Earrings are a hugely popular item in Mexico, with most woman of all ages wearing them.  The art of creating beautiful jewellery is a very important one.
The first group of items came from a studio in Oaxaca named "Blue Jaguar"  and carry on traditions brought by the Spaniards hundreds of years ago.  These are labour intensive pieces, with most parts constructed from sheet silver and from wire.  Only a few pieces are cast, and those are generally the hands which clasp onto the top pendants of the drops.  The rest are cut, hammered, decorated, soldered, etc...  Wires are wrapped and curved and magically transformed into beautiful and delicate shapes. 
Wonderfully, parts like hands are made opposite to each other with the left hand on the left - - and the right hand on the right.  The decorative birds are created to copy specific types.  The modern decorative element is the glass, the stones, and the pearls adding colour to the pieces.  I apologize for the poor quality of my images here - I do promise that they are of good colour, beautiful texture, and much nicer than they appear.
Many of the images have enlargements if you click on them.  If the image of MEX01 measures 3 1/4 inches tall, then you will be seeing everything life size.  The earrings are all pierced and the earring hoops have little locks in the back so that they would be difficult to lose. 


  BLU02.   This is a very attractive ring which sits like a flower on the finger.  The band and the petals on the side are made of sterling silver, and the center of the blossom is a facet glass stone.  The ring fits a size 7 1/2.  $115.US.    
  OAX39.   These small earrings are delicate and sweet.  They measure 1 3/8 inches tall.  The little stone in the middle is a creamy taupe colour.  I have them with a blue stone in the middle too.  I didn't photograph them as they badly need polishing.   $84.US/each pair
  OAX40.    I have two pairs of these earrings.  They are 1 5/8 inches tall and have a tiny heart swinging in the middle.  $98.US/each pair
  OAX41.   These earrings are quite interesting as they have the same 3D pattern on each side, each with a red stone in the middle of the flower petals.  They are a little over 1 3/8 inches tall and the pair is  $180.US.
  OAX42.   This is one of my favourite traditional styles, a little over 2 inches tall.  These have purple and green facet glass stones.   $185.US.
  OAX43.   Here is another version similar to the style above.  The stones are all purple this time.   $185.US.
  OAX44.   These are great earrings with three sections - the top with the flower, the middle part with the bird and floral decorations, and the bottom with the jugs.  3 inches tall.   $195.US.
  OAX45.   Interestingly the stones on each earring are a different colour.  One is pale pink and the other is pale yellow.  The earrings are 2 5/8 inches tall.   $170.US.
  OAX46.   Here is a pair of complex earrings with delicate wire work.  The earrings are 3 3/8 inches tall.   $255.US.
  OAX47.   This pair of earrings has 3 sections - the floral part at the top, the hanging part with the bird, and the dangle at the bottom.  They all move separately.  The earrings are 3 1/8 inches tall.   $190.US.  
  OAX48.   These are great jugs, enough to carry a half teaspon or so of water in them...   the earrings are 2 1/8 inches long.   $175.US.
  OAX49.   These are all great earrings and the style that Blue Jaguar has been making for many years.  I have a collection of my own that I love mixing and matching.  These earrings average 1 5/16 inches tall.   $135.US/each pair.   (these 3 pairs are sold)
  OAX50.   These are all great earrings and the style that Blue Jaguar has been making for many years.  I have a collection of my own that I love mixing and matching.  These earrings average 1 5/16 inches tall.   $135.US/each pair.

