How is Mexican jewellery made?

Mexico has been a rich vein of silver for centuries, but regained its spark in the 1920's. Since this time the skills and quality of jewellery production has evolved to include a myriad of different styles and influences. This has helped to create truly individual and breathtaking pieces. Despite the absorption of creative techniques and designs over the years, the jewellery is unmistakably Mexican. Elaborate twists and folds create astounding shapes.

Rediscovering the art of wax casting, many jewellery makers in Mexico have been able produce finely detailed and exquisite silver pieces. A wax model of a piece is designed with all details and intricacies carved into the wax. The piece is then enclosed into a plaster mold ensuring that channels, or sprues, lead out of the mold. A main channel is also made to pour the silver into.

The molten silver is then poured into the mold, the wax melts away, and the silver fills the space left by the wax model. The mould is opened, the strands of sprue are cut away, and you have a perfect replica of the original sculpted piece. Think about those Airfix model kits and how the pieces are in plastic frames; it's pretty much the same principle.