Much of the jewellery that one sees for sale in Mexico is made in Taxco, Guerrero.  It is a famous silver town and has been for many years.  Unhappily though, very little of the current work made there is traditional in any sense, much of it designed for tourist shops.  Aside from not having a good sense of traditions, tourists often bargain prices down much too low so that quality has to be abandoned to meet the ability to still sell and survive.
For those reasons I do not buy in Taxco but search in small communities for well made traditional jewellery typical of those regions.  I was overjoyed to find this work made in the State of Mexico, in the area of Toluca, outside of Mexico City.
This work is much like that of the eighteenth century, just as wearable now as it was then...  I have seen similar pieces in museums such as the museum of anthropology (el Museo Nacional de Antropología) in Chapultepec Park, Mexico D.F., and the museum of popular culture from the area (Museo de la Cultura Potosina) in San Luis Potosí.
This is all made with excellent skills and will last you a lifetime.  None of these items are cast or made factory style.  Each pendant and piece is cut by hand, filed, sanded, and polished.  The lines are stamped into the pieces and they are hammered to give them shape.  The soldering is painstaking as it is done in steps.  The jeweller begins with the solder that melts at the highest temperature.  The next pieces to be fixed together will use a solder at a lower temperature.  The jeweller has to take great care to keep his flame at a low enough temperature that he doesn't melt what has already been worked on.  Step by step, it is all time consuming and finished just perfectly in this work.
Most of the jewellery that we buy in our shops at home is assembly work - item after item, each exactly the same as the one before - factory made - to keep prices low.  This is art from a jeweller's table, more appropriate to the shop of a fine crafts jeweller.
The earrings have wires slipping into the ears with hooks at the back to lock the wires into place so that you cannot accidentally lose them...  and all of the work is sterling grade.
My photography of the work does not show it in the best way.  Do be assured that it all looks better in real life...  now enjoy seeing images of the traditions that have been carried on for hundreds of years...
  MEX-01.   The earrings shown here are all magical in their design and skilled in their workmanship.  Earrings #1 are 2 5/8 inches tall and the silver gleams clean and strong.   $145.US.    Earrings #2 are 3 inches long and made with three hinged sections as well as dangles hanging from the bottom.   $160.US.   (both are sold)
   MEX-02.   Earrings #4 are the most complex and the longest of the earrings which I brought back.  They are made with real coins and four hinged sections swinging together, along with little half domed dangles.  There are three pairs of birds on each earring, beak to beak in their happiness.  I do love these.  The earrings are 4 5/8 inches long.  Just amazing.  $250.US.   Earrings #5 have the same look to them, with simply one pair of birds.  They measure 3 1/2 inches long.   $155.US.   (all are sold)
   MEX-03.   All of the earrings shown here look a great deal better in real life than in the photos.  I haven't managed to discover a way to capture their allure in the images.   Earrings #6 are 2 3/8 inches long, have stamped dangles, and pale yellow facet glass stones acting as flowers with two tiny leaves next to each.  The dangles flick nicely when ones head is moved.   $105.US.   Earrings #7 are long (over 3 inches) and elegant.  The tiny wires in the design have each been placed in their positions by hand and soldered carefully.  This is much more work than you might realize.   $115.US.   (#7 is available)
   MEX-04.   Earrings #8 and #9 are very similar - flowers with more flowers and leaves hanging from them.  They are 1 15/16 inches tall and their real different is that #8 have a center of silver on the bottom blossom and #9 have a pale yellow facet glass stone.  I love the way that jewellers construct these pieces adding layer on layer of hand cut, hammered silver shapes.  They are $78.US/each.  (both are sold)
