animals

Huitzitzilin is the Nahuatl word for hummingbird in the still-vibrant language of the Aztecs. This little creature has been important in Mesoamerican cultures for centuries. Rosa Rojo crafts the unique adjustable-size wrap ring in sterling silver, based on depictions in Mexico's pre-Hispanic codices.

Named with the Nahuatl word for hummingbird, this necklace by Rosa Rojo reveals the importance of this little creature to Aztec and other indigenous cultures. The design is based on depictions from Mexico's pre-Hispanic codices, reinterpreted in gleaming sterling silver.

Few images from Mexico's ancient past have remained in the collective imagination like that of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity, from whom Mesoamerican peoples claim descent. This interpretation by Rosa Rojo is done in sterling silver, depicting a double-headed snake and alluding to the feathers in a highly-stylized fashion.

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

Embrace the mystique of ancient civilizations with this striking men's sterling silver chain bracelet inspired by Quetzalcoatl or the Feathered Serpent, the Aztec and Mayan god of life. Epitomizing the rich silversmithing tradition of the city of Taxco in Mexico, its hypnotic naga chain and fusion of oxidized and lustrous finishes elevate Roy Nilson’s creation to extraordinary heights.

Quetzalcoatl, the ancient pre-Hispanic deity depicted as a feathered serpent, is depicted in this striking men's stretch charm bracelet by Angel Ortiz. Working in the iconic style of Taxco silversmithing, Mexican artisans expertly craft the lustrous bead and textured charm from sterling silver, dangling gracefully from an array of fabulous tiger’s eye beads.

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 collaboration. 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 honor 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.