artisan jewelry

The Aztec god of death, Miquiztli, is rendered in sterling silver in this pendant. Handcrafted by Mexican artisan Rosa Rojo, the Miquiztli is portrayed as a smiling skull with wild, Medusa-like hair.

The Aztec god of death, Miquiztli, is captured in frightening beauty in this cocktail ring from Mexico. The dedicated artisan Rosa Rojo crafts the stunning ring of sterling silver, revealing Miquiztli's skull in excellent detail.

The Aztec god of death, Miquiztli, is captured in frightening beauty in this pair of button earrings from Mexico. The dedicated Mexican artisan Rosa Rojo crafts the earrings of sterling silver, revealing half of Miquiztli's skull in each earring.

Evoking the ancient Aztecs, this bold men's pendant necklace is created by Taxco artisan Angel Ortiz in Mexico. A majestic eye, framed by traditional motifs, is crafted from sterling silver. The pendant centers black rubber cord that closes with a sterling clasp.

Inspired by the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, this sterling silver link bracelet features dragon motifs that wrap around the piece. The links of the bracelet form the body of the two dragons, which represent the duality of life for Mexican artisan Angel Ortiz. Lightweight and elegant, this is a truly stunning piece.

Angel Ortiz recreates images from the Aztec tzompantli to create this mystical cuff bracelet. The tzompantli was a rack or altar where skulls of sacrificial victims were displayed. Working in precious sterling silver mined in Taxco, the artisan explores the symbols of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures.

Taking the form of a feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl is an ancient pre-Hispanic god paid homage in this stunning men's pendant necklace from Mexico. Working in the style of Taxco silversmithing, Mexican artisan Angel Ortiz crafts the pendant from sterling silver. It centers black rubber cord that closes with a sterling clasp.

Artisan Zandra Lorena Sajbin starts with raw Guatemalan jade to create this uniquely beautiful pendant necklace for men or women. Represented in subtle relief on the jade's surface is the nahual Kan. A nahual is a spirit familiar associated with the day of one's birth, according to the Mesoamerican calendar system. The nahual 'Kan' is symbolized by the feathered serpent, and represents movement and evolution of all kinds, as well as justice, truth, intelligence and peace, the spontaneity of action, survival, power and sexual magic. The pendant is centered on an adjustable cotton cord.

Quetzalcoatl, the "feathered serpent" was a revered deity in Mesoamerican myth and legend. Mariana Llanes depicts him as a sterling silver dragon that take its own tail in his mouth. "When one becomes many, they awaken the dragon, and duality emerges — light and darkness, what is mine, yours and belonging to others," ths artist says. "Our differences, survival and the struggles for power.

"By biting its tail, the dragon places all its energy toward understanding who we are and why we're here. It speaks of overcoming one's own ego, of humility.

"For me, the open hands are a beautiful representation of human collabouration. They symbolize friendship, honesty, respect, solidarity and willingness.

"Black crosses flank the hands along with garnet droplets that represent the death and suffering caused by wars. This is in honour of everyone who has died because of war. And it's a prayer that their lives and their blood be seeds that germinate in green fields of conscience, learning, and respect for life and for our differences.

"The spirals speak of life's cyclical nature and of resilience. Of our capacity to learn and change our reality, converting painful experiences into strength and wisdom.

"The feather pendants are symbols of the birds that collect our prayers around the world — for peace, for justice, for equality and the rights of everyone. They carry our voices in their song and they carry our prayers for peace."

The pendant is worn on a beaded gemstone strand of amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, carnelian and garnet.