Designed and crafted by our master silversmith Brian Nava, who participated for the first time in the 82nd National Silversmithing Competition on November 23, 2019 in the jewelry category.
It is a necklace inspired by the Cuetlaxochitl flower, which has been an integral part of Taxco culture and tradition for generations.
The Cuetlaxochitl flower is a symbol of the cultural and natural wealth of the region, as it is believed that this flower was born in the ravines of this municipality. Taxco is famous for its silver crafts, and the Cuetlaxochitl flower has been a source of inspiration for many local artisans, who have represented it in their works of art and jewelry.
Filigree is used to create the intricate details of the flowers and leaves. Thin silver wires are braided and soldered together to form the designs of each of the pieces that make up the necklace.
A design is created from the parts that make up the Cuetlaxochitl, which are: leaves, bracts and flowers. Taking into account the proportions and ergonomic arrangement of the pieces that make up the necklace.
Each of the pieces is embedded in wood to give volume and movement to the necklace, then the central stones are set. These stones not only add a touch of color and shine, but also represent harmony and balance.
The central Cuetlaxochitl is made up of six flowers and the two lateral ones by three flowers each, which are represented by stones of green jade, yellow jade and red coral. The two Cuetlaxochitl found on the sides are made up of six bracts each, which together represent the 12 months of the year. These frame the central Cuetlaxochitl, which is made up of eleven bracts, symbolizing the month of November, the eleventh month of the year in which the National Silver Fair is celebrated.
The glyph taken from the pre-Hispanic codex used to represent metal smelting was included in four of the bracts (four cardinal points).
The three Cuetlaxochitl flowers have 23 bracts, which symbolize the 23 pairs of chromosomes in DNA (responsible for hereditary transmission) found in the blood, referring to the blood shed by the Chontals, which according to legend gave the flower its current color. The legend tells that the Cuetlaxochitl will be white again when the territory where the Mexica and the Chontals fought is pacified. The silver element that is the main element of the necklace alludes to this part of the legend with its natural color and ends up crowning the piece, giving it the name "Flower of Peace."
Every detail of the necklace is a sign of her dedication and passion for jewelry as it requires technical skill and patience.
More than jewelry, it is art.