A Guide to Buying Mexican Silver

Silver mining has been a major industry in Mexico throughout the country’s history and the silver found in the Sierra Madre region is considered some of the finest in the world.

When purchasing silver there are many considerations.  Firstly, one must consider the type of the metal which should be stamped directly on the silver itself.  There are two types of silver used for making jewelry:  .the .925 and the .950 grade.

The most common type used for jewelry is the .925 grade which contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another element, generally copper.  Often people believe that .925 silver is a lesser quality because it is an alloy, but in reality, this grade of silver is best for jewelry that will be worn frequently because it is more durable and less likely to become damaged than finer silver.

Most exclusive or high-end jewelry is made of .950 silver, which is 95% silver and 5% alloy.  Because this silver is much softer, it is not for everyday use but reserved for special occasion pieces.  Often this grade of silver jewelry will be adorned with semi-precious stones such as opals, amethysts, or turquoise.

When purchasing a piece of silver jewelry, look closely at the quality of the workmanship on the piece.  You should see no scratches or bumps on the piece and the there should be consistency to the craftsmanship.  For example, if purchasing a silver chain, the links should be of the same size and shape throughout the piece.  Examine clasps to ensure they seem solid and to be functioning properly and closely check the placement of any stones to ensure that they are fit well into the piece.

And once you have purchased your pretty reminder of your vacation in Puerto Vallarta, be sure to store it in a box away from humidity and clean it on occasion with a jewelry cloth or cleaning solution specifically for silver.