Is Taxco silver valuable?
Many of the works pictured here have a silver value of $5-$10, but some of these pieces will bring $100-$500 at auction – or go even higher, into the thousands. These silversmiths also made large bowls, centerpieces, and showpieces – which are very rare, as the artists mostly preferred making smaller, craftsmen pieces.
What does Taxco Mexico mean on jewelry?
The most common percentage of silver in a piece of jewelry is 92.5% which is the minimum requirement for silver to be called “sterling silver.” This percentage is typically written as . 925 or 925 (hence our company’s name, Taxco.
Is Mexico silver real silver?
Mexico is one of the leading producers of silver in the world, and you’ll find the finest silver jewelry in Taxco, Mexico. Today, people from around the globe visit this city to purchase their silver jewelry. Standard Mexican silver is 92.5% pure, though its purity ranges from 92.5% to 99.9%.
How can you tell if Mexican silver is real?
How to Tell If an Item Is Made of Real Silver
- Look for markingsor stamps on the silver. Silver will often be stampedwith 925, 900, or 800.
- Test it with a magnet. Silver, like most preciousmetals, is nonmagnetic.
- Sniff it.
- Polish it with a soft white cloth.
- Put a piece of ice on it.
Is Taxco silver real?
It’s no wonder Taxco is one of the oldest mining sites in all of the Americas. Today, silver is no longer mined in Taxco itself — the mines are empty! Silver is mined in a town several hours away, and brought to Taxco. The silver jewelry we sell is made by local Taxco artisans.
How do I know if my jewelry is Taxco?
Pieces from the Taxco region are often stamped “TAXCO” or sometimes simply with the letter “T” at the beginning of the signature. The second letter of the signature represents the initial of the last name of the artisan, and the number following is the sequential number assigned to that artisan.
What does Mexican silver mean?
Although standards vary, most Mexican silver is . 925 (92.5 percent) pure. It may say, “silver made in Mexico” or “Mexico silver.” Some Mexican silver features an eagle stamped into it with a number designating where in the country it originated.
What is the difference between Mexican silver and sterling silver?
“Sterling silver” refers to silver that is at least 92.5% pure silver. Most of the items we sell at Mexican Silver Store are made with sterling silver. Generally, you’ll see an item marketed at sterling silver, 925 silver, or see . Durability — Sterling silver is strong, and will hold up to moisture and daily wear.
Is sterling silver cheap in Mexico?
Silver is inexpensive in Mexico, relative to other places in the world. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and pure silver is 95.0%. Looking for these marks will help you determine which type you are buying. If the piece doesn’t have either of these stamps, it’s not real.
What does 950 mean on silver?
Brittania silver
Brittania silver (950): Brittania silver is an alloy made of 95% silver, which exceeds the requirement for sterling silver. It is most often marked 950. This silver qualifies as sterling, but it is slightly softer than sterling pieces marked 925 or simply sterling.
What is 950 stamped jewelry?
950 Platinum Pieces marked with a 950 purity are a blend of 95% platinum and 5% alloy metals (usually ruthenium , copper, cobalt, iridium, rhodium, or palladium).
What is Taxco silver jewelry?
The vast majority of Taxco Silver items or Jewelry were made using Sterling Silver. In general, it is quite rare to encounter silverplated items from Mexico. Sterling Silver in Mexican jewelry ranged from 900 to 980 in pure silver content as expressed in the thousands scale and items were marked accordingly and most often accurately.
What is the eagle mark on Mexican silver?
Usually a location (Mexico or a town name) and silver fineness (925, 925/1000, 950, 980) was included. In 1948 the Government of Mexico promoted the reintroduction of the “eagle mark” to identify the manufacturers of silver items.
When did Margot de Taxco migrate to Mexico?
Another famous designer, MARGOT de TAXCO, also an American and whose real name was Margot van Voorhies Carr, migrated to Mexico in the late 1930s.
Where is Taxco located?
As known, Taxco is a city located in the southern part of Mexico within the state of Guerrero. Silver mining and related activities was a major source of income for centuries for the local residents, with silver & jewelry tourism developing around early 20thC and continuing to this day.