressive history of silversmiths, Mexican silver and silver jewelry stands out as some of the finest quality silver jewelry pieces and artwork in the world.

Mexico is a leading producer of silver and when you think of silver jewelry from Mexico you should think of Taxco silver. Taxco is associated with fine wholesale .925 silver jewelry and the famous silver craftsmen who still live and work in Taxco.  Since the 1700s when rich silver deposits were discovered in Taxco, silver has been mined in and around Taxco. Visitors from all over the world still travel to Taxco to find the finest sterling silver jewelry available.

Mexican Silver

Standards may vary worldwide, but the majority of Mexico silver is graded at .925 or 92.5 percent pure. Purity can range from .925 to .999 and wholesale jewelry suppliers stamp their pieces with these purity ranges. It is also possible to find wholesale silver rings that simply say “Silver made in Mexico” or “Mexico silver.” There are also wholesale silver chains that may feature an eagle stamped into the clasp as well as a number that designates the mine or place where the piece was crafted.

When silver is combined with other metals, usually copper, it is classified as sterling silver. There must be 92.5 percent silver in a jewelry or art piece to be stamped as Mexican sterling. Alloys are used to strengthen the silver; pure silver is very soft and would not be acceptable for wholesale silver rings or chains.

Silver has been found to be a great conductor for electrical currents and is used in several industries for electrical stabilization purposes. It is interesting to note that the silver jewelry you wear as a unique ring or necklace is actually made from a metal that has a very practical use in commercialization.
Wholesale Silver Suppliers

Every piece of wholesale silver jewelry that is offered from online websites and in catalogues, requires a minimum purchase quantity in order to receive the exclusive wholesale price. Pieces that are made from original molds such as from Avila Taxco silver jewelry, or William Spratling’s designs can only be sold in sets.

Do note that wholesale silver suppliers customize their jewelry pieces. You will need to be patient when ordering a customized piece. Fine handcrafted sterling silver pieces can take up to five weeks before they are ready for shipment.
Geseell Grant -  Geseell@avilasterling.com

Innovative Taxco Silver Cuff, Called Infinite

One of the most airy and beautiful bracelet cuffs from Taxco is the Infinite cuff bracelet with its different and unique silver threads all woven together to create a very exclusive piece that looks insubstantial, but is really very sturdy. The thin bars of silver are woven and worked into a frame of sterling silver and the style itself is open for ease of wearing. The finish is highly polished sterling silver and the artist’s mark is included on the piece.

This cuff bracelet weights a total of 48 grams or 106 ounces and sits on your wrist or forearm with grace and a sense of lightness. The decorative spheres that float on this piece are totally movable and can be placed anywhere on the bracelet that you desire. Set them all in a row, or make a design unique to you. The bracelet is two inches wide and includes a circumference of seven and a half inches. Shiny, gorgeous, and made from Taxco sterling silver, whatever way you choose the wear this cuff bracelet you will find that friends and acquaintances will admire your impressive arm piece.

Designed in Taxco silver and handcrafted by Mexican artisans who were highly inspired by Hector Aquilar. Aquilar was one of the greatest silversmiths in the world and his home town of Taxco continues his legacy. Aquiliar’s molds for cuff bracelets are still used by many artisans, yet the pieces are made by hand which brands every single bracelet unique. There are no two jewelry pieces exactly alike.

History of Taxco Silver

Taxco has always had a reputation of fine silver mining and craftsmanship, and the visits of William Spratling to Taxco in 1926 thought 1928 provided Spratling with the inspiration to open a shop that employed weavers, copper and tin smiths and silversmiths. Thousands of tons of silver had been sent from Taxco to the old world for many centuries and now Spratling had the inspiration to make silver jewelry in Taxco, sell it, and bring the money back to Mexico.