   MEX-05.   Earrings #10 through #13 are all small and delicate, with the first three featuring pairs of birds facing each other.  The birds are just over 5/8 inch across.  Earrings #1 have the simplicity of just the birds.   $28.US.   Earrings #11 have small dangles hanging from the birds.   $32.US.   Earrings #12 have swinging silver pendants hanging from them to make them almost 1 1/2 inches long.  $40.US.   Earrings #13 are made of delicately turned and twisted wires holding a blue facet glass stone.  $28.US.  (#10 & #13 are available)
   MEX-06.   These 5 pairs of earrings slip into the earrings and have hook closures to keep them locked closed.  There is a nice variety here.   Earrings #14 are the simplest.  A flat sheet of cut out silver holding a flower and curled vines.  They are just under 1 3/8 inches tall.   $85.US.   Earrings #15 are highly decorated - remember that nothing is cast in these and that all are constructed with bits and pieces by hand.  A lot of careful soldering has to be done as one has to be careful not to melt something that has already been attached.  The earrings are 1 1/2 inches tall.  An inner part swings back and forth.   $125.US.   Earrings #16 are 1 1/2 inches tall and made of silver lace, light and delicate.  $125.US.   Earrings # 17 have tiny birds sitting in their nests face to face.  Between them is a green facet glass stone held in by silver, and underneath them leaves are drawn into the silver.   $100.US.   Earrings #18 are 1 1/4 inches tall.  They too have pairs of birds face to face with a small ball of silver inbetween.  $68.US.  (all are sold)
   MEX-07.   Here are some wide and graceful earrings, sure to be eye-catchers just as the ones which Frida Kahlo and others wore.  They realized the beauty and wonder of their own cultures and loved to demonstrate it.   Earrings #19 are more floral lace than they are anything else.  Each one has a bird darting for flowers.  The earrings are 2 1/4 inches tall.   $125.US.   Earrings #20 are more solid and heavier, with two moveable slices in each one.  The birds are very three dimensional as they are portrayed in the back as well as in the front.  In the front they have a green facet glass cabachon between them as well as rich red cabochons on each side.  $170.US.   The most intricate of the three is this last pair #21.  They measure 2 1/2 inches in height and were very labour intensive to create.  The birds kiss as an explosion of silver radiates beneath.  I have worked in silver but have never had the patience or the skill to create anything this complex.  $245.US.   
   MEX-08.   There are three items here, the first being a rather complex chain of silver beads with wired dividers.  Chain #1 is 25 inches long.   $265.US.   Bracelet #2 is 7 3/4 inches long and made in the same way.  $85.US.   Chain #3 is made of wire rings folded into each other.  It is a traditional way used all over the world.  The chain is a little over 20 inches long.  $155.US.    (only chain #3 is available)
   MEX-09.   Oh what wonderful necklaces are made in Mexico.  This is a charmer as are the others.  Here are the traditional birds, taking flight and creating life.  The pendant is 3 1/4 inches tall and 2 1/8 inches wide.  It moves nicely as one walks.  The chain is 22 inches long and made carefully with delicate soldered rectangles.  Everything made of course, piece by piece, by hand.  This is  $275.US.
   MEX-10.   Here is a wonder from the sea.  The two mermaids are in love I think - one is male and one is female and they are gazing into each others eyes.  Their tails are intertwined and little half dome dangles hang below moving below them like the water.  The pendant is 2 1/2 inches long, and the chain is 24 inches long.   $255.US.  I just received another necklace like this...   (sold)
   MEX-11.   This is the most complex of the necklaces that I have bought.  I kept looking at it, and in the end, found it irresistable.  The chain is detailed with each section made by hand and it attaches to a series of flowers, four of them emphasized with pinkish red glass facet stones.  Everything is hinged so that it moves as things in nature do.  There are four little butterflies around the flowers and a large lacy one hanging below.  It is quite wonderful with hanging leaves attached as well.  The entire piece circles 23 inches across on the inside.  This is expensive, but I think you may never see another...   $920.US.
   MEX-12.  I tried this pin out on a black tank top that I have with a fine set of pleats at the front.  I pinned it right there, and it looked just amazing.  The pin is 2 1/4 inches across, and of course a complex group of pieces all soldered together to make one intricate oval.   $135.US.
