How Handmade Silver Jewelry Began in Taxco, Mexico

Discover how a mountain town became the heart of Mexico’s artisan silver tradition.

For many years, Mexico has proudly held the title of the world’s top silver-producing country, a position it continues to hold today.

In 2023, Mexico produced approximately 6,400 metric tons of silver, leading the world ahead of China and Peru, which ranked second and third with around 3,400 and 3,100 metric tons, respectively.

While this steady supply of silver helped create the conditions, it was a bold new artistic direction introduced nearly a century ago that truly sparked the transformation. What began as a reimagining of how this precious metal could be used, eventually evolved into what is now recognized globally as Taxco silver jewelry: a craft and trade where skilled artisans started transforming cultural heritage into wearable works of art.

A Cultural Renaissance in Silver

After the Mexican Revolution of 1910, the country experienced an outpouring of creativity and a renewed appreciation for its cultural roots. In the late 1920s, William Spratling, a North American architect arrived in Taxco, a picturesque mountain town with colonial charm and a long history of silver mining. Captivated by the beauty of pre-Hispanic art and indigenous craftsmanship, he envisioned a new purpose for silver: not just as currency or decoration, but as a medium for art.

He began working with local artisans, encouraging them to masster the traditional techniques while also exploring new forms to create his designs. This movement marked the beginning of a renaissance in Mexican silverwork. The result was a unique fusion of indigenous heritage and modern design, handcrafted into jewelry and objects that reflected both identity and innovation.

A Legacy Passed Through Generations

From these beginnings, the art of silver jewelry-making in Taxco became a way of life. Silversmithing evolved into a generational craft, with techniques passed from parent to child. Many of today’s artisans learned from their grandparents, preserving ancestral methods while incorporating contemporary tools.

Unfortunately, this rich tradition faces challenges. The rise of mass-produced silver jewelry from countries like China, India, and Indonesia has made it harder for handmade pieces to compete on volume or price. But when it comes to quality, authenticity, and cultural value, Taxco's silver stands apart. That’s why it has earned a respected place in the world of fine jewelry.

Not All That Glitters in Taxco Is the Same

If you visit Taxco today, you’ll encounter an impressive variety of silver jewelry and decorative pieces, but not everything is as it appears. Standards can vary significantly between workshops, and not every piece is truly handmade. Some of them are produced without the craftsmanship behind it, and the silver quality is not very clear. While true artisans work with high-grade materials, others may use inferior alloys that compromise both durability and authenticity.

Recognizing genuine handmade Taxco silver jewelry requires a trained eye and an understanding of what sets artisanal craftsmanship apart.

Stories Behind the Silver

Among the many legendary silversmiths of Taxco is Ezequiel Tapia, a master sculptor who once worked with the movement’s founding architect. Today, his children continue the legacy: his son creates bold, modern jewelry, and his daughter Carmen has also followed in his footsteps. This is just one example of how family tradition and innovation walk hand in hand in Taxco.

There are many other designers who learned from the original movement, developed their own techniques, and passed their knowledge forward. I’ll explore their stories in future blog posts, because their contributions have been crucial in shaping what Taxco silver represents today.

Celebrating Craftsmanship: Silversmith Day

Every June 27th Taxco hosts the Silversmith Day (Dia del Platero)  👈🏼 an event that began over 90 years ago. Originally promoted by William Spratling, the same visionary who helped ignite the silver renaissance in this small town, this event challenges silversmiths to push the boundaries of creativity and technique. Artisans compete in various categories, and the best among them are recognized for their mastery. 

A Window Into the World of Taxco

To truly appreciate the roots of Taxco silver, I invite you to watch a 2017 documentary produced by Craft in America  👈🏼, a non-profit dedicated to promoting handcrafted work. The film features firsthand accounts from Taxco artisans and descendants of early silversmiths. You’ll hear stories about the beginnings of the movement, memories of working with its founder, and how new generations continue to breathe life into the craft. Subtitled in both English and Spanish, it offers an honest, moving portrait of a town shaped by silver.

Let Me Help You Discover Taxco Silver

Jewelry from this magical town carries a story, a legacy, and a soul. Whether you’re looking for handmade Mexican silver bracelets, artisan earrings, or a distinctive Taxco pendant, I can help you find a piece that truly speaks to you.

If you have a special request, reach out—I’m happy to help bring your vision to life.

Browse my current collection at Nueve Sterling. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with more than one piece.