Mexican Silver
March 11th, 2011
Acapulco – Shopping for Mexican Silver
Acapulco is close to Mexico’s main silver-producing region. Taxco, a colonial city in the mountains between Acapulco and Mexico City, is the historical center of this time-honored craft. You will be able to buy Mexican silver in several places in Acapulco, and at very reasonable prices. This article describes what to look for so as to be sure to get what you pay for.
All well-established stores will be open and honest about the quality and silver content of the pieces they sell. This is not always true with transient vendors. To be a good shopper for silver you should bring a magnifying glass, or loupe.
Content. In Mexico you should encounter only one of two types of silver. Either it will be “sterling” or it will be “Alpacca.”
- Sterling is 92.5% pure. In Mexico, the remainder is pure copper, added to give the alloy tensile strength. In Mexico, all pieces of sterling are stamped “925” somewhere, usually next to the artisan’s hallmark, if there is one. On jewelry this can be exceedingly tiny, which is why you brought your loupe with you. If you can not find the “925,” do not buy the piece. It might be genuine sterling nonetheless, but it probably is not. Certainly it was not produced by a qualified silversmith in Mexico.
- Alpacca is also called “nickel silver” or “German Silver.” Its natural finish is similar to that of pewter. Local vendors may tell you that Alpacca contains silver, but it does not. It is an alloy of nickel, copper and (usually) zinc. Frequently pieces of Alpacca will be silver plated, so they look as shiny as sterling. Many sales people think the name is “alpaca,” like the Peruvian beast of burden. In fact, the word (with two c’s and a capital “A”) was a trade mark created by Berndorg AG, a German silversmith, to describe this non-silver alloy. All pieces of Alpacca produced by qualified silversmiths will be stamped “MEX” in the same place where you would find “925” on a piece of sterling. If the item is silver plated, the word “plate” or “plat.” should appear somewhere. The specific gravity of Alpacca is considerably lower than sterling’s, so it will always be notably lighter than an equivalent piece of sterling silver.
- Fine Silver. If someone offers you “fine silver,” be suspicious. This defines silver that is at least 97% silver, up to about 99.9%. It is too soft to be of practical use for jewelry or for household items. If you can almost dent the surface with your finger nail, it may be true “fine silver.” More likely, it will look and feel like sterling or Alpacca. This should tip you off that the vendor is either dishonest or uninformed.
Mexican silversmiths are highly organized and work hard to maintain the discipline and rules of practice so as to maintain consumer confidence. The “925” or “MEX,” if placed on the piece by the craftsman, is probably reliable. Be alert, however, for signs of tampering with the stamp. On very rare occasions a salesman may try to talk you into believing that “MEX” is actually “925.” This is where the magnifying glass comes in handy.
The term “Mexican Silver” historically referred to an alloy with 95% silver and 5% copper, but the product was thought too soft for modern applications, and so sterling has been adopted as the standard for many years. Nowadays, this term just means any silver piece made in Mexico.
Where to Go Shopping. Inside Parque Papagayo there is a jewelry factory and outlet called B & B Jewelers. It is a great place to go to see jewelry in the making. Be sure to see the fire opals. At Taxco Exporta on the Costera Alemán in the Club Deportivo area, you can find not only jewelry, but artistic items of home décor, including trays, vases and the like. The several Sanborns outlets in town also provide well-priced items of genuine Mexican silver articles and jewelry. If you are downtown, across the side street (Juan Escudero) from Sanborns is Linda de Taxco, a shop that specializes in the artistic output of these world-famous artisans. Nearby you can visit Joyería Bonita Margarita where lots of silver and gold crafts can be found.
Minette is a high-end jewelry store in the Fairmont Princess Acapulco hotel, offering one-of-a-kind pieces of designer jewelry and very elaborate decorative pieces for the home. In Las Brisas, Tane Orferes offers unique works in gold and silver jewelry by well-known designers and artists. Torzal Joyeros, on the Costera near the Diana traffic circle, offers hand-crafted jewelry items of all sorts. One specialty is unique, matching wedding rings.
About the Author
Bernal Castillo writes for RealAcapulco.com, the most complete and reliable source of information about Acapulco, in English and in Spanish. To reach him, go to Acapulco and navigate to the contact page.