   MEX-13.   There are always wonderful pieces from these jewellers bringing along the poetic aspects in the Latin world.   Pendant #1 is 2 1/8 inches tall, graceful and lovely with two birds settled on a flower studded heart, with a swinging pendant hanging beneath.   $75.US.   Pendant #2 is a small pair of birds nestled together.  The pin measures 1 1/4 inches across and costs  $45.US.   Pendant #3 hangs nicely in real life.  I didn't realize that it got moved a little when I took the photograph.  The piece is 1 3/4 inches tall, has a pair of birds and a flower studded heart.   $75.US.   Pendant #4 is a large pair of birds sitting on a flowered branch.  They are charming as usual.   $110.US.    (#2 & #4 are available)
   MEX-14.   $110.US.    (sold)
   MEX-15.   $155.US.   (sold)
   MEX-16.   $155.US.
   MEX-17.   $155.US.   
   MEX-18.   Earrings #1 - $190.US   Earrings #2 - $80.US (set with red glass stones)
   MEX-19.   $85.US.    (sold)
   MEX-20.   $115.US.
   MEX-21.    Earrings #1 - $70.US.   Earrings #2 - $50.US.    (#2 is sold)
Mexico silver earringsMexico   MEX-22.   This is a gorgeous elaborate pair of earrings.  They are not overly heavy, are adorned with birds and flowers and move lightly when one walks.  They measure 3 inches tall.   $120.US.   (sold)
Mexico silver earrings   MEX-23.   This is a lightweight and delicate pair of silver earrings.  The wires are wound into a spare filigree pattern.  The earrnings measure 2 1/4 inches in height.   $75.US.
Mexico silver earrings   MEX-24.   This is a light and colourful pair of earrings decorated with pairs of birds, beaks together.  The earrings are 1 1/4 inches tall and decorated with red and green facet glass stones.   $65.US.
Mexico silver earringsM   MEX-25.   These silver earrings are simple and glossy.  It was impossible not to catch a bit of reflection of myself with my camera in them...  The earrings measure 1 9/16 inches tall.   $85.US.
Mexico silver bird pins   MEX-26.   There are two bird pins here.  The larger one is 1 1/2 inches long from beak to tail ($48.US) and the smaller one is 1 1/4 inches long ($38.US).
Mexico silver earringsMexS   MEX-27.   These are tiny silver earrings each with a pair of birds sitting at the top of a flowered heart.  They are 1 1/16 inches tall.   $58.US.   (sold)
Mexico silver earrings   MEX-28.   This pair of earrings was designed by Victor Fosado Vazquez of Mexico City.  He worked with craftspeople from around the country and developed a wonderful collection of work himself.  Vazquez could not resist adding his personal vision of art to the jewellery of Mexico.  The earrings are just over 1 3/4 inches tall and have a black stone sitting below the hand - and they are signed.   Unhappily Vazquez is no longer living.   $80.US.
Mexico silver earrings   MEX-29.   This pair of earrings was also designed by Victor Fosado Vazquez.  The hands are the typical cast hands and below them hang a red coral bead as well as a sturdy black coral one.  The earrings measure 1 5/8 inches tall.   $135.US.  
Mexico silver bird pinsMex   MEX-30.   These two pairs of birds are sweet and romantic and make a lovely gift of love.  The small silver pin (1 1/4 inch across) is $42.US. and the large siver pin (2 3/16 inch across) is $90.US.  
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-31.   This is a beautiful long (2 3/4 inches from top of earhook to bottom of pendant) pair or sterling silver earrings wired with natural pearls.  They are typical, complex and stunning when worn.   $180.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-32.   These earrings are 2 1/8 inches tall and swing nicely with pearls.  I think on the photo I took the pic when one pearl was swung away - but there are four attractive natural pearls hanging from each side.  The bottom part of the earring swings nicely back and forth when moving.   $78.US.
