If you have a small wrist you are in luck. Most of these bracelets measure 7″ to 8″ long and will fit a small wrist that is 6″ (more or less) in circumference. Some are vintage, some are new-ish, some are collectible, all are in like-new condition. I want to sell these as I get ready to make my cross-country move, so if you are so inclined, I welcome any reasonable offer.
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — thank you! We also accept Venmo and Zelle, and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
A word about these carved wood bangles from Mexico City designer Carla Fernandez: She works with the finest wood craftsman from the State of Mexico to create these pieces. If you notice, they are designs adapted from the parts of the molinillo, which is the wood whisk designed to froth hot chocolate. The moveable parts are what the bangle is made from. All carved by hand!
Juan Manuel Garcia was, deservedly, a Grand Master of Oaxaca Folk Art. His filigree sterling silver craftsmanship was unparalleled. He died on Monday, January 4, 2021 at age 77. I spoke at length with his son Jose Jorge Garcia Garcia on Tuesday via WhatsApp to express my sadness and condolences as soon as my friend Kalisa shared the news with me. Jose Jorge did not mention the cause of his dad’s death.
Maestro Juan Manuel Garcia Esperanza showing us the book he’s in
What he did say was that he would miss him immensely! They were father-son and co-workers, sharing studio space for decades. “He was my friend and my mentor,” Jose Jorge said. ‘It’s very hard to be in this studio without him.
Maestro Juan Manuel at his workbench
Juan Manuel Garcia loved his work. He loved Oaxaca. He won numerous honors for not only his intricate filigree silversmithing, but for his skill as a Noche de los Rabanos radish carver. He took away top honors for 18 consecutive years!
A Los Danzantes sculpture in sterling silver filigree by Don Juan Manuel
I’ve visited the studio for years and took these images in January 2019. Tucked down an alley in the La Noria neighborhood, the workshop is an old fashioned, old-timey affair of scrap metal, semi-precious stones, sterling silver rods. The metal is worked with a propane-fired flame used for soldering and a hammer. Each curlicue is fashioned by hand. There are no OSHA-type regulations here. Everything is created from memory and inspiration.
A box of parts, pearls, gemstones and glassLeft to right: Sam, Gloria, Michele, Jose Jorge, Back: Tom, Kalisa
We went to visit in January 2020 on a mission. Doña Gloria from Teotitlan del Valle needed some gold filigree repair work done. My friends Sam and Tom from Columbus, Ohio, were visiting and they came along, too. Kalisa, who is part of Doña Gloria’s family in the village, had a special order to pick-up. None of us could resist another pair of beautiful Oaxaca earrings.
To see and/or buy these handmade earrings, click HERE. There are three pairs.
This sterling silver filigree horse-drawn carriage is an award-winnerThe alleyway leading to the jewelry-making workshopHand-in-hand, leaving the studio
As I plan my move to New Mexico, I’m determining what to take with me and what to send off into the world for others to enjoy. This round of jewelry features 45+ pairs of earrings plus some other surprises. If you see something you like, please don’t hesitate to write to me and make an offer if the price doesn’t seem right.
In my desire to support the artisans of Mexico (and elsewhere), I’ve purchased some beautiful pieces over the years. I’d like nothing better than for something to make it’s way to you.
Featured here is Oaxaca filigree, sterling silver, and some with fine gemstones. There are all sizes and shapes — some some and dainty, some statement pieces a la Frida Kahlo. There are 45+ pairs below. Please take a look at everything!
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
SOLD. #11 Juan Manuel Sterling silver, filigree, pearls, glass. 1-3/4″ x 1-1/2″ $235SOLD. #6 Juan Manuel Sterling silver, pearls, filigree, glass. 2″x1″ $195SOLD. #9 Juan Manuel Sterling silver, filigree, onyx. 2″x3/4″ $185SOLD. #3 Vintage Oaxaca glass and copper earrings, traditional Tlacolula style, 1-1/2″ $45#4 Federico (stamped) turquoise and silver, 2-1/4″x1″ $225SOLD. #5 Sterling Silver, garnet, coral earrings, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/2″ $125SOLD. #7 Flora Maria, sterling silver, amethyst, moonstone. 2-1/2″x 1-1/2″ $135
Buy TWO pieces. Receive 20% off second piece (equal or lesser value).
#28 (left, 2×5/8″)) and #29 (right, 2-1/2″x3/4″)) Native American inlay turquoise $95 each
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
SOLD. #30 Sterling silver filigree and glass. 1-1/2″x3/4″ $55#31 Fine sterling silver filigree + amber. 3″x1-1/2″ $85SOLD. #32 Sterling silver + coral, Kutzi, Patzcuaro, Michoacan. 2″x3/4″ $65SOLD. #33 Sterling silver + garnet. 3/4″ x 1″ $65SOLD. #34 (left, 1″ x 2-1/2″), $55 and #35 (right, 3/4″x1″) $25. Israeli designer Ayala Bar.