The next group of earrings represents five different joyeros, each with their own specialties.  Some are part of an Artisans Co-op and others work independently.
  OAX51.   These traditional sterling silver filigree earrings are slightly over 1 5/8 inches tall.  They have small round discs that face forward when you are wearing them.   $150.US.
  OAX52.   These traditional sterling silver filigree earrings are 2 inches tall.  Filigree is a difficult work as the fine wires are twisted into shape and then have to be individually soldered to connect to others.  It is painstaking work that takes a great deal of patience.  These earrings have silver discs facing forward when you put them on.   $225.US.
  OAX53.   This is one of the smallest pair of traditional sterling silver filigree earrings that I bought on this trip.  The inner design reminds me of a butterfly.  They are 1 3/8 inches tall and have a nice decorative ridge defining the design - much more clear in real life.   $95.US.
  OAX54.   This is an interesting pair of traditional sterling silver filigree earrings.  There are two moving new moon shaped pieces.  The first is the half round silver slice close to the center of the earrings, and the onther is the outside filigree piece.  You can see how it is hooked up near the clasp.  That means that when you walk the outside of the earrings swings quite a lot and the inside sways gently.  Very attractive.  The earrings are just under 1 3/4 inches tall.   $225.US.
  OAX55.   These sterling silver earrings are very "tidy".  They are elegant and small measuring 1 1/4 inches tall.  $80.US.
  OAX56.   Here is another pair of traditional sterling silver earrings from Oaxaca.  Of course gold is treasured there, but much was stolen by the Spanish and others long ago so the most common earrings now are silver.  This pair has an inner piece that is hooked on so moves when walking.  It also has the silver disc that faces forward.  I love the textures on these earrings.  1 5/8 inches tall.  $150.US.
  OAX57.   These sterling silver filigree earrings have cut glass stones hanging around them.  They look great and shimmer when you move.  The colours are richer than they appear in the photo, there is a small silver disc facing forwards, and the earrings are 1 3/4 inches tall.   $160.US.
  OAX58.   These are very straightforward earrings made of flat sheets of silver with a little filigree at the top.  The two inner parts both swing.  There is a silver disc facing forwards when the earrings are being worn, and they are 1 7/8 inches tall.   $245.US.
  OAX59.   These sterling silver cross earrings are flat at the bag with slightly different lined crosses facing forwards.  They measure 2 inches from top of earwire to bottom of cross.  $75.US.
  OAX60.   I have three varieties of these traditional sterling silver earrings from Oaxaca.  A hundred years ago the stones would have been coral.  It is very difficult to come across now at a reasonable price so glass beads, the colour of coral are used instead.  These earrings are 1 1/2 inches tall and I love the way that the single bead at the bottom dangles.  I have three pairs.   $95.US.
  OAX61.   This pair of traditional sterling silver earrings from Oaxaca is a similar style to the ones above, simply larger.  They measure 1 3/4 inches tall, and have the same single bead dangle at the bottom.  A hundred years ago they would have been set with coral, the current ones are set with glass beads the same colour as coral.   $125.US.
  OAX62.   This is the largest pair of this style of earrings.  They are a little over 1 3/4 inches tall, and studded with coral coloured glass beads.   $160.US.
  OAX63.   I was very lucky to be offered these earrings as they are such a complex pair, easily reminding me of the earrings influenced by the Spanish that I have seen in museums in Mexico.  The coral is represented by coral coloured glass beads in various sizes.  The earrings are 2 inches tall and a little over 1 1/4 inches at the widest.   $230.US.
  OAX64.   These constantly moving sterling silver earrings are 3 inches tall.   $245.US.
  OAX65.   These sterling silver earrings are slightly under 2 inches tall.    $245.US.
  OAX66.   You need strong earholes to suspend these earrings are they are heavier than average.  The coins are .999 silver, and the rest of the earrings are sterling silver.  They measure 3 3/4 inches tall and have lots of parts that move individually.   $245.US.
  OAX67.   These sterling silver earrings are 3 3/16 inches tall with a round dangle studded with birds.  They are a little heavier than average earrings.   $245.US.
  OAX68.   These gorgeous sterling silver earrings are 2 3/8 inches tall and 2 3/16 inches at the widest.    $245.US.
  OAX69.   These double bird sterling silver earrings are 3 inches tall.  The dangles move quickly just like birds do.    $145.US.
  OAX70.   These sterling silver earrings, with dangle, are 3 3/4 inches tall.   $145.US.
  OAX71.   These sterling silver earrings are 2 inches tall and each one is decorated with four birds around a blossom.    $245.US.
  OAX72.   Here is another VERY complex pair of earrings.  Each bit of wire is shaped and soldered into position.  I can't imagine the patience and precision that is needed to do that.  The bottom section of the earrings sways back and forth from hinges, and within that, the new moon shaped slice of silver is on hinges as well so two types of movement are happening at once.  The earrings are 2 3/8 inches tall.  I love the shape of these earrings and the accent of the pieces of coral at the top.   $220.US.
  OAX73.   These earrings are similar to the Oaxacan style shown both above and below on this page, but have their own delicacy and beauty.  I can't tell (the beads are tiny) if the beads are coral or glass.  The earrings are 2 inches tall and quite elegant.   $175.US.
  OAX74.   I have a pair of sterling silver earrings similar to these myself and constant compliments on them.  The small cast hands hold onto the lacy filigree circles that move a little like fans when walking.  These are quite simple and quite perfect.  The earrings are just under 1 5/8 inches tall.   $85.US.
  OAX75.   These earrings are made from silver 20 centavo coins.  One is from 1942 and the other is from 1939.  They have filigree patterns soldered on with little dangles hanging below.  The earrings are 1 3/4 inches tall.   $115.US.
  OAX76.   Here is another pair of earrings using 10 centavo silver coins from Mexico.  It is difficult to read the dates but it seems they might be from the 1920s.  The earrings are a little over 1 1/2 inches tall, with dangles at the bottom.   $115.US.
  OAX77.   These are quite straightforward sterling silver earrings from Oaxaca Mexico.  They are not the most carefully made and the cutting lines of the pieces are often a little clumsy but I found that simply adds to their charm.  That bow on top of the swinging pieces too.  The earrings are 1 3/4 inches tall.   $125.US.
  OAX78.   These delicate sterling silver earrings are 2 1/4 inches tall and since the birds are hinged from the flower at the top, the entire dropped parts of earrings move constantly.  They are very eye catching.  The pink glass stone at the top is a nice contrast to the silver as well.    $150.US.
  OAX79.  There perfect little sterling silver earrings are 1 3/16 inches tall.  The birds are one of my favourite images.   $85.US.

