Turquoise and Alpaca Silver Cross Necklace - Artisana

Handmade by members of a women's cooperative in Mexico, this alpaca silver cross is inlaid with a turquoise stone.Hung on a adjustable cord the cross is 2 1/4 inches by 1 1/4 inches.

Meet the Artisans

The artisans of Tecalpulco, Mexico have long been known for their silver and abalone jewelry. ArtCamp, short for Artesanas Campesinas (or rural female artisans), is a women-owned cooperative that continues this tradition. The group constantly introduces new methods, materials, and machinery to compete in the highly competitive jewelry market, even surviving a collapse in the marketability of their pieces in the 1990’s after jewelry from other countries flooded the US market. The artisans have become business women, understanding the importance of customer service, quality, and design. Their product range includes semi-precious stones, shells, and even tiny flowers captured in resin. Each piece is accentuated by silver alloys or precious metals, and represents the tradition of fine Mexican jewelry .