Working in a developing country like Mexico, especially with valuable minerals, raises numerous concerns, primarily regarding the origin, quality of materials, and extraction methods.

Mining in developing countries, such as Mexico, brings up significant ethical and environmental issues. Often, foreign mining companies prioritize their economic interests at the expense of local populations and the environment.

The extraction methods used in these regions, particularly the use of chemicals like cyanide and mercury, can be highly polluting. These methods lead to soil and river contamination with heavy metals, severely affecting biodiversity and the health of local communities. Additionally, deforestation is common around mining sites, destroying natural habitats and exacerbating environmental problems.

Furthermore, local workers are often exploited, working in dangerous conditions and not receiving fair wages for their labor. Child labor is also a persistent issue, with many children forced to work in the mines to help support their families. The impoverished population is often willing to undertake these grueling tasks just to survive. Despite the harsh conditions, these jobs are poorly paid, and often the entire family, including children, is involved in the work.

The history of mining in Mexico is long and complex. Since colonial times, silver deposits attracted Spanish settlers, and cities such as Taxco, Pachuca, Zacatecas, and Guanajuato became major hubs for silver production. However, this exploitation has always been accompanied by conflicts and social injustices, with local communities often displaced and marginalized. Today, large international mining companies continue to exploit these resources, causing massive deforestation and soil erosion, further weakening local ecosystems. The contamination of rivers and groundwater by heavy metals used in the extraction process remains a constant threat to local populations and wildlife.

Questions about raw materials

Our company, mindful of its environmental and social impact, has made the decision not to contribute to these practices. We have chosen to prioritize two sources of metal: first and foremost, recycled silver, which helps reduce the demand for newly mined minerals and limits waste, and, when necessary, to remain within a controlled supply chain by sourcing from banks. This approach ensures the traceability and transparency of our materials while contributing to the preservation of natural resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

By opting for recycled silver, we actively support the circular economy, a crucial economic model for reducing carbon footprints and decreasing dependency on mining. Unlike traditional mining extraction, recycling silver requires less energy and resources, while also limiting the production of toxic waste.

Official source of silver

When recycled silver is unavailable, we are compelled to turn to alternative raw material sources. In such cases, we source our materials from banks rather than from independent shops commonly found in Mexico. This decision is driven by the need to ensure the traceability and ethical extraction of the metal, aspects that cannot always be reliably verified with independent shops.

Although the Mexican government has made efforts to combat these practices, the reality is that the need for survival and the influence of criminal organizations unfortunately continue to perpetuate these methods. In 2012, it was estimated that 10.7% of children aged 5 to 17 were working under such conditions.

Therefore, our raw material comes from the official system, specifically from banks, where it is sold at the international market rate. This metal is mined by large national and international companies and is subject to stricter state oversight.

In Mexico, silver is sold in the form of a coin, the "onza de plata" or "onza libertad," meaning the "ounce of silver" or "ounce of freedom." Weighing 30 grams, it is minted by the Mexican government, which guarantees its quality. Purchasing an ounce from a bank means acquiring raw, pure silver material.

However, it is important to note that this purchase of silver coins is not an ideal solution, and we are well aware of this. Even though our company sources silver from banks and national coins, this does not necessarily guarantee that the metal comes from an ethical source. Large mining companies may also be involved in unethical extraction practices, such as worker exploitation and negative environmental impacts.

This remains the most reasonable option, aligned with government initiatives aimed at combating child labor and promoting responsible mining practices. These efforts may include implementing stricter regulations for mining companies and support programs for local communities to reduce their reliance on child labor.

Government and international initiatives, such as metal certification and the promotion of responsible mining practices, are beginning to emerge. Additionally, technologies like blockchain are improving material traceability, ensuring that the metals used meet ethical and environmental standards.

Recycled metal

We prioritize the option of recycled metal, particularly silver, as it is our primary raw material. This choice helps avoid supporting mining extraction, which can have a devastating impact on the environment and local communities. By opting for recycling, we contribute to minimizing the ecological and human footprint of our production. Recycling silver, by reducing the demand for mining extraction, also has a positive effect on the circular economy, reintegrating materials already present in the consumption cycle.

This involves reusing metal that is already widely present in human consumption and participating in the cyclical use of materials. By promoting recycling, we contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the reduction of waste.

Of course, this is not without doubts. Although we consider silver recycling to be cleaner in many respects, we were initially concerned about encouraging theft and black-market networks. It was only through numerous encounters that we finally found a trusted artisan, aware of the importance of supply chains to avoid fostering crime and committed to being fair with the often needy families selling their belongings. Through this channel, we also recover purified silver—pure silver, just like silver coins.

