Mexico has the world’s largest production of silver, an extremely popular metal among the tourist population. The majority of the silver comes from the Western Sierra Madre mountain mining districts in the states of Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Zacatecas. Beautiful silver handcrafts and artwork can be found all over Mexico. Fine quality silver can be pricey, but definitely worth it. One way to determine the quality of the silver is to look for a stamp on the item. It will most commonly be stamped .925, which is sterling silver, but if it reads .999, then it is 99.9% pure silver. There may also be a symbol or initials from the artist who designed the piece. Look for these markings to avoid purchasing “Mexican Silver,” also called “nickel silver,” which does not contain any silver and turns green over time. Although, visitors can buy silver jewelry from vendors on the beach or local shops, it is best to go to a store that specializes in high quality silver products, such as Desert Moon or Ultrajewels in Cabo San Lucas. For some very special designs and pieces, Diamonds International is surely able to help you. Along San Jose del Cabo’s main plaza and on its nearby side streets, you’ll find several shops specializing in genuine silver.
Another alluring purchase in Mexico is beautiful glass. Potters began making glass around 3000BC and by 100BC glass blowing was invented. The Spaniards introduced this art to Mexico in 1535. The Glass Factory, one of the few places on the Baja Peninsula that demonstrates this intricate art, is located in Cabo San Lucas. Regular tours, with a bilingual guide, allow visitors to view the elaborate process and appreciate the immense amount of skill and training needed to create stunning glass pieces. Magnificent glass artwork, dinnerware, shot glasses, vases, windows, and much more can be found here in Cabo at the Marina Mercado. For some unique examples of fine Mexican-made glass, look in places such as Mi Mexico and interior design shops.
Authentic designs and vibrant colors accent Mexico’s furniture. The wood products, usually hand-made and extremely sturdy, provide the perfect blend of north, south, and central Mexico. Mexico also imports products from Europe and Asia, and then enhances those items with its own unique designs. The furniture crafted by designers in Mexico is so detailed that singular items are often sent to different regions for perfectly mastered finishes that will achieve the desired appearance. Some wonderful places to purchase items, such as fine Alder furniture with its high quality polished look, Mesquite furniture known for its warmth and beauty, and traditional Mexican furniture made with Equipale leather, twig and bent wood are El Callejon and Treasures Furniture, as well as several other fine design shopping venues in Los Cabos. Check for custom-designed furniture at BPL Design Group, Ltd. You’ll find casual Mexican furniture and accessories at “do it with magic” in Cabo San Lucas, and Mijares custom furniture in San Jose del Cabo.
Authentic Talavera, a spectacular find in Mexico, is a form of Majolica, handmade enameled earthenware from Pueblo. This style was introduced to Mexico by Spanish artisans in the 16th century. Every piece is unique and of extraordinary color and quality. Talavera’s dazzling motifs of grand florals, intriguing portraits or other elaborately designed pieces are molded, painted, and kilned before being dipped into an earthenware glaze that enhances the brilliant colors. Originally one could only find this pottery in blue and white, but now it is made with beautiful greens, oranges, and yellows. The hand-painted Talavera comes in various forms, both functional and decorative. The exquisite plates, vases, and tiles can be found in most parts of Mexico. Every region embraces its own flavor, creating modern pieces unique in design and style. Some great shopping for Talavera is in downtown Todos Santos, a town about an hour’s drive up the Pacific side. Genuine Talavera will have a raised design and high gloss finish. Use these marks to determine authentic Talavera pottery. To avoid purchasing an imitation, check for the certification number and the workshop’s signature at the base. Since these pieces are handmade and designed, they can be a bit pricey for larger items. But, like most products from Mexico, they will be made with great skill and an authentic Mexican touch that visitors love so much.