As the popularity of Taxco sterling silver jewelry increased, Spratling developed a system of apprenticeship in silversmithing. Those who showed the most promise worked under the direction of highly artistic silversmiths. Most of these highly expert craftsmen later opened their own shops and still credit their expertise to William Spratling and his apprentice system. Look for William Spratling inspired cuff bracelets that use indigenous semi-precious stones such as amethyst and turquoise to compliment the silver designs. You can also find semi-precious stones of chalcedony, coral and obsidian and some tortoise shell in the design of cuff bracelets and other jewelry pieces inspired by Spratling. The molds and styles of Spratling are still used in Taxco silver strong and handsome cuff bracelets. Spratling’s use of mythical animals as well as ancient Aztec and Incan designs have made Taxco silver jewelry some of the most popular and collectible jewelry items in the world.
Geseell Grant -  Geseell@avilasterling.com

Solid Sterling Taxco Silver Heptagon Screw, Unisex Ring

This absolutely stunning solid sterling silver ring is hand crafted in a very simple geometric or heptagon shape that almost looks like a shiny screw. This ring is proof that even very simple designs can be highly attractive and draw your eye to the wear’s hand. This ring is designed to be unisex and looks great on either a man or a woman. The clean and clear design of this ring makes it the perfect fashion accessory for any type of ensemble. Use your imagination with this heptagon ring. Use it as a napkin ring, or to tie a scarf or even to wear on a belt.

As with all Taxco sterling silver rings, this Heptagon screw ring is handcrafted and polished to a high sheen. The workmanship is expert and precise and the designer initials, Taxco (or place of origin) and silver content marks are discretely engraved on the inside of the ring.

This is a substantial ring that is somewhat heavy due to the silver content. It is half an inch wide and available in various sizes for both men and women. This gorgeous ring is a piece of jewelry that you would be proud to wear and pass on to your posterity.

Taxco Silver

Taxco de Alarcon or simply Taxco, Mexico is a small and picturesque city located in the State of Guerrero. The name Taxco may have come from a tall waterfall close to the town center, or from the translation “place of the ballgame.” Wherever the name came from Taxco lies in the heart of silver country and has been known for silver mining and the fashioning of silver into fine jewelry, silver flat pieces (trays, goblets, and bowls), and silverware. Taxco is a main tourism center for Mexico and silver shops line the main street. Taxco is one of Mexico “magical towns” due to the silverwork, mining and colonial constructions.

An American, William Spratling moved to Taxco in the 1920s and created a silver design workshop using local artisans. He exported his silver goods to the United States and Taxco silver soon became famous. Tourism exploded and commerce in silver items is now international. Most of the population is involved in the silver trade and to this day Spratling is honored as the founder of Taxco silver.

One of the area’s most well know designers is Hector Aquilar whose original molds are still used in crafting Taxco silver pieces. Pre-Columbian and Aztec designs are highly inspire Taxco silver crafting and the featured poison ring is a prime example of ancient Mexican art. You will find this same motif in many pieces of Taxco sterling silver jewelry and know that each piece is handcrafted. This makes no two pieces of jewelry alike; your piece will be extremely unique.
Geseell Grant -  Geseell@avilasterling.com

Taxco Oxidized Silver Cuff with Baroque Style

This is a very stunning cuff bracelet that is handcrafted then oxidized and raised embellishment polished. The workmanship is of high caliber and once you see the eclectic styling you will want this cuff in your jewelry collection. Every piece is guaranteed to be unique and warranted to be handcrafted; this makes it one of a kind.

To craft this cuff bracelet silversmiths use an overlaid embellishment technique. The first silver surface is oxidized using sulfur solutions and the ornamentation is then crafted in a lighter shade of silver that may or may not be oxidized. Overlay makes the silver color of the embellishments stand out. The curves and spheres in this overlaid design give this cuff bracelet intriguing elements that will go well with any wardrobe style. Unusually crafted with a large center piece, the bracelet tapers and the cuff style itself is open for ease of wearing on any size wrist.

You can always order this silver cuff bracelet with a smaller or larger inside circumference to fit your arm and wrist. As a note, the oxidized silver cuff bracelet is two and one eighth inches wide at the centerpiece and has an inside circumference of seven inches. The interior of the bracelet is silver rubbed to a high sheen and a smooth texture.

