A Man’s Guide to Mexican Silver Jewelry
Shopping for a gift for a man in your life? Looking to treat yourself to something special? Choosing the right piece of men’s Mexican silver jewelry can be difficult! With so many options to consider and styles to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start!
In this month’s post, we’ve taken a look at buying Mexican silver jewelry from a man’s perspective.
History of Men’s Jewelry in Mexico
Ask anyone in Mexico: Taxco is Mexico’s jewelry hub. The area’s silver has been used for beautiful Mexican jewelry for generations.
Going as far back as the Aztecs, the region is known for beautiful silver jewelry. Modern Mexican silver jewelry was created by William Spratling, an American architecture professor, and artist who moved to Taxco in the 1920s. Integrating designs and inspiration from pre-Colombian and Aztecian art, Spratling developed a style of Mexican silver jewelry world-renowned to this day.
Taxco remains a vibrant jewelry making community producing beautiful work focused on craftsmanship and local traditions.
What Goes into a Piece of Men’s Mexican Silver Jewelry
A lot goes into creating the Mexican silver jewelry we love. Everything from the material used to the inspiration behind the piece tells a story. Below, we’ve outlined the 4 major aspects of any piece of Mexican silver jewelry to consider.
What Type of Silver is Used?
When looking for a piece of men’s Mexican silver jewelry (or any Mexican silver jewelry for that matter) look for those made from true sterling silver.
In order for silver to be considered “sterling silver” (or 925 silver), the metal must contain at least 92.5% of pure silver. Any less and it’s not true sterling silver.
Any authentic Mexican silver jewelry store will only sell items made from true sterling silver.
Gemstones
While gemstones may not be featured as heavily in men’s jewelry as in women’s pieces, they are still an important part of all Mexican jewelry. Besides adding some flair and personality to a piece of jewelry, gemstones have unique qualities.
Some of our favorite gemstones used in Mexican jewelry include:
- Turquoise: An ancient gemstone used by civilizations for over 5,000 years. It’s also the only gemstone with a color named after it!
- Amethyst: This purple gemstone is believed by many to reduce anxiety. It was held by fighters in medieval times due to their belief it would keep them safe in battle.
- Black Onyx: Found in just a few places around the world, black onyx is the rarest color of onyx. It’s believed to bring good luck, happiness, and wealth to anyone wearing it.
- Red Jasper: This red gemstone is March’s birthstone. Some believe the stone contains spiritual properties including the ability to prevent car accidents.
Motifs
While gemstones add personality to a piece of jewelry, a focused motif is what pulls everything together. This is particularly true for Mexican jewelry given its history steeped in tradition.
Mexican artisans use jewelry as a way to celebrate and honor these motifs. Some notable themes and motifs found in Mexican jewelry:
- Religious
- Environment & Animals
- Artistic Movements such as Surrealism and Cubism
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a big part in all jewelry, and Mexican silver jewelry is no different! By far the largest type of symbolism in Mexican jewelry is animal symbolism. Some of the most common animal symbolism include…
- Fish – Represents life, motion, and spiritual growth.
- Owl – Represents intelligence and protection.
- Jaguar – Represents power, confidence, and sensuality.
- Hummingbird – Represents energy, hope, and love.
- Porcupine – Gives hope to grieving and depressed individuals.
- Frog – Represents transformation.
Tips for Styling Men’s Mexican Silver Jewelry
Often men feel challenged when integrating jewelry into their wardrobes. This does not have to be the case! Men have worn jewelry for hundreds of years and there are many ways for men to wear and express themselves through jewelry.
Below, we’ve outlined some advice we have for men who want to show off some beautiful Mexican silver jewelry.
Match Metals, Gemstones, and Motifs
Make sure to keep your toning simple. If you are going to wear multiple pieces (and why wouldn’t you!) we recommend making sure your metals, motifs, and gemstones match.
Understand The Symbolism and Motifs Used
Understanding the inspiration and history is crucial for properly matching a piece of jewelry with the rest of your outfit.
Take into consideration any symbolism or motifs that went into the design or construction of your jewelry. Just as important as the materials used and what the jewelry is saying about you while you are wearing it.
Consider Dress Codes
While it’s easy to overlook, make sure to consider dress codes when deciding on the jewelry you are going to wear. Jewelry is a piece of your wardrobe after all!
Make sure what you are wearing is appropriate for the workplace or event you are attending. You would never want to wear something that could make you look out of place.
Make Sure You’ll Feel Comfortable
Looking good is more than just wearing beautiful clothing and jewelry; it’s feeling confident. Make sure anything you wear will make you feel great and fits into your style.
This is not to say you shouldn’t go a little outside of your comfort zone. It’s still good to be adventurous with your fashion. But if you know you won’t wear something, don’t try to fit it into your style.
Our Favorite Men’s Mexican Silver Jewelry
There are so many beautiful jewelry designs for men that you’re sure to find one that is perfect for you. Remember, jewelry is gender neutral – the most important thing is to wear something that speaks to you and your personal style.
Below, we’ve put some of our favorite pieces of men’s Mexican silver jewelry to give you an idea of some different options. All of these items can be special ordered in your size.
While we love these selections, we have a range of different jewelry options. If you don’t see something you love here we’re sure to have something that will be more your style.
Heavy Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet
Cuban Chain Bracelet
Mexican Silver Chain Link Bracelet
Men’s 19″ Chain Necklace
Men’s Roped Chain Necklace
Shop Our Selection of Men’s Mexican Silver Jewelry
Love what you see and want your own piece of Mexican silver?
Shop our men’s collection or any of our beautiful jewelry today to find a piece that is perfect for you.
