While Scottish silver runs in our blood, we have an intense appreciation for the metalsmithing magic found in the sterling of Taxco, Mexico. If you’ve shopped our live events or watched one of our Sunday Markets online, you’ve likely seen several silver masterpieces from the multi-generation studios from the Taxco region. Want to learn more about Taxco hallmarks and where to grab your own Taxco treasures? Read on!
A Spanish colony founded near the site of the seat of the Aztec governor, Taxco began to grow when large silver deposits were unearthed there in the mid-1500s. Mining and smithing continued to wane and ebb for several centuries, until American artist and architect William Spratling (below left) arrived in the 1920s. He founded a booming silver workshop in the town, creating a massive export resource for the local artisans. Over the next two decades, Taxco became synonymous with solid, beautifully crafted sterling accessories that dipped into dozens of different styles.
Today, the city gives home to more than 3,000 silversmith artisans — a legacy that includes such legends as Artemio Navarrete (below center), Alfonso Mondragón, Wenceslao Herrera, and Margot de Taxco (below right).
Taxco Hallmarks
When hunting for Taxco silverwork, pay close attention to the hallmarks. Due to the cache of the Taxco name, nearly all pieces from the region will bear an official mark. Two common marks include a three-digit number (a purity mark) and the Mexican Eagle mark. The number — popular from the 1900s to the 1970s — generally refers to the percentage of silver in the piece, typically ranging from 925 to 980. You’ll note that many Mexican pieces of the era contain a higher percentage of silver than modern sterling (925). The Eagle mark was instituted in 1948 with a number inscribed across the bird’s chest. This number was assigned to a single individual to identify their handywork. The famed Margot de Taxco, for example, was number 16. The Eagle mark was phased out in the late 1970s.
Most modern and late 20th century Taxco pieces have a simplified hallmarking system that was standardized across Mexico. The four-digit mark starts with a T for Taxco followed by the artist’s surname initial. A dash is then followed by a one- or two-digit number assigned to that artist. For example, Antonio Castillo, a founder of Los Castillo, is identified by TC-45. Sadly, there is no easily accessible list of maker’s numbers for quick reference. Other city marks include M for Mexico City, C for Cuernavaca, and G for Guadalajara.
Shopping Tips
When purchasing Taxco silver, you can rest assured that you are buying a piece of artistic quality based on excellent silver content. One cautionary note, however, is the weight. Most Taxco artists use solid molding or building techniques that give their finished work a heft that feels luxe. This has two potential downsides. First, heavier pieces can be difficult for some buyers to wear at any length. Be sure to check the weight for comfort over time. Second, because the gram weight is typically high, the cost of Taxco pieces can fluctuate wildly with rises and falls in silver prices.
If you have questions about a Taxco piece you have in hand or if you’d like help securing the perfect silver treasure, contact us at any time.