THE COMPLEX AND CORAL STUDDED EARRINGS BELOW ARE FROM A DIFFERENT JEWELLER IN OAXACA.  THE WORK IS VERY TYPICAL AND TRADITIONAL FIRST INFLUENCED BY THE ARRIVAL OF THE SPANISH - - AND SIMILAR ITEMS CAN BE SEEN IN BOOKS AND IN THE MUSEUMS...  The work in these is extroardinary...

  OAX01.   These wonderful earrings with the traditional symbols of hands and birds are quite stunning.  They measure just under 2 3/4 inches from top to bottom and have a great deal of grace to them.   $210.US.   (sold)
  OAX02.   The silver swirls are captivating, each piece of wire twisted and soldered one at a time.  The birds sit sweetly and the earrings have a rounded disc sitting at the bottom like a shallow silver bowl.  They are quite amazing.  They are 3 1/8 inches tall and heavier than average.   $225.US.
  OAX03.   This is a lighter pair of earrings that swing easily.  They are a great little accent.  They measure 2 5/8 inches tall.   $145.US.   (sold)
  OAX04.   Earrings like these have been traditional for hundreds of years both in gold and in silver.  The spriralled silver is studded with round coral beads.  It curves towards the body at the bottom and the little bead dangle hangs nicely.  They are elegant and attractive.  I have a similar pair myself and constantly receive compliments.   $225.US.
  OAX05.   Work and more work.  Each one of the silver twists and curves are shaped and soldered one at a time onto the earrings.  Remarkably enough the jeweller is skilled enough to make the two earrings identical.  All that work...  I am very impressed.  The earrings are large 2 5/8 inches tall but fairly light weight because of their lacey structure.  They swing and shift very nicely when walking.   $235.US.   
  OAX06.   I fall in love with each pair of earrings that I acquire from Oaxaca, Mexico.  These sterling silver earrings are 3 3/4 inches long from the top of the earhooks to the bottom of the pendants.  All is decorated with small coral beads.  These earrings move nicely, swing when walking, and are given many compliments.   $235.US.

Here is jewellery from five other joyeros or solderos (jewellers) in Oaxaca.  You can see the traditions being carried on as well as some interesting modernizations at times.  A typical framework with modern decorative elements is really exciting.  Some of these pieces are darkened by their reaction with the air, and can be polished if you like.  I like leaving them like this as buyers appreciate different levels of luster so can shine exactly as much as pleases them the most.

There are also some silver pieces along the line of the surviving preColumbian gold (much more was melted by the Spanish so we have no idea of all that existed).  If you ever visit Oaxaca an excellent stop is the museum in the Santo Domingo Convent and Monastery.  The famous pieces from tomb 7 of Monte Alban sit quietly there.  You can also see traditional work influenced by the Spanish similar to some of the work on this page.

Below there are some Yalalag crosses in various forms as well.  Yalalag is a mountain town a few hours from Oaxaca when on a slow road and the crosses have been made there, in various forms, for hundreds of years.  Stories go back to the sixteenth century with the implication at times that the Dominicans travelling on the Spanish boats showed their own crosses, and these are interpretations of those.  They are generally worn by woman on ribbons or beads but now we have earrings being made as well.