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
SOLD. #36 Owl earrings, sterling silver. 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ $95#37 Onyx and sterling button earrings. 7/8″ x 1″ oval $25#38 Sterling silver filigree and garnet. 1-1/2″ x 1″ $20SOLD. #39 Chiapas rare red amber earrings. 2″ x 1″ $10SOLD. #40 Frida Style Dove Earrings, sterling and glass. 3″ x 2″ $165#41 Vintage cast sterling silver + pearls Butterfly earrings. 1-1/4″ x 2″ $55SOLD. #42 Sterling + gold filled amethyst and moonstone earrings. 3/4″ round $65SOLD. #43 Mexican sterling silver earrings. 3/4″ square. $55
See my other sales and take 20% off anything that remains! Until January 9.
SOLD. #44 Sterling silver hollow ball and wire mesh. 3/4″ x 1″ $25
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
SOLD. #45 Glyphs sterling silver. 1″x1-3/4″ $20#46 Sterling silver, India. 2″x1″ $55SOLD. #47 Sterling silver filigree and coral. 1-3/4″ x 3/4″ $85
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
#48 Cut/polished onyx + sterling filigree w/pearls. 3/4″x1/2″ $45SOLD. #49 Sterling silver American Crafts Council post earrings. $25
See my other sales and take 20% off anything that remains! Until January 9.
Happy New Year 2021. Over the years, living in Oaxaca, I have collected some outstanding pieces of jewelry. Some I purchased to support artisan-makers whose work I admired and respected. Some were never or rarely worn (isn’t that the definition of a collection?). Other pieces are featured here, too, that are from my travels to the American Southwest, Israel, Morocco and India. Some are made by American Crafts Council jewelry artist-innovators who showed at the Smithsonian and Baltimore Craft Shows. It’s time now for them to find new homes.
Today features all NECKLACES. Earrings and bracelets to come in another post.
I’m willing to entertain offers!
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
#3. Oaxaca Black Clay Bead Mexican Coin Necklace, 20″ $65SOLD. #4. Chiapas Amber Necklace, 19″ $65#5. Vintage Morocco Bedouin Amber, Coral and Metal Necklace, 17″ $295#6. Chiapas Maya Coin Necklace, Ties to adjust length. $25Vintage Oaxaca Virgin of Soledad Sterling and White Heart Glass Beads, 19″ $385#7. Vintage 1990 Yemenite Sterling Silver Necklace, 77 grams, Jerusalem, 16″ $495
Most Jewish silversmiths from Yemen moved to Israel in the early 20th century. Their workmanship with filigree is considered unparalleled. This style is called an ornate bib-necklace. All hand-wrought.
SOLD. #8. Vintage Bedouin Amber Choker Tie Necklace, Coins, Gemstones, Morocco. $195 #9. SOLD. Mexico, Sterling Silver Necklace, 19″ $125#10. Rutilated + Druzy Quartz, gold, sterling silver necklace, handmade chain 16″ $165SOLD. #11. Chiapas Pompom Necklace, ties to adjust length, $20#12. New Mexico Heishi hand-cut/inlay turquoise, onyx, spiny oyster necklace, 20″ $185#13. Inlaid shell, mother of pearl, turquoise + sterling pendant, $65 (does not include chain)SOLD. #14. Chiapas amber necklace, 20″ $45#15. African opal, long strand to double wrap. 32″ $65#16. Vintage Israeli Bedouin necklace, hollow, silver (?) 24″ $145#17. Native American bolo tie, sterling silver, turquoise, braided leather, 36″ adjustable $85#18. India, gemstone faceted black onyx necklace, 18″ $65#19. From London, Selfridges, Jaipur, India designer Amrapali fine silver, 18″ $225SOLD. #20. Chiapas Maya beaded necklace, ties to adjustable length. $45#21. Bhuj, Gujarat, India Rabari tribal necklace, adjustable. 26″ $135#22. Oaxaca black matte clay beaded necklace, 20″ $75#23. Oaxaca, black hand-polished clay beaded necklace, 21″ $75#24. Vintage Navajo pearls (sterling silver, handmade), original chain, clasp. 22″ $495#25. Iolite faceted gemstone necklace with amethyst bezel pendant, 16″ $135#26. SOLD. Oaxaca, ceramic necklace, adjustable, $20
. . . . and, the Kitchen Sink . . . oops, two beautiful pieces of French copper cookware — jewels in their own right!
#27. Vintage Havard French Copper Flambe Pan, 12″ diameter. $95 plus shipping.Havard stamp, made in France#28. BIA Cordon Bleu Oval Casserole, 9 x 14 x 2. Copper and Brass. $95 (Plus shipping)
We know the culture! We are locally owned and operated.
Eric Chavez Santiago is Zapotec, born and raised in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca.
Norma Schafer has been living in Oaxaca for almost 20 years.
We have deep connections with artists and artisans.
