Silver Queen
Silver Queen
Silver Hunters Feast on Silver Fair
Every November the tiny town of Taxco, Mexico is invaded by hunters, silver hunters, as the hilly streets are lined with silver – jewelry, statues, boxes, artwork and more in fact anything that can be created out of silver. The fair began as the brainchild of William Spratling in the late 1930′s as a way to show appreciation to the artisans that produced his designs.
Taxco is the silver industry’s largest silver producer and as such is known as the ‘Silver Capital.’ Situated some 6,000 feet above sea level, Taxco has always played an important role in silver history, right back to the time of Cortes, over four centuries ago. With over 16,000 silver shops lining the tiny Plaza Borda, and all the streets leading into it during the last two weeks in November, Taxco truly lives up to its claim as the worlds silver capital.
Interestingly, the winner of the Silver Fair recieved a trophy made from gold, enhanced by an Aztec eagle design and a further prize of 40,000 peso’s. The Mexican President attends and acts as the presenter of the 24 carat trophy and second and third place winners are also honoured with prizes presented by the Guerrero state governer and the Mayor of Taxco.
This lively fair has a queen who is crowned “Queen of the Silver Fair’ usually a local senorita who presides over the street stalls, live entertainment, art exhibitions, and literary events which acommpany the main silverwork and sculpture competition. The town’s 50,000 citizens swell almost overnight as silversmiths of all kinds, stall holders, silver hunters and tourists from all over the world converge on Taxco during the last two weeks of November. Some of the worlds finest artisans find their way to the Silver Fair each year and vie with Mexico’s finest for the honour of being a winner.
Well worth a visit during the fair, Taxco and Mexican silver jewelry are some of the finest silver and designs in the world, showing bold, ethnic and modern designs in high grade silver, and creating bold statements for any person man or woman to enhance any outfit.
WHEN SHOPPING FOR SILVER KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND:
- Look for suppliers with good designs and quality.
- Look for suppliers with good prices but never sacrifice design and quality for price
- Look for serious suppliers and well organized. It is not very useful if you find a supplier in Taxco which is not going to satisfy all your needs when you get back home. This is a key point.
- If you cannot make it to the Silver Fair. look for quality stockists who can verify your silver quality and pruchase from them
About the Author
The Jewellery Gallery showcases works from the studios of worlds finest silversmiths that speak to a broad range of occasions, tastes and budgets, inspired and reproduced from world famous artisans. We strive to offer pieces that are chic wearable and highly collectable, at the Jewellery Gallery we are unabashed silver-maniacs who delight in wearing bold, sensual and imaginative designs that embody the creative passions of the silversmiths. The Jewellery Gallery was founded by Julie Carrington and Lea Sanson and can be found at 26 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Junction, Qld, Australia or online at http://thejewellerygallery.com. Julie or Lea can be contacted on +61754492977 or at admin@thejewellerygallery.com.au