What Makes Mexican Jewelry and Taxco Silver So Special?

Mexican Silver Jewelry: A Legacy Rooted in Craftsmanship and Culture

Have you ever heard of Taxco silver or wondered what makes Mexican jewelry so unique?

From rich cultural symbolism to remarkable craftsmanship, authentic Mexican silver jewelry—especially from Taxco—holds a story that blends artistry, tradition, and social change. In this article, I’ll take you through the fascinating history of how Taxco became the heart of Mexican silverwork and show you why these handmade pieces continue to captivate jewelry lovers around the world today.

The Revival of Mexican Silver Jewelry in the 20th Century

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Mexican silver industry experienced an extraordinary resurgence. North American intellectuals were drawn to Mexico to witness the social changes taking place as a result of the Revolution. Among them was William Spratling, a young architect from New Orleans, who traveled through many colonial towns and developed a fascination with Mexico's culture and artistry.

Captivated by Taxco, a picturesque town where silver mining had flourished for over 400 years without benefitting the local population, Spratling decided to stay. Thanks to his friendships with U.S. Ambassador Dwight Morrow, Mexican Undersecretary of Education Moisés Sáenz, and muralist Diego Rivera, he learned about the town’s economic struggles. Determined to create positive change, he launched the "Taller de Las Delicias".

William Spratling and the Birth of Modern Taxco Jewelry

Facing financial difficulties but driven by strong social ideals, Spratling started his small workshop to provide employment and training to the local population. He never intended to become a silversmith himself. Instead, he sought out the most skilled artisans to form a "school" where knowledge was passed down through apprenticeships. With that in mind, he went into the hills to find Antonio Navarrete, a man who mastered the silversmithing craft and started passing his knowledge to others.

Spratling would design pieces inspired by pre-Hispanic art, while Mexican silversmiths interpreted his ideas into tangible works of silver. This collaboration resulted in a thriving local industry rooted in cultural renaissance and artistic innovation.

Taxco’s Silver Boom: A Magnet for Art, Fame, and Innovation

A new era was born in Taxco. Vast numbers of designs poured out of workshops, where creativity and experimentation knew no bounds. Scholars, artists, politicians, and intellectuals flocked to Taxco, drawn by its beauty and by the social and economic transformation fueled by the silver industry.

Famous names like John Ford, Lana Turner, Paulette Goddard, Marilyn Monroe, and Aldous Huxley visited Taxco and brought home stunning silver jewelry and decorative objects, often embellished with exotic Aztec or Mayan motifs.

What Makes Taxco Silver Jewelry Unique Today?

Something that can be attributed to Spratling’s success is that from the beginning, he acknowledged the spirit of folk art embedded in Mexican craftsmanship. He once said:

“In Mexico, silversmithing has always been considered a folk art, since it has traditionally been produced for domestic or personal use... Their imagination is thus poured in an untrammeled way into their products, whether it is silver or the weaving of simple cotton textiles, hand-blown glass or ceramics.”

    Catrinas in Taxco Silver: A Tribute to Mexico’s Day of the Dead Tradition. Explore the Collection  👈🏼

 

The insistence on handwork and the freedom to experiment helped define the Mexican silver movement. Designers and craftsmen drew on pre-Hispanic art, the Arts and Crafts movement, Art Deco, and modernism—prioritizing creativity over imitation.

Preserving a Rich Tradition Through Generations

The distinctive character of modern Mexican silver jewelry is that skilled and talented designers artfully blend traditional Mexican forms with contemporary designs, incorporating their unique vision, marked by technical and stylistic innovation. The outcome is the production of amazing jewelry of outstanding quality and workmanship, that surprises and seduces women who appreciate jewelry in an artistic way and think of it as a way to express their emotions and unique personality.

Each piece carries with it the quiet legacy of the past—centuries of tradition forged into something new, yet deeply rooted. Behind every design is not only a silversmith’s hand but also the soul of a culture that values beauty, storytelling, and human connection. These creations are more than accessories; they are living expressions of identity, crafted with the same devotion that once inspired the great masters of Taxco. Today, their spirit continues through the hands of their descendants, who remain committed to honoring their heritage while embracing fresh ideas that keep the tradition alive and evolving.

Nowadays, designers find new techniques to create intricate pieces with unique textures, forms, and shapes—all as a result of continually reinventing the trade while preserving the essence of traditional techniques.

Explore my collection of Textured Silver Pieces    👈🏼

 

Why Support Handmade Silver Jewelry from Mexico?

Though handcrafted jewelry faces big challenges today due to mass production, many still choose the artistry and soul of handmade over disposable costume jewelry. Quality silver pieces are often heavier, feature more intricate designs, and are marked with hallmarks identifying their origin, maker, and age.

Many early silversmiths who worked for Spratling went on to establish their own workshops. Today, their children and grandchildren continue the legacy, combining traditional techniques with new materials like gemstones, ceramic, leather, wood, and rubber. The results are innovative, striking pieces that resonate with people seeking authenticity and connection.

 

The Legacy Lives On

The influence and legacy of William Spratling is undeniable. His passion for pre-Hispanic artifacts and his relationships with scholars and archaeologists helped shape a vision that still inspires designers across Mexico. His work (and the movement he sparked) honors indigenous culture while evolving with every generation.

Buying silver jewelry from Taxco means supporting the local economy and the silversmithing tradition that has distinguished this unique colonial town for decades. It also helps preserve the trade by enabling younger generations to learn the craft and carry it forward.

For me, as a Mexican and owner of Nueve Sterling, showcasing and promoting these outstanding products to the world is a way to share the history and culture of my country, a source of pride and deep joy.

Nueve Sterling is your gateway to Mexican silver jewelry from the magical town of Taxco: handmade pieces created by talented people who share a legacy, a craft, and a commitment to excellence that began nearly a century ago.