A Journey Through Time: Determining the Age of Taxco Jewelry

A Journey Through Time: Determining the Age of Taxco Jewelry


A Journey Through Time: Determining the Age of Taxco Jewelry

by Dani Chavez

Taxco is a small town situated in the mountains of Mexico, boasting a rich history in the jewelry-making industry. The city is renowned for its beautiful silver creations, which have captivated collectors and enthusiasts for many years. One of the most fascinating aspects of Taxco jewelry is its age, which can be determined through various markings and symbols. This blog post will delve into the fascinating world of Taxco jewelry and guide on how to determine its age.

Image: The Gemmary

A Brief History of Taxco Jewelry

The history of Taxco jewelry dates back to the early 20th century when an American artist, William Spratling, arrived in the town. Recognizing the exceptional craftsmanship of the local artisans and the abundance of silver in the region, Spratling played a pivotal role in reviving the silver industry in Taxco. He established workshops and trained local artisans in silversmithing, laying the foundation for a thriving industry.

Throughout the mid-20th century, Taxco jewelry experienced a golden age, drawing worldwide attention for its distinctive designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Today, Taxco remains synonymous with quality silver jewelry, with artisans continuing to produce exquisite pieces inspired by traditional techniques and modern aesthetics.

For a deeper dive into the History of Taxco Jewelry, read our blog post here.

Image: The Gemmary

Early Years (1900-1950)

During the early years of Taxco jewelry making, which spanned from 1900 to 1950, artisans often stamped their work with marks such as "SILVER" or "STERLING." These marks sometimes include the piece's location, such as MEXICO or TAXCO, and the silver content, such as 925 (92.5% silver or sterling) and 980 (98% silver).

To give you an idea of what these early marks looked like, here are a few examples:




Eagle Marks (1948-1980)

The eagle mark, introduced by the Mexican government in 1948, is one of the most important indicators of the age and authenticity of Taxco jewelry. It guarantees the quality and authenticity of silver jewelry produced by Taxco. Each mark features a number corresponding to a specific silversmith or workshop, providing valuable insight into the piece’s origin.

The eagle stamp also includes other markings, such as the initials “T” and “M,” representing Taxco and Mexico, respectively. Additionally, the mark may feature a number indicating the silver content, with higher numbers corresponding to a higher purity of silver (940, 950, 970, 980).

The eagle mark, once a hallmark of authenticity for Taxco jewelry, was abandoned as a standard marking in the 1980s due to widespread forgeries that undermined its credibility. However, even in the absence of the official eagle stamp, a few modern artists continue to incorporate variations of the eagle motif in their designs.

Here are a few examples of the eagle stamp:

Registration Numbers (1980 – )

In addition to eagle stamps, Taxco jewelry often includes a letter-and-number government registration system that further helps determine its age. Introduced in the late 1970s, this system consists of two letters followed by a number, with the first letter denoting the workshop’s location (T for Taxco, M for Mexico City).

The second letter usually denotes the artist’s first or last initial. The number indicates the number of people who have registered with that letter combination. Thus, TH-89 represents the 89th person to register the letter combination "TH" in Taxco. This letter and number system also helps with dating jewelry; the higher the number, the newer the piece.

By understanding this system, collectors can narrow the age of Taxco jewelry to a small time range.Taxco jewelry is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans who call this picturesque town their home. By examining eagle stamps and decoding the letter and number system, enthusiasts can unravel the mysteries surrounding the age of Taxco jewelry and gain a deeper appreciation for these timeless treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a novice admirer, exploring the history and craftsmanship behind Taxco jewelry will inspire awe and admiration.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.