  OAX07.   I have two versions of these earrings - these and the larger ones below.  The birds kissing above, the burro in one and horse in the other, the moon slung below, and the birds beneath...  I am sure there is a large amount of symbolism here but I need to discover it.  These earrings are 3 1/2 inches tall.   $140.US.  
  OAX11.   This is a complex and very romantic pair of earrings.  They are a little heavier than average as well as a fair bit of silver is used.  The entire piece swings from the flower with the earwire, a moon shaped piece with a hand swings between the larger birds, and a pitcher or jarro hangs at the bottom.  On the side of the jarros is the word "AMOR" with a flower alongside.  Amor means love.  How perfect!  $195.US.
  OAX12.   These are very sweet and complex earrings with the kissing birds and a facet pink stone set in the flower above.  They move nicely when walking.  3 1/8 inches tall.  $155.US.
  OAX15.   The pale pink face stone looks beautiful with the colour of the silver.  The earrings are delicate and swing nicely as they all do.  2 1/3 inches tall.  $125.US.
  OAX16.   These cast silver earrings are very similar to gold work from tomb 7 at Monte Alban.  They are an attractive tribute.  1 7/8 inches tall.   $75.US.
  OAX17.   These earrings are patterned after necklace pieces, made in gold, from tomb 7 at Monte Alban.  They even include the double stringing holes on the side of the upper pieces.  They work very well as earrings - 3 inches tall.   $65.US.
  OAX18.   These earrings are patterned after gold work found in tomb 7 of Monte Alban.  Silver is more affordable.  They are nicely cast and work well as earrings.  2 1/2 inches tall.   $85.US.
  OAX19.   Here is a very curious Yalalag cross, taking its theme from the modern world.  The solid cast heads are of a lucha libre wrestler.  Is it el Santo, one of the heroes?  It just made me smile like crazy when I saw it.  The piece is 4 3/4 inches tall and a very unique piece.   $175.US.
  OAX20.   This pair of earrings is a copy of gold work found in tomb 7 of Monte Alban.  They are made very well.  Sitting on this wire they look downwards a little, but sitting in the ear, you can see their faces properly.  1 1/2 inches tall.    $60.US.
  OAX21.   These turtles are the same as the gold necklace parts found in tomb 7 of Monte Alban in Oaxaca.  Made of silver, they are an affordable reproduction which works very well as earrings.  2 5/8 inches tall.   $80.US.
  OAX22.   #1  These filigree crosses are very delicate, light, and attractive.  They measure 1 7/8 inches from top to bottom. - $55.US.   #2 - These crosses are similar but much smaller being 1 5/8 inches from top of earring wire to the bottom of the crosses.   $38.US.
  OAX23.   These hanging birds reminded me of the voladores, the Veracruz dancers who behave as birds swinging from tall poles upside down the same as these creatures.  These earrings are very unusual.  1 15/16 inch tall.   $55.US.
  OAX24.   I like these cast earrings with their Mexican crested coins and dangles below.  They are just under 2 inches tall.   $85.US.
  OAX25.   This is a preColumbian design that I need to research.  It is a pair of birds made on one flat sheet of silver.  I have an antique version of this pattern with a silver pendant and coral strands on the "Americas" page.  These earrings are a little over 2 inches tall.   $60.US  (I have two pairs)
  OAX29.   This is a pair of "Blue Jaguar" earrings, delicate and beautifully made.  The filigree pattern creates hearts within the bird, and a dyed pink pearl hangs beneath.  The earrings are 2 inches tall and very light weight.  $80.US.
  OAX30.   I like the upside down pomegranates on this Yalalag cross.  They are time intensive to make but add a great 3 dimensional aspect to the cross.  It has the typical wings to surrounding the central heart.  The cross is a little over 4 3/8 inches tall.   $135.US.
  OAX31.   This is the smallest Yalalag cross that I have had for sale.  It has a wonderful little head over the heart and wings.  This is just under 3 inches tall.   $45.US.   (sold)
  OAX32.   This necklace is fantastic and an excellent price for the work done to create it.  Making those silver beads with the spiral circles around them is work enough.  The cross itself is 3 inches tall and the necklace is 23 inches long with a clasp closing.  This looks great when worn.   $245.US.   (sold)
  OAX33.   This is a hefty pair of earrings of the Yalalag cross.  They are 3 1/4 inches tall.   $95.US.   (sold)
  OAX34.   There are two pairs of earrings here, both made of the Yalalag cross.   #1 is 2 1/2 inches tall with coral coloured beads... - $60.US,    #2 is just over 2 1/2 inches tall with coral coloured beads...  - $60.US.   (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
  OAX35.   These are simple earrings that speak distinctly of the Mexican vision.  They look like blossoms opening with the coral bead hanging below like a the stamen of a flower or perhaps they are pomegranates with a seed hanging out.  They measure 1 3/4 inches tall.   $35.US   (sold)
  OAX36.   Pendant #1 is 5 1/2 inches tall... - $105.US,   Pendant #2 is 3 inches tall... - $55.US.   (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
  OAX37.   This is a contemporary version of an antique looking crucifix/cross.  I find it quite wonderful and very human.  The cross is held by a hand which has a large loop behind it for suspension.  The cross is decorated with sterling silver ex-votos or milagros, protective of certain aspects of life, or appreciative of abilities.  They are all moveable.  On the sides of the cross a praying woman and a praying man hang from loops and swing when the cross is worn.  The eyes, face, and heart are pinned onto the cross and can swivel to move while fastened by the pins.  The 3-dimensional aspect gives the cross a lot of depth aesthetically and conceptually.  The cross is 3 7/8 inches tall.   $185.US.   (sold)