Silver Crafts
Handmade Silver Jewelry from Argentina
Silver and silver crafts have played a vital role in the history of Argentina. The very word “Argentina” is derived from the Latin term for silver, “argentum”. As the Spanish conquistadors began to ship silver and silverwork out of these territories, the main waterway to the sea was baptized as the River Plate. A more accurate translation of the name “Río de La Plata” would have been “The River of Silver” or “Silver River”. Today, silverwork is one of the best known crafts in Argentina.
But even before the arrival of the Spanish, the Native Americans who lived in the Pampas and in the northwest were skilled in silver crafts and created silver bracelets and other jewelry. In the colonies, some of the early silverwork was made for religious purposes, but in the 17th century, silversmiths began to make other silver crafts, such as utensils for the home as well as gaucho and horse riding accesories such as the silver Argentine knives. The wealthy families also used silver mates, trays, and cutlery.
Silver crafts are among the best known and most traditional crafts in Argentina. The criollo, or creole silverwork drew influences from European and Native American techniques and traditions to achieve amazing results. There are many craftsmen across the country, some of them relatively unknown, who produce silver crafts of great quality. The silverwork tradition is very linked to the gaucho lifestyle, as many of his accesories are traditionally made out of silver, such as the famous Argentine knives.
The River Plate style is plainer than styles commonly found further up in Latin America, but also featured some elements of the baroque. Later, well into the 19th. century, neoclassical lines were preferred in sliver crafts.
Argentine craftsmen have used silver for countless ornaments and useful objects. Their chisels and hammers (working on other metals, wood, ivory, leather, mother-of-pearl, carey) have moulded the Argentine creole style, which is promoted outside the country through exports.
Traditional silverwork is one of the symbols of Argentina. Today, this classic art is preserved in several museums of crafts in Argentina, and around the country.
At El Boyero, our delicate pieces are completely handmade of 925 silver and 18 karat gold, with original designs which depict different styles. Gaucho pieces and jewelry are the most traditional of Argentina and the technique used for these has been passed on through generations in our 500 year history. Religious jewelry consists of a wide variety of handmade pendants, crosses and monograms with a native touch which makes them one of a kind. Ethnic designs depict symbols belonging to native people who had inhabited the country before the Spanish colonization which took place in 1492. Contemporary jewelry through its modern design gives originality to the silver and gold articles and is part of a wide selection of pieces.