Mexican silver earringsMexState   MEX-33.   These earrings are 2 1/4 inches tall from top of earhook to bottom of pendants.  The half moon shape swings nicely when moving.  the earrings, because they are made of wire are fairly lightweight so comfortable on.  I always forget that I am wearing earrings at all when I wear this style.   $70.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-34.   These earrings are 2 1/8 inches tall.  They swing nicely as the bottom part slips into a loop behind the flower - they have a real feeling of life.   $70.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-35.   These earrings are 2 1/8 inches long and made from three different sections.  There is the flower decorated earhook.  The half moon shaped dangle slips into a loop behind so that it can swing and move freely.  Within the half moon is another smaller half moon shape that moves as well.  Just gorgeous.   $78.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-36.   These earrings have some of my favourite elements - the birds, the flowers, the hands...  the earrings are 2 7/8 inches long and 1 7/16 inches at the widest.  The work is tricky and complex with cast hands and bottom pendants with the rest of the pieces fabricated from sheet silver and wire.  There is lots of cutting, hammering, and shaping.  Very romantic and strong.   $110.US.   (sold)
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-37.   These are very delicate, very light, swinging in the breeze, silver wire earrings with natural pearls.  The earrings are 2 1/2 inches long.   $70.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-38.   These earrings swing in two places.  The half moon pendant made of silver wire has a silver piece within it made of sheet silver with decorations soldered onto it.  The earrings are 2 1/5 inches tall.   $75.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-39.   These silver earrings are 2 1/8 inches tall.  The pendant part swings gracefully from a loop behind the flower.   $70.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-40.   What a great pair of lucky earrings.  Four leaf flowers along with horseshoes...  The earrings are 1 5/8 inches tall.   $45.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-41.   These earrings are 2 1/2 inches long.  The leaf shaped pendants are studded with flowers and have half round dangles hanging from them.   $70.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-42.   What sweet little fish!  The fish image is typical of lakeside towns of Mexico.  The earrings are just under 1 5/8 inches tall.   $40.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-43.   This pair of earrings is slightly over 3 inches tall.  It is adorned with birds and blossoms.  The shape of the wide part of the pendant reminds me of the shape of the wings of a butterfly.   $110.US.   (sold)
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-44.   Earrings #1 are 1 7/16 inches tall and 1 3/8 inches wide.  They are made from a nice flat sheet of decorated silver with two kissing birds above and a light amethyst coloured glass stone between them.   $70.US.   Earrings #2 just over 1 3/4 inches tall.  They have a swinging inner piece.   $75.US.   Earrings #3 are 1 5/8 inches tall and nicely laced with silver wire.   $70.US.   #4 are smaller and more delicate measuring 1 3/8 inches tall.   $60.US.   (#1 & #3 are available)
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-45.   Earrings #1 are shaped like a sleeping moon.  They are 1 1/4 inches tall.   $35.US.   Earrings #2 feature kissing birds and glass stones of blue and red.  They are very sweet and 1 5/16 inches tall.   $65.US.   I am sorry I didn't have this pin listed for Valentine's day but it is certainly one that speaks of love at any time.  The birds have their beaks together hidden behind a flower sitting over a heart shape.  A nice moon shape with dangles hangs below.  The pin is 2 3/8 inches tall.   $65.US.
Mexican silver bracelet   MEX-46.    This is a very sweet silver bracelet with hand made beads and connectors that look like two hearts joined together.  It measure 7 3/4 inches long.   $85.US.
Mexican silver earrings   MEX-47.   I love these flying birds.  These are light stud earrings made of silver and look very charming when worn.  They are just 3/4 inch long from beak of bird to end of its tail.  $45.US.
State of Mexico corazon earrings   MEX-48.   The corazon earrings are just perfect.  The heart with flames stands 1 inch tall and if you include the hanging loop it is just over 1 1/4 inches.   $65.US.
ojo milagro earrings   MEX-49.   I bought these milagros and simply attached sterling silver earwires.  I have a pair myself and just love them.  They are the simplest thing once one finds the most appropriate milagros.   $45.US.