63% of our travelers repeat -- high ratings, high satisfaction.
Wide ranging expertise: textiles, folk art, pottery, cultural wisdom.
We give you a deep immersion to best know Oaxaca and Mexico.
Creating Connectionand Meaning between travelers and with indigenous artisans. Meet makers where they live and work. Join small groups of like-minded explorers. Go deep into remote villages. Gain insights. Support cultural heritage and sustainable traditions ie. hand weaving and natural dyeing. Create value and memories. Enjoy hands-on experiences. Make a difference.
What is a Study Tour: Our programs are learning experiences, and as such we talk with makers about how and why they create, what is meaningful to them, the ancient history of patterning and design, use of color, tradition and innovation, values and cultural continuity, and the social context within which they work. First and foremost, we are educators. Norma worked in top US universities for over 35 years and Eric founded the education department at Oaxaca’s textile museum. We create connection.
OCN Creates Student Scholarship at Oaxaca Learning Center Giving back is a core value. Read about it here!
Why We Left, Expat Anthology: Norma’s Personal Essay
Norma contributes personal essay, How Oaxaca Became Home
We Contribute Two Chapters!
Click image to order yours!
Meet Makers. Make a Difference
Oaxaca Cultural Navigator LLC has offered programs in Mexico since 2006. We have over 30 years of university, textile and artisan development experience. See About Us.
Programs can be scheduled to meet your independent travel plans. Send us your available dates.
Designers, retailers, wholesalers, curators, universities and others come to us to develop artisan relationships, customized itineraries, study abroad programs, meetings and conferences. It's our pleasure to make arrangements.
Select Clients *Abeja Boutique, Houston *Selvedge Magazine-London, UK *Esprit Travel and Tours *Penland School of Crafts *North Carolina State University *WARP Weave a Real Peace *Methodist University *MINNA-Goods *Smockingbird Kids *University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Oaxaca has the largest and most diverse textile culture in Mexico! Learn about it.
When you visit Oaxaca immerse yourself in our textile culture: How is indigenous clothing made, what is the best value, most economical, finest available. Suitable for adults only. Set your own dates.
One-Day Custom Tours: Tell Us When You Want to Go!
Ruta del Mezcal One-Day Tour.We start the day with pottery, visiting a master, then have lunch with a Traditional Oaxaca Cook who is the master of mole making. In Mitla, we meet with our favorite flying shuttle loom weaver, and then finish off with a mezcal tasting at a palenque you will NEVER find on your own! Schedule at your convenience!
October 27, 28, 29: People and Place Photography Workshop in Teotitlán Del Valle with Luvia Lazo, featured in The New Yorker Magazine. Portraits and Street Photography, recipient of Leica Women Foto Project Award Winner 2024. This is an insider's Street and Portrait photography experience. We visit families in their homes to arrange photo sessions, we take you on the back streets where tourists rarely go.
October 30: Day of the Dead in Teotitlan del Valle--Altars and Studio Visits. A one-day immersion into culture, traditions, and meaning in Teotitlan del Valle. In this traditional village, where the native language is still spoken, we take you to meet local artisans who also explain their personal family traditions including who and what is on the altar and why. P.S. We know Teotitlan. We live here!
November 1: Day of the Dead Magic in Mitla--Visit the cemetery with our local host, understand the meaning of the pre-Hispanic altar, help honor the ancestors with offerings, enjoy a traditional meal of mole negro, a feast day speciality in Mitla. A one-day immersion experience.
January 11-19, Oaxaca Coast Textile Study Tour. Visit five remote weaving villages on the Costa Chica--Pacific Coast. See backstrap loom weaving, natural dyeing with rare purple snail dye, diverse language, culture, food. Discover Afro-Mestizo roots. This is one of our more Amazing study tours! We will not offer this tour in 2026! Don't miss it.
February 6-15:Guatemala Textile Study Tour: Cloth and Culture. Discover Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Panajachel, Chichicastenango Market, and visit Coban where they weave fine gauze cloth called pikbil. SOLD OUT
March 12-17: Deep Into the Mixteca Alta: Oaxaca Textile + Folk Art Study Tour 2025. This is cultural immersion at its best! Following the Dominican Route, we visit potteries, churches, Triqui weavers working in natural dyes, a cooperative in Tijaltepec that makes smocked blouses, the expansive Tlaxiaco Saturday Tianguis. Experience another side of Oaxaca.
We require 48-hour advance notice for map orders to be processed. We send a printable map via email PDF after your order is received. Please be sure to send your email address. Where to see natural dyed rugs in Teotitlan del Valle and layout of the Sunday Tlacolula Market, with favorite eating, shopping, ATMs. Click Here to Buy Map After you click, be sure to check PayPal to ensure your email address isn't hidden from us. We fulfill each map order personally. It is not automatic.
Dye Master Dolores Santiago Arrellanas with son Omar Chavez Santiago, weaver and dyer, Fey y Lola Rugs, Teotitlan del Valle
