Dangling from the double strand of interlocking silver hoops, small bells/balls create beautiful weight and movement in this substantial bracelet.  
 
In the  1920s, an American named William Spratling moved to Mexico after befriending and working with Diego Rivera. As an architecture professor and artist, Spratling was fascinated by pre-Colombian and Aztec art, and used it as inspiration for his silver jewelry designs. As Spratling and his jewelry became more and more successful, he started teaching local aspiring silver designers how to produce his designs. He even created an apprenticeship program for local aspiring jewelry makers.
 
Marked TM-185 and 925 (sterling silver)
7"l x 1"w 
Toggle Clasp
 
From the city of Taxco de Alarcón, located in the state of Guerrero in the southern half of Mexico (thank you, Google!), Taxco itself is about 100 miles southwest of the nation’s capital, Mexico City.  The people who lived in the area now known as Taxco were using silver long before the Spanish arrived in the Americas. They mined silver and used it to make gifts for Aztec gods and for other ceremonial purposes.The Aztecs used silver for jewelry too, and Aztec jewelers were incredible craftsmen. Unfortunately, not much Aztec jewelry survived the Spanish conquest, but the few pieces that are still around are incredible.  The creativity and attention to detail are amazing!