I have some silverwork below from Tlaxco in the state of Tlaxcala not far from Mexico City...  a jeweller named Eva Menendez teaches traditional work to her students, and produces her own designs as well.
la SirenaTTlacso   Tlaxco01.    This pendant is a design of Eva Menendez with her love of the sirenas of Mexico.  She made the piece but unfortunately did not sign it as I bought it straight from her worktable.  The pendant has a loop at the back just below the neck for suspension.  It is sterling silver blackened for the effect.  It can be polished if one wants.  Her breasts are two pieces of light amber coloured stone.  The pendant is 4 inches tall.   $120.US.   (sold)
la sirena earrings   Tlaxco02.   I have two pairs of the sirena earrings, again made by Eva Menendez.  They are very charming and measure 2 5/8 inches tall from top of earwire to bottom of tail.   $85.US/each pair.  (last pair is on hold)
Tlaxco silver earrings   Tlaxco03.  These earrings are from the studio of Eva Menendez.  They are very typical, the birds and floral decorations are cast.  The earrings are 1 5/8 inches tall.   $55.US.   (sold)
Tlaxco earrings   Tlaxco04.   These earrings are made entirely of cast sterling silver pieces in the studio of Evan Menendez.  They move very nicely and even the birds swing slightly as pendants.  They measure just under 2 1/2 inches long.   $65.US.  
Tlaxcala earringsTlaxco   Tlaxco05.   These earrings are typical of the Tlaxcala area and similar ones can be seen in their museum.  They have a light patterning on the cast pieces giving them a very nice texture.  I have 3 pairs.  They measure a little over 1 1/4 inches across.  They have a very contemporary look to them.  $55.US.
Tlaxco earrings   Tlaxco06.   These rooster earrings are patterned after cross stitching designs typically seen on clothing from this area.  They are designed by Eva Menendez and cut out and finished by her assistant.  They are lightweight and unique.   $50.US.   (sold)
Tlaxco earrings spiders   Tlaxco07.   Spiders are a symbol of Tocatlan and make great little earrings.  They are 1 1/16 inches wide and just slip in...  $25.US.
Tlaxco butterfly earrings   Tlaxco08.   These mariposas - butterflies are symbolic of Papalotla.  The earrings are simple and sweet measuring 1 1/4 inches across.  There is also a pendant (you have to provide your own chain or beads) which looks exactly the same but has a loop at the head.  The earrings and pendant are sold together for $55.US.   (sold)
silver earrings from Tlaxco   Tlaxco09.   I have two pairs of these earrings made in the traditional way of the area east of Mexico City  These are cast from sterling silver and hung with dangles.  The earrings have a number of parts that sway including the bird which is hung like a pendant.  They measure 3 1/8 inches long from top to bottom.   $65.US.
Mexico silver pierced heart pendant   Tlaxco10.   This pierced heart is a copy of the same milagro but in sterling silver and made as a pendant.  The piece is 1 1/2 inches tall.   $40.US.   (sold)
Mexico Tlaxcala silver pin   Tlaxco11.   These pins are symbols of Quiahuiztlan, one of the four states that made up the federation of Tlaxcala in the pre-Columbian Nahua state.  They depict various symbolic parts of life, the feathered hat for dances, the shield and sword for protection, etc.  The images are taken from the Aztec codices.  $48.US/each pin.
Tlaxcala silver pendants   Tlaxco12.   These pendants are post Spanish symbols in the state of Tlaxcala.  The city of Tlaxcala itself was founded by Cortes and he gained a military alliance with the people who had lived there before he arrived.   $48.US/each pendant.
Tlaxco Tlaxcala silver pin   Tlaxco13.   This rectangular pendant is a symbol of Tlaxco derived from ancient images.  It is a shape of a stone with much importance.  The pendants are just under 1 1/8 inch across at the widest.  $18.US/each pendant

 

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    .....Ancient beads
    .....Eastern beads and ornaments
    .....Southeast Asia
    .....India
    .....Africa
   .....African trade beads
    .....North Africa
    .....the Americas including preColumbian
    .....Europe
    .....Modern copies of ancient objects
    .....Odds and ends