Most jewelry is assembled. This is built — one hair-thin silver wire at a time.
Oaxacan filigrana is the art of twisting sterling silver to nearly the width of human hair and then coiling, weaving, and soldering it into intricate lace-like patterns. The artisan who made these small hoops spent hours on the silverwork alone before placing a piece of genuine turquoise at the center. The result is a hoop earring that reads as delicate from across a room and rewards close attention — the kind of piece you find yourself explaining to people who ask where you got it.
About this piece
Filigrana oaxaqueña arrived in Oaxaca with Spanish silversmiths in the 16th century and was absorbed so deeply into Indigenous craft tradition that it became one of the city's defining art forms. Today, only a few family workshops in Oaxaca's historic silver quarter still work at this level of detail. These hoops are the classic expression of that tradition: sterling silver filigree framing a luminous natural turquoise stone in a hoop silhouette that works for everyday wear and special occasions alike.
Materials & craftsmanship
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Metal: Sterling silver (.925)
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Stone: Genuine natural turquoise
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Color: Silver and blue
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Technique: Hand-twisted Oaxacan filigree (filigrana oaxaqueña)
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Style: Small hoop
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Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico
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Craftsmanship: Handcrafted
Dimensions
Styling
The small scale makes these hoops a daily-wear earring — they sit close to the ear and let the filigree do quiet, intricate work. Pair them with a simple linen shirt and jeans for a hit of authentic craft, or wear them with a silk blouse when you want understated elegance that holds up under any amount of scrutiny.
Care
Keep dry. Store in a soft anti-tarnish pouch. Polish silver gently with a silver cloth; never use abrasive cleaners on turquoise. Avoid perfume, lotion, and chlorine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Oaxacan filigree?
A traditional Mexican silversmithing technique in which sterling silver wire is hand-twisted to near hair-width, then coiled and soldered into lace-like patterns. The technique has been practiced in Oaxaca for nearly five centuries.
Is the turquoise genuine?
Yes — genuine natural turquoise, not stabilized, reconstituted, or dyed. The stone is hand-selected by the silversmith.
Are these sterling silver?
Yes, .925 sterling silver — the international standard for fine silver jewelry.
How fragile is filigree?
Filigree is delicate by nature, as it is built from very fine wire. Treat these earrings as you would fine lace: with care and respect. Stored properly, they will last generations.