Oxidation

Taxco, Mexico is the heart of Mexican silver jewelry crafting, silver mining, and tourists looking for silver bargains. Tourism is the main economic activity in Taxco, Mexico and tourists come to purchase silver, travel though the surrounding countryside and view the colonial construction that is still standing.

Silversmithing was invigorated in Taxco by American William Spratling who came to Taxco in the 1920s and hired artisans, craftsmen, and created a huge silver jewelry making industry.
Sterling silver jewelry is highly popular in Taxco shops, and oxidized silver is often used to describe sterling silver pieces that are treated to make these pieces look aged and old. Oxidizing sterling silver causes the silver itself to end up with a dark patina that consists of a thin layer of silver oxide.

Sterling silver jewelry is originally shiny in color, but many people prefer the dark and smoky color of oxidized silver. Oxidized silver can range in color from light gray to solid black, and when you polish oxidized silver the raised surface actually becomes shiny while the recessed surfaces retain their dark color. This creates an interesting variegated effect.

To form a piece that is oxidized, you need to expose silver or sterling silver to sulfur. Many craftsmen use sulfur potash to oxidize their silver jewelry. Potash which is also listed as “liver of sulfur” is mixed with water, then the silver piece is put into the sulfur mixture for a set amount of time until it reaches the a level of dark that is desirable. The jewelry piece is then taken out, rinsed and polished.

Geseell Grant -  Geseell@avilasterling.com

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 Grant -  Geseell@avilasterling.com

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 Grant -  Geseell@avilasterling.com

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 Grant -  Geseell@avilasterling.com

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 Grant -  Geseell@avilasterling.com

Mexican Silver

Definition

Silver is a metal element whose chemical symbol is Ag and atomic designation is 47. It is a valuable metal, but rather soft and extremely malleable. Silver has been prized since the beginning of time as a metal for jewelry and fine eating utensils and goblets. You can find silver resources in many countries of the world, but when you think of silver it is often Mexican silver you are dreaming of purchasing.

Mexico is one of the world’s leading producers of silver and when thinking of silver jewelry its often the ornate and expertly crafted jewelry from Mexican artisans. Taxco is the city of silver that is most connected to exceptional silver jewelry and art objects. In the 1700s opulent silver deposits were again discovered around the Taxco and today visitors from all over the world come to Taxco for handmade silver jewelry.

Standards of silver vary, but Mexican silver is generally 92.5 percent pure. Purity varies from .925 to .999 and is often imprinted with purity symbols. Silver jewelry is often stamped “Mexican silver” or can also be stamped with an eagle along with a number indicating the state where the silver was mined and formed.

Uses of Silver

Taxco silver is has been used for jewelry and other decorative items for thousands of years and sterling silver jewelry is very popular in rings and bracelets. Handmade silver jewelry abounds in the marketplaces of Taxco and surrounding villages. Eating utensils were originally made from Mexican silver hence the name, “silverware.” Taxco silver was also formed into bars and made into coins for use as currency around the world and more recently silver is used as electrical conductors in many industries.

Sterling silver jewelry is silver combined with other metals usually copper in order to give more stability to the ore. In order to be designated as sterling silver, the metal must contain at least 92.5 percent silver.

Determining Mexican silver marks

All Mexican silver jewelry is marked and these marks can be found on the screw of an earring, the inside of fine silver jewelry or on the clasp of a bracelet or necklace. The mark determines the year when the jewelry was crafted. If jewelry is marked Mexico Silver or Mexico Plata it is a jewelry piece made after 1960. Fine handmade silver jewelry from Mexico will also indicate the silver content, the area of origin, and the silversmith. For example .925 is the content, TC-902 is the City of Taxco and C is the first initial of the last name of the silversmith. 902 is a silversmith designation.

If you are seeking to collect Mexican silver jewelry, you can educate yourself about your silver piece if you learn the marks. You may choose to purchase a jewelry collection that has only one number combination. That would give you the genealogy of your jewelry piece. This could become a fascinating new hobby for you; determining the origin of you fine handmade silver jewelry.
Geseell Grant -  Geseell@avilasterling.com