How to Spot Sterling Silver:

Here are some ways to tell if the silver you just purchased is Sterling silver or not:

-          If the piece of silver is really Sterling silver it will be marked on the side with the level of purity in the silver.

-          Run a magnet over the supposed Sterling Silver, if it sticks to the magnet it is not sterling silver.

-          Take the pieces to be inspected by a local jeweler or pawnshop owner.

If you want Sterling silver for certain go to http://mexicosterling.com/ for the finest Mexican Sterling silver on the market.

By Geseell Grant - mexicosterlingsilver@gmail.com

Old Taxco Look Sterling Silver Braided Cuff

The artwork on this cuff bracelet was inspired by Old Taxco works with rope work braided and antiqued to include very detailed artwork. Three braids of “rope” fill the center of this cuff bracelet and the banding includes two rows of chainlike designs and a silver band enclosing all the artwork.
This cuff bracelet was inspired by craftsmanship form many years ago, but this bracelet is not as heavy as the original design. It is still, however, very definitive and elegant. It will make a statement of your fashion sense when you wear it.
A cuff bracelet is stiff in formation and usually wider than traditional bracelets. It can be worn open or closed on one end by an oval clasp or a hinge. Those who love cuff bracelets often wear them high on the upper arm. They can also be worn on the wrist. However you wear the cuff bracelet, it sends a powerful message.

Made in solid silver this cuff weights a total of 66.7 grams or 2.1 ounces. It is one and five eighths inches wide and does have an inside circumference of seven inches. It can also be measured from six and a half inches to the seven and three quarter inches.

No handmade piece will ever be exactly alike. This is the quality and uniqueness of each silver bracelet and jewelry piece made by Taxco craftsmen. You can be guaranteed that your piece will be unique and original from all the rest. Ordering handcrafted Taxco silver jewelry guarantees that no two pieces are even exactly the same.

To authenticate your sterling silver braided cuff look for the hallmark information on the inside of the cuff. Every one of Spratling’s designs carries the Spratling philosophy “Worthwhile silver requires that it be identified with the name and reputation of its maker.” Hallmark information should have initials that identify the artist of the piece, the place of manufacture, and the silver content of the jewelry. However, the most important authentication of Taxco sterling silver jewelry is the initials and of the designer or the design house.

Taxco Silver

Taxco silver became and is still famous because of the efforts of William Spratling an American native who lived and worked in Taxco, Mexico from the 1930s to the late 1960s. Spratling found his way to Taxco, Mexico where he became known as an innovative and talented designer of fine Mexican jewelry, tin, copper, silver hollowware and some pre-Columbian inspired furniture. Spratling was very sensitive to the early cultures of the Aztecs and pre-Columbians of Mexico and formed a model for the artistic development and growth of the silver industry in Taxco. It was Spratling’s goal to keep fine silversmithing alive and to create an industry for fine silver jewelry. Spratling is rightfully known as the Father of Contemporary Mexican Silver. His dream to create beautiful silver pieces started the flourishing silver jewelry industry in Taxco that continues into 2013.

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