aztec art

By Roy Nilson, these long sterling silver earrings reveal the influence of pre-Hispanic Aztec art. He creates discs of varying sizes to cascade from slender loops. The topmost disc wears a silver headdress of feather-like textures and is centreed with natural turquoise.

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.

Ceneotl was the Mesoamerican goddess of rain and childbirth, often depicted as a frog or with frog-like features. She was an important part of the pantheon in the Aztec's lake-based world. Rosa Rojo shares images form Mexico's folklore, tradition, and pre-Hispanic peoples in her jewellery. Crafted of sterling silver, the frogs on these sterling silver earrings are inspired by depictions of the animal and the goddess in pre-Hispanic art.

Braiding black leather, Roy Nilson crafts a bracelet for men that recalls the art and beliefs of the ancient Aztecs. A finely-crafted skull glares from within the jaws of a jaguar to centre the design. All young Mexica, or Aztec men, at the age of 14, were required to learn about weaponry and the art of war in special schools. Elite Aztec warriors wore headdresses denoting their honoured status in this case, as a jaguar and warrior, or knight.

The jaguar skull serves as the bracelet's button clasp.

The silver tradition of the Mazahua people dates to pre-Hispanic times when they helped adorn the great Aztec temple of Tenochtitlan. In 1536, these skilled artisans worked in Mexico's first mint. Carrying on an ancient art, Mazahua Family jewelers create traditional earrings in sterling silver. Ornate flowers each host three dancing pendants.

Glistening with Aztec details, this cuff bracelet is designed for fashion-forward elegance. By Guillermo Arregui, the hand crafted sterling silver bracelet is crowned with turquoise, stone of friendship.

.925 Sterling silver

Ceneotl was the Mesoamerican goddess of rain and childbirth, often depicted as a frog or with frog-like features. Rosa Rojo shares images form Mexico's folklore, tradition, and pre-Hispanic peoples in her jewellery. Crafted of sterling silver, the frog on this sterling silver ring is inspired by depictions of the animal and the goddess in pre-Hispanic art.

Francisco Sánchez crafts delightful earrings in the style of pre-Hispanic art. Present in Mexico's music and legend, the paloma, or dove comes to life in chic silver hoops.

.925 Sterling silver

Francisco Sánchez crafts delightful earrings in the style of pre-Hispanic art. Present in Mexico's music and legend, the paloma, or dove comes to life in chic silver hoops.

.925 Sterling silver

Francisco Sánchez crafts a delightful necklace in the style of pre-Hispanic art. Present in Mexico's music and legend, the paloma, or dove comes to life in this chic silver pendant.

.925 Sterling silver

A serpent coils into an elegant pose for a unique brooch pendant. Its presence recalls the legendary art of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures. Maria Belen Nilson crafts the serpent of sterling silver featuring a striking copper eye. It features a hidden bale for a chain as well as a pin.

.925 Sterling silver