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Silver Jewelry

Silver is a precious metal, used as currency and is weighed for value but what most people think of silver is not a metal for mining but a metal to be molded and crafted, most often in jewelry and Mexico is well known for its silver jewelry. The .925 and/or the spread eagle hallmark signify that a piece is 92.5% sterling silver.

Whether in simple or intricate hand made jewelry designs in pure silver, plated silver or with precious and semi-precious stones or in fine sculpture pieces or inlays, silver is everywhere in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. From the most simple rings and earrings to necklaces fit for Queens, Aztec or modern or even the Queen for a day variety. If its sparkle and hand crafted beauty you seek, the silver shops in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo have much to offer.

One of Zihutanejo's most well known jewelry shops is Alberto's, who for nearly 30 years has been offering high quality hand made jewelry, they have several shops in central Zihuatanejo on Cuauhtemoc across from the movie theater and on the Ixtapa Boulevard across from the Hotel Dorado Pacifico. Also in Ixtapa you will find Cielito Lindo on the Ixtapa Boulevard, and a second store inside Los Patios Shopping center, who as well have a wonderful and wide array to choose from. With four shops in central Zihuatanejo, one on the Paseo del Pescador, one of Juan N. Alvarez, and 2 on Cinco de Mayo, Valentina has a wide selection of jewelry and Mexican Pewter. For a large collection of D'Argenta silver sculpture and exquisite silver inlay dishes, go by GalArt at the Hotel Villa del Sol.

Here are a few cleaning tips to keep your silver looking great:

With proper care silver can last for generations. There isn't much damage that can be done to silver that a professional silversmith can't repair, they can remove tarnish, buff out scratches, and replace worn out non-silver elements. Once of the main causes of tarnish is humidity or air borne chemicals, you can minimize tarnish by storing your silver in air tight containers (zip lock bags are a good choice) wrap the pieces individually (ideally in non-buffered or anti-tarnish tissue) to keep them from touching other objects. DO NOT use plastic cling wrap, newspaper, rubber bands when storing, or rubber gloves when cleaning, they have chemical properties that react with silver, causing damage that requires a professional silversmith to clean. When polishing or drying always use a clean, soft cotton cloth. Rub the object in a straight, back-and-forth manner, avoid rubbing in a circular pattern. Always use the least amount of polish necessary and never use dried up polish, the abrasive properties become intensified. The easiest way to keep your jewelry looking great is to clean it after each use, but a quick wipe with a soft cloth before putting it away will save effort later. For delicate or heirloom pieces always send them to a trained professional for cleaning.

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