Taxco Silver Jewelry

Acapulco's proximity to nearby silver-mining towns has created here a large market for the unique creations of Mexico's best silversmiths. Mexico is one of the largest producers of silver in the world. The mountainous, colonial town of Taxco, in the northern part of Guerrero state, a few hours from Acapulco, has the country's largest concentration of fine silversmiths. These artisans produce a wide variety of beautiful works in silver and pewter for the home and for personal adornment.

In practice, the only products encountered will be either: Sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, is the standard. Like gold, a purer mixture (like "fine silver," which is 97% pure) is usually too soft to be worked artistically, and the small amount of added copper gives the alloy tensile strength without compromising its brilliant qualities. All pieces made of sterling will be stamped "925" somewhere on the back or bottom. Remember to look for it. "

"Alpaca" or "German silver," which is similar to pewter. It is an alloy of silver mixed with zinc and copper. Most pieces will be stamped "MEX" somewhere on the back or bottom, usually in the tiniest of letters. A deceptive sales person may try to make the "MEX" look like "925" or at least argue that it is. A close and discerning examination will always flush out the truth. Take a magnifying glass with you to the shops, just to be sure. The stamps are put on the articles by the craftsman who makes them and are thus usually reliable. (That is, it is rare to find alpaca disguised with a sterling stamp.)

B and B Jewelers

Parque Papagayo, Costera Alemán, 39350 Acapulco, Gro., México +52 744 485-6270 This place is really a jewelry factory within the grounds of Parque Papagayo. If you do not see it right away, ask any park attendant. The place is very large, and demonstrates how fine silver and gold jewelry is made. The store is adjacent. Fire opals set in gold is a specialty.

Minette

Playa Revolcadero s/n, (Granjas del Marques), 39907 Acapulco, Gro., México (incide the Fairmont Acapulco Princess ) +52 744 469 1000 Minette is the best place in town for spectacular diamond jewelry designed by Charles Garnier and Nouvelle Bague. Other offerings include Caledonia stone jewelry out of Africa and the bright inlaid porcelains of Emilia Castillo, bedecked with stars, birds and fish. This shop is considered "pricey," as its merchandise is mainly signed artistic works of art.

Tane Orfebres

Carretera Escenica 5255 (Las Brisas), 39868 Acapulco, Gro., México +52 744 469-6900 Gold and silver jewelry of the finest craftsmen are offered in this exclusive shop high above Acapulco in the Hotel Las Brisas. Jewels of all kinds are on display, and can readily be added to a gold or silver selection. Engraving on the premises is available, too. Look around the store at the marvelous flatware, candelabra, and other items fashioned of silver. Some sculptures and other works of art are also for sale. Most pieces are signed by well-known jewelry craftsmen.

Taxco Exporta

Costera Alemán 1900 (Club Deportivo), 39690 Acapulco, Gro., México +52 744 482 4918 Daily, 10a-7p Many veteran jewelry shoppers go to Taxco Exporta first when looking for fine pieces of gold and silver jewelry. The prices are reasonable, and the quality of each piece is assured. Precious and semi-precious gems can be added to selected pieces at the customer's option, including jade, onyx, topaz, aquamarine, sapphire and emerald. Custom crafting from a customer's design is also possible. Engraving is available.

Torzal Joyeros

Costera Alemán 125 (Farallón) 39670 Acapulco, Gro., México +52 744 485 2443 Torzal is found on the bay side of the Costera. Specializing in their own exclusive designs for gold jewelry, this craftsman provides some truly original works of are. Prices are reasonable, considering the value of the materials, of course. In one part of the store there is a large display of gold wedding rings. In another, look for gold earrings, and in another, jewelry that has been encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones.

Sanborns

Sanborns, particularly its downtown location at the corned of Cuahutémoc and the Costera, is well known as a great place for gift shopping, particularly items of sterling silver and alpaca. The prices are fixed, but reasonable. A large variety of houseware silver (like candle sticks and serving pieces) as well as personal jewelry items is on sale. Both fine jewelry and less expensive choices are available.

Linda de Taxco

Linda de Taxco is found downtown, on the opposite side of Cuahutémoc from Sanborns. This company, established in Taxco in 1945, has eight outlets in Acapulco, Taxco, Mexico City and San Antonio, Texas. The work is performed mainly by Taxco silversmiths, following long traditions for design and skill. Silver pieces for the home are on sale, as well as items for personal adornment. Linda de Taxco is a great place to go for gifts for a family member.

Joyería Bonita Margarita

Ignacio de la Llava (Centro), 39300 Acapulco, Gro., México (Olviedo Building) This great find of a silver and gold jewelry shop is in an older downtown building between Sanborn's and Linda de Taxco on the Cuahutémoc side and Zócalo on the other. Here you will find one of Acapulco's widest selections of handicrafts and well as fine jewelry made of silver and gold. The quality is first rate. Prices may seem a bit high, but you might find them to be negotiable, unlike the situation at Sanborns.