"Hi, my name is Maria Elena Muñoz, and I represent my family's second generation of silversmiths; my father is a renowned silversmith from Taxco. I've always been enthralled with the process of making jewelry even as a little...
Read Full Story
Close WindowMaria Elena Munoz
"Hi, my name is Maria Elena Muñoz, and I represent my family's second generation of silversmiths; my father is a renowned silversmith from Taxco. I've always been enthralled with the process of making jewelry even as a little girl, when I'd go to my dad's workshop for hours on end to play and to help my father. He patiently taught me every technique he knew. However, in my teenage years I decided to try something different, so I left Taxco to study Law.
"I practiced law for some time, working for the government of the State of Mexico. After a while though, I began to grow restless; I missed my family, Taxco, and the process of creating jewelry. I had several new ideas that I shared with my dad, and he helped me to start up my own workshop. First, I worked on commission; gradually I began to dedicate myself entirely to my own designs.
"I work with different techniques, from melting silver to lost wax, burnished silver, etc. I really enjoy working with gem or crystal incrustations – you could say I'm passionate about it!
"I keep an eye on fashion trends and I like to travel, so everything I see I absorb and transform into something original, thanks to the marvels one can create with this noble and astute metal."