The people who lived in the area now known as Taxco were using silver long before the Spanish arrived in the Americas. They mined silver and used it to make gifts for Aztec gods and for other ceremonial purposes. The Aztecs used silver for jewelry too, and Aztec jewelers were incredible craftsmen.
Furthermore, 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.
People also ask, is Mexico 925 real silver?
Purity. 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.
Does real silver turn black?
Silver becomes black because of hydrogen sulfide (sulfur), a substance that occurs in the air. When silver comes into contact with it, a chemical reaction takes place and a black layer is formed. … The oxidation of silver jewelry is a sign that it is really silver. Other (noble) metals oxidize differently.
What is Taxco known for?
Taxco is primarily known for its fine silver handwork and other crafts, being recognized as the outstanding centre for silverwork in the Western Hemisphere; the ancient craft was revived there in the 1930s by a U.S. resident, William Spratling.
How do I identify my jewelry markings?
Purity Markings
The most common hallmark is meant to tell you an item’s precious metal purity. The first thing you want to look for is the shape of the stamp. A rectangular shape with the corners shaved off will tell you immediately that the item is gold. An oval stamp would indicate the item is silver.
What is the difference between sterling silver and Mexican silver?
Inherently, silver ore is the same everywhere. However, typically, Mexican silver is known as having a particular style and sterling silver content, usually signified by silver marks. … Mexican silver is typically 925 silver, which makes it 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper or nickel.
What is the mark for silver on jewelry?
925
How do I date my Taxco silver?
The following number marks indicate silver purity in a percentage of 1000ths. The intaglio “900” mark is found on work dating from the turn of the century until the 1920’s. The intaglio marks “980, 960, 940 & 925” are usually from the mid 1930’s to the mid 1940’s.
What is Mexican silver worth?
Silver Price in Mexican Pesos
| Silver Spot Price | Silver Price Today | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Silver price per ounce | 516.72 | -0.54 |
| Silver price per gram | 16.61 | -0.02 |
| Silver price per kilo | 16,612.78 | -17.22 |
| Silver price in pennyweight | 25.84 | -0.03 |
Is Taxco Mexico Sterling Silver?
Taxco Pendulums
Crafted by hand with sterling silver, these earrings are designed by Alon Diller in Taxco, Mexico.
Does a magnet stick to real silver?
“Silver is not noticeably magnetic, and exhibits only weak magnetic effects unlike iron, nickel, cobalt, and the like,” says Martin. “If your magnet sticks strongly to the piece, it has a ferromagnetic core and is not silver.” Fake silver or silver-plated items are generally made of other metals.
Can Coca Cola clean silver?
Silver is a common metal used in jewelry or dinnerware. If you don’t have any chemical cleaner, you can use Coca–Cola, or Coke, as a simple cleaning substitute for sterling or plated silver. The acid in Coke works to cut through any grime or rust on the silver’s surface.
Does 925 silver turn green?
The composition of 925 Sterling Silver lends itself to the occasional green discoloration because of the presence of copper. Green fingers are harmless and there are simple measures you can take to prevent discoloration.