The melting and processing into wire and sheet are handled by us, which ensures the quality we offer, most often in 925 silver. This additional work is more labor-intensive than buying pre-made wire and sheet, but it also provides the satisfaction of being able to tell our customers that their jewelry is crafted from the metal’s melting stage to the final polishing on the polishing machine.

Of course, we pay more for recycled silver than for silver at the international rate due to the processing work and additional intermediaries involved. But we believe this effort is worthwhile. By opting for recycling, we contribute to environmental preservation and waste reduction while supporting local communities and promoting a circular economy.

Question about quality

We would like to take advantage of this page to raise some questions that you should consider when purchasing jewelry.

• The 925 hallmark is not a guarantee of quality. It can be purchased and applied to any metal, like all official quality hallmarks. Only the master hallmark (regardless of the country of origin of your jewelry) remains a real guarantee for you.
• The price of silver is governed by the Stock Exchange. It remains the same wherever you are in the world at the time of your purchase. The difference in the price of a piece of jewelry from one country to another is explained by the added value of labor and the various taxes of the country on its work. If the price of your silver jewelry is modest, ask yourself questions about its quality.

About sterling silver

Silver, a precious metal, is extracted from silver mines, primarily in Mexico, which is the world’s leading producer with 17% of global production. This leading position has been contested for centuries with Peru. The ore is typically sold in the form of granules and then melted to create various objects. The main silver mines in Mexico are located in Taxco, Pachuca, Zacatecas, and Guanajuato. These regions are not only historic centers of mining but also played a fundamental role in the Spanish colonial economy since the 16th century and continue to influence global silver production today.

The silver market is highly volatile and has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years, particularly with the fluctuations in commodity markets. These price variations are often the result of changes in industrial demand and global economic crises. We strive to reflect these fluctuations in our prices as accurately as possible, ensuring we remain competitive while guaranteeing the quality of our products. You can check the current value of silver at the following link: Boursorama.

925 silver, used for high-quality jewelry, is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Pure silver, while beautiful and shiny, is too soft to be used in jewelry making. The addition of copper, a harder metal, strengthens the silver, allowing it to maintain its shape and shine over time. This alloy preserves the natural beauty of silver while enhancing its durability and resistance to wear. This is why 925 silver is widely used in the creation of quality jewelry, combining aesthetics and functionality.

There are also silver alloys with lower purity levels, such as 800 or 900 silver, which contain less silver. Conversely, higher grades, such as 940 silver or above, contain less copper and are sometimes used for specific pieces requiring higher purity. However, most jewelers find that 925 silver offers the best compromise between pure silver, durability, value, color, and oxidation management. This last point is particularly important because the copper in the alloy also plays a role in the oxidation of the metal, giving the jewelry a natural patina that evolves over time while remaining easily restorabl.

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About copper

Copper is a fascinating metal that has played a crucial role in human history. It is one of the first metals used by mankind, due to its natural occurrence in its pure mineral form. Used since antiquity, it facilitated the development of many technologies and contributed to the rise of early civilizations.

Discovered in nugget form, much like gold, copper is a versatile material that can be used in various forms, such as wire, sheet, or tubing. Its malleability makes it an ideal material for creating jewelry and art objects, as well as for a variety of industrial applications.

Copper also has a unique ability to develop a patina over time, taking on hues ranging from green to turquoise, known as verdigris. This natural patina adds a touch of character and authenticity to each piece while also protecting the surface against corrosion. This is why copper has been so prized for creating artworks, sculptures, and even roofing for historical monuments.

In addition to its malleability, copper offers an infinite range of color variations when heated. Artisans can thus play with oxidations to create unique and personalized works, with warm tones ranging from red to brown. In short, copper is a valuable material, deeply rooted in human history, that continues to inspire creators around the world.

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About brass

Brass is a metallic alloy primarily composed of copper and zinc. Used for centuries for its durability, corrosion resistance, and beauty, brass can also contain other metals such as lead, tin, nickel, chrome, or magnesium. Variations in composition give brass specific properties suited to a wide range of applications.

One of the most remarkable features of brass is its ability to develop a natural patina when exposed to air and moisture. This patina, known as verdigris, takes on a distinctive green hue, similar to that observed on copper. Not only is this patina aesthetically appealing, but it also acts as a protective barrier against corrosion, making brass particularly suitable for outdoor use or in humid environments.

Due to its unique properties, brass is widely used in many applications, ranging from the manufacture of timepieces, plumbing fixtures, and musical instruments, to the creation of jewelry and decorative objects. This material, which combines tradition and modernity, offers unparalleled creative flexibility, allowing artisans to push the boundaries of design while ensuring the robustness and longevity of the objects created.

In addition to metals, their history, origin, and virtues, you can consult the following links: