An Appreciation for the Silver Craft of Our Good Neighbor to the South

by: D. Albert Soeffing

Antonio Pineda Mexican Silver And Amethyst Quartz Cuff Bracelet

As one would suppose, due to the fact that Mexico has for hundreds of years been one of the world's greatest sources of silver, the Mexican Nation has a rich silversmithing history. However, until recent years, the exploration of that history has been concentrated on objects produced prior to 1800. While much remains for scholars to uncover, particularly in Nineteenth Century Mexican works, the Twentieth Century has only recently engaged the interests of a multitude of contemporary collectors. These collectors are not only comprised of individuals. Institutions have been quick to notice and acquire what is some of the most innovative design and skillful execution ever seen. A number specifically acquire beginning from the early 1930's, continuing almost into the present era.

Oddly enough, the large industry which developed a great reservoir of native talent was the result of the efforts of two North Americans, Frederick W. Davis and William Spratling. Their appreciation of Mexican native cultures allowed them to draw upon a wide range of historical elements of the Aztec Culture as well as the Spanish artisans which followed. This is not to say that they did not add their own genius to the mix. Many of the leading designers and craftsmen became centered in Taxco, a picturesque area where Spratling decided to set down roots. The man was an individual of uncommon talents who began to employ, train and nurture local talent. Within a short period of time, Taxco emerged as one of the most productive centers of silver artistry of all time. A wide range of silver ware was offered. Flatware and hollow ware were naturally available. But immense quantities of jewelry were made in the shops to satisfy the vanity of both Mexican and North American women. Often jewelry was produced to a standard of 980 which is higher than sterling silver. The reason for the higher standards was not only for ease of fabrication and quality of castings, it also had the advantage of being more resistant to body acids and tarnish. Silver is quite an inert metal, and since jewelry does not take hard use, it was safe to have a higher metal content for the construction of these precious works.

William Spratling Mexican Silver And Amethyst Cuff

American acceptance of the beautiful and novel offerings being exported out of Mexico was given a boost as a result of World War II. The United States, by a large percentage, reduced the amount of silver available to American manufacturers due to its reassignment as a "strategic" metal. Furthermore, many of the larger producers in the States modified their metal craft skills to support the war effort. However, the Mexicans were under no such restraints. As a result, large quantities of silver goods made their way to grace North American homes and to ornament the bodies of North American females. At first, our government levied rather substantial tariffs. There were also efforts to discourage importation of any Mexican silver of 900 standard. However, trade in Mexican silver goods still flourished and captured an appreciative clientele. The Jewelers' Circular Keystone of April,1943, p. 111 published an article lending insight to the times:

"Tariff on Mexican Silver Jewelry Is Reduced to 55 Per Cent

Silver jewelry imported from Mexico is now dutiable at only 55 per cent under the new U.S.-Mexican reciprocal trade agreement. Imports of this jewelry from Mexico --- valued at only $8,000 during the first nine months of 1941 --- increased during the recent tightness in the U.S. silver supply. A number of firms now compete in this important trade, offering U.S. jewelers and department stores a wide selection of Aztec, bird, fish and floral pieces, often set with carved calcite, aragonite, obsidian and amethyst. Silver tableware, ecclesiastical goods, ornaments and novelties may now be imported from Mexico at a duty of 32 1/2 per cent, a reduction from 50 per cent."

Antonio Pineda Mexican Silver And Onyx Cuff

The admission of this importation of silver goods as being "this important trade." is telling. And the description of the jewelry itself is indicative of the new, different and popular designs catching the fancy of North American consumers.

Modern Mexican silver was first collected for its unique qualities, as in the case of bellwether Andy Warhol. Institutions of art have now followed. One of the best known public collections presently resides at The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). There have also been important exhibitions such as "William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance," presented by The San Antonio Museum of Art in 2001, which was accompanied by a fine catalog that has served well to instruct and educate.