Jewelry Making in Mexico

The artisans of Union Progresista Artesanal (UPA) in Mexico make jewelry using silver, brass, or a metal alloy called alpaca, which is a combination of copper, nickel and zinc. To begin the process, the metal is heated and melted together in the correct combination, and then cooled and pressed into long thin sheets. It is then ready for the detailed craft work. Designs are hand sketched and used as guides for sawing, all cut by hand. Some pieces are pure silver or alpaca; others combine techniques and use painted or clear resin to paint and fill-in the jewelry. The finished pieces are laid to dry, and soon ready for sale.