Hold a pair of these Oaxacan earrings and you are holding the entire history of a city's relationship with silver.
These earrings are made in the tradition known as "Federico style" — a design language associated with the Oaxacan silver workshops that define the city's contemporary jewelry identity. The sterling silver detailing is intricate and distinctly Oaxacan: layered, architectural, finished with pearls that bring warmth to the cool bright metal. Three inches long from the ear wire, 2 inches wide. At 12 grams for the pair, they are lighter than they look. The kind of earrings that make people ask before you have sat down.
About Oaxacan silver
Oaxaca's silversmithing tradition has run parallel to its filigrana heritage for centuries, developing a wider repertoire of styles and techniques that range from organic forms to architectural geometric constructions. The Federico style — associated with the celebrated Oaxacan jeweler Federico Jiménez — draws on Indigenous motifs, Spanish colonial silverwork, and contemporary design sensibility. Pieces in this tradition are collector's items that also happen to be among the most wearable silver earrings made in Mexico today.
Materials & craftsmanship
-
Metal: Sterling silver (.925)
-
Accents: Pearls
-
Style: Traditional Oaxacan / Federico style
-
Technique: Hand-detailed Oaxacan silverwork
-
Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico
Dimensions
- Length (including ear wire): 3.0 inches (7.6 cm)
- Width: 2.0 inches (5.1 cm)
- Weight: 12 g / 0.42 oz
Styling
The combination of Oaxacan silver architecture and pearl accents gives these earrings a rare quality: they read traditional and contemporary simultaneously. With a black dress and a clean neck, they carry the evening. With a white linen blouse for a daytime event, the same earrings feel effortless. They are equally at home at a gallery opening or a Sunday brunch.
Care
Polish with a soft silver cloth. Store in an airtight pouch or anti-tarnish bag. Avoid perfume, lotion, chlorine, and water. Handle pearls gently and keep them away from harsh chemicals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Federico style in Oaxacan jewelry?
Federico style refers to the design tradition associated with Oaxacan jeweler Federico Jiménez, known for bold, sculptural silver pieces that draw on Indigenous Oaxacan motifs and Spanish colonial craft. Earrings in this style are among the most recognized in contemporary Mexican jewelry.
Are the pearls natural?
The earrings feature pearl accents. Contact the shop for specific pearl details or provenance.
Are these sterling silver?
Yes — .925 sterling silver from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Are they suitable for everyday wear?
At 12 grams and 3 inches, these are statement earrings — most customers wear them for occasions, events, and evenings rather than as a daily earring. The intricate silverwork rewards careful handling.
