Facts About Mexican Jewelry

Turquoise jewelry

Mexican artisans are mostly known for their work with silver, but they also use a variety of rare and common materials. In Aztec times, both men and women wore jewelry, and it was considered a status symbol. The wearing of jewelry was largely restricted to the upper classes and the priesthood. Today, replicas of this ancient art are sold all over the world.

History

The Aztec craftsmen who made jewelry in ancient times dedicated their lives to the art, according to Aztec-history.com. Craftsmen created jewelry with religious and symbolic themes to be sold in marketplaces. They created mosaics in their jewelry. They also constructed complicated masks, complete with earrings. Along with the masks, they made pendants, earrings, bracelets, cuffs, necklaces, nose and lip rings, anklets and head ornaments. Paintings from Aztec times show the nobility dripping in gold and silver.

Materials

Much of the jewelry had a religious theme, depicting and symbolizing the various Aztec gods and goddesses. There was no shortage of materials. Silver is a very common material in Mexico, even today, and so is gold. There is very little golden jewelry left from the Aztecs, though, as the Spanish conquerors arriving after Columbus melted the gold down and sent it to Europe. Other materials included feathers, clay, wood and shells, as well as stones such as jade, turquoise, opal and quartz.

Beginning of Modern Interest

According to Durangosilver.com, the modern history of Mexican jewelry begins in the 1920s with a renewed interest in archeological finds. Tourists began buying up both original Mexican silversmith work and cheaper replicas. Men moved to Mexico to cash in on the popularity of the jewelry. Today, Mexico is still world renowned for the quality of its jewelry-making. International tourists come to buy silver jewelry in Mexico's marketplaces.

Verification

Those who want authentic Mexican jewelry should look for handmade items. Many buyers recommend looking for marks on the inside of the jewelry to date and verify the authenticity of the piece. You can also see the percentage of silver used in the piece. The minimum percentage to be called "sterling" silver in the United States is .925, or 92.5 pecent silver. Mexican silver often contains even more.

Where to Find

Taxco is a municipality in Mexico renowned for the quality of its jewelry. Some say the best silver comes from this area. When traveling in Mexico, ask for this region's work in the marketplace. Those looking for Mexican-inspired or replicated jewelry don't have far to look when shopping for it on the web. A quick search of any Internet engine will bring up thousands of jewelry companies with pieces influenced by or copied from the ancient Aztecs.

References

• Aztec History: Aztec Jewelry
• Durango Silver: Mexican Silver and Silversmiths Information

Resources

• Aztec History