More than 200 years had passed since Hernan Cortes staked his claim to mining Taxco silver and with the revolution for independence from Spain in the 19th century, the silver mining in Taxco came to a halt. This all changed in 1929 with the arrival of an American architecture professor, William Spratling, from New Orleans. He had come to Mexico to write a book and study the culture. He fell in love with Taxco and settled there to start his new life which changed considerably after listening to the U.S. Ambassador, Dwight Morrow, who commented that it was unfortunate that the silver was never utilized in Taxco, only mined and exported to Spain. He felt it would be better by far to reopen the mines, putting the local people to work. The silver could be designed by Spratling and others, then, made into jewelry and objects by the local artisans. This idea and the comments conveyed to Spratling would forever change the economics and artistic community of Taxco.

Spratling had discovered pre-Columbian art in the late 1920s and drew upon the motifs for many of his designs. His work took form with the help of an expert goldsmith he brought in from the nearby town of Iguala.

There was much potential talent within the local community of artisans. Many of the young men who would study under Spratling’s system of apprentice learning went on to become famous maestros with their own workshops.

The beautiful and unique work in silver became known throughout the world and gave Taxco, Mexico its’ well deserved reputation as a silver capital producing the finest products.

The work continues today as the art form of silversmithing has been passed from generation to generation. Many of the maestro silversmiths contributing to the exceptional selection of Mexican Silver Designs were at one time young apprentices of highly regarded maestros such as Castillo, Aguilar, Margot de Taxco, Spratling and many others.

Only the finest sterling pieces are selected with utmost care for you, our discerning client. Wear for many years of enjoyment and pride in the interesting history of your selected work of art.