Taxco, Mexico: Where my journey with sterling silver began

In 2003, I took my first trip to a small hillside town in Mexico that I would never forget—Taxco. Nestled in the mountains of Guerrero, Taxco is a charming and historic town that feels as if it’s been preserved in time. Its narrow, winding cobblestone streets wind up and down the hillsides, framed by white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs. At every turn, you’re greeted by bustling marketplaces, the aroma of authentic Mexican street food, and the striking beauty of the colonial architecture.

But what drew me in from the start—and what stayed with me long after I left—was the town’s legendary sterling silver. Walking through the local markets and visiting Taxco’s silver shops felt like stepping back in time. Artisans here have been creating sterling silver jewelry for generations, drawing on techniques that blend indigenous craftsmanship with designs inspired by both local and global influences. Each piece seemed to tell its own story.

Taxco’s connection to silver runs deep, woven into the history of Mexico itself. For centuries, indigenous Mexican cultures like the Mixtec and Aztec crafted silver artifacts and jewelry, drawn to the metal’s beauty and symbolic power. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, Taxco’s rich silver mines were tapped extensively, and the town flourished as a hub for mining and silverwork. Over the centuries, local artisans perfected their craft, merging indigenous techniques with new Spanish influences to create intricate and unique designs. Today, Taxco remains a vibrant center for sterling silver jewelry, where skilled artisans carry on the town’s legacy, producing pieces that showcase both their heritage and their creativity.

That trip to Taxco was where I first fell in love with sterling silver jewelry and recognized the unique artistry behind each piece. But it was not until 20 years later, in 2023, that I launched my jewelry business, The Mira Shoppe.

Every piece I select is a tribute to the tradition and talent of the Taxco artisans who inspired me over two decades ago. Through The Mira Shoppe, I hope to share a piece of Taxco’s magic, with those who, like me, are drawn to the beauty of authentic, handcrafted jewelry.