The Mexican silver coin system – Hugo Salinas Price
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Sterling Silver Necklace w/Shell Inlay $81.00 |
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Sterling silver ETHNIC NECKLACE with MATCHING PENDANT – Marked Mexico 925 $12.95 |
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VINTAGE TAXCO MEXICO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER SMOKEY QUARTZ RING 15671 $95.00 |
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VINTAGE MEXICO MEXICAN SILVER EARRINGS DANGLE INLAY AZURMALACHITE SIGNED 1940′s $39.99 |
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VINTAGE MEXICO MEXICAN SILVER EARRINGS PURPLE ART GLASS NOUVEAU SPRATLING ERA $29.99 |
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SP79311 MEXICAN DENTRITE 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $7.99 |
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sterling silver Zodiac pin and sterling and onyx mask pin Mexico marked nice $9.99 |
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VINTAGE TAXCO MEXICO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE PIRATE PIN 15672 $95.00 |
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Vintage Mexican Sterling Yellow Jasper Flower Brooch Necklace(Star Mark) $165.00 |
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VTG TAXCO PRECOLUMBIAN MEXICAN STERLING SILVER STONE PIN NECKLACE COLLAR 15972 $195.00 |
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SR41507 MEXICAN FIRE OPAL 925 STERLING SILVER RING JEWELRY s.5.5 $13.99 |
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Abalone mexican sterling silver bracelet Gorgeous hand carved cabishanes $104.00 |
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ALPACA SILVER HANDCRAFTED MOSAIC INLAY BRACELET MEXICO NEW $12.25 |
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Beautiful Turquoise and Mexican Alpaca Silver Wrap Ring!! Fair Trade $21.99 |
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Sterling Silver Vintage Eyeglass Shape Pin, Brooch Stamped Mexico 925 $45.00 |
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SP65040 MEXICAN FIRE OPAL & GARNET 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $14.99 |
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VINTAGE TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER HORSE BUGGY CARRIAGE LARGE PIN 15974 $55.00 |
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MEXICAN STERLING ONYX & MALACHITE ART DECO EARRINGS $65.00 |
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Vintage 1930′s-40′s 20 Centavos Mexican Silver Coins Bracelet! $35.05 |
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Mexican .925 Sterling Silver Weave Necklace, 41 grams, 24″ Long $32.00 |
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VINTAGE TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER PANAMERICANA REPOUSSE DOG PIN BROOCH 15975 $65.00 |
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Mexican Sterling Silver with Black Onyx Stone Pendant $24.00 |
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VINTAGE DESIGN CRAFT REPOUSSE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER STONE PIN 14851 $135.00 |
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TAXCO~~Sterling Silver NECKLACE Mexican Art from NOVICA $95.99 |
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SP71288 MEXICAN DENTRITE 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $7.99 |
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Tribal Love Knot SERPENTINE Artisan SILVER EARRINGS $8.50 |
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LOVELY VINTAGE SILVER & ABALONE LEAF EARRINGS $22.95 |
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Ornate Vintage Mexican Green Stone Aztec Mask Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet $199.99 |
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AE HEART MEXICAN SILVER STERLING AMETHYST PIN NECKLACE $145.00 |
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SR39525 MEXICAN FIRE OPAL 925 STERLING SILVER RING JEWELRY s.5.5 $14.99 |
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Vintage MEXICAN Sterling silver abstract Band RING sz 9 $7.99 |
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EARRINGS CARVED GREEN STONE FACES MEXICAN 925 STERLING SILVER VINTAGE UNUSUAL! $19.95 |
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Vintage Mexican Silver & Turquise Pendant & Torque $135.00 |
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Retro Mid Century MEXICAN SILVER GREEN TRIBAL MASK STONE Screw Back EARRINGS $15.99 |
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Mexican Silver and Brass Cuff Bangle Bracelet $99.99 |
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1-Mexican Silver Triple 3 Banded Choker / Collar Body Art Size Petite $30.00 |
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UN PESO MEXICAN 5 SILVER COINS -(4)1934 (1) 1935 $55.87 |
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Vintage Taxco Mexican Sterling Silver Bracelet with Turquoise Stones $120.00 |
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1968 MEXICAN OLIMPIADA 25 PESO SILVER COIN 72% SILVER $22.00 |
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STERLING SILVER MEXICAN FIRE OPAL WOMENS RING SIZE 7 3/4 $26.00 |
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Vintage Mexican Mexico Silver Coin Bracelet 1950′s $19.99 |
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2 sets vintage mexico or nm silver earrings & pin $55.00 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 ONYX RING SIZE 6.5 $29.99 |
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925 sterling Silver Harmony ball sounds Mexican Bola gravida PENDANT H25a11 $6.99 |
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MEXICAN RAINBOW OBSIDIAN HAND CARVED TULIP ALL SILVER FOR PENDANT OR COLLECT $9.99 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 MULTI STONE SIZE 5.5 $31.99 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 ZIRCONIA RINGSIZE 7.5 $32.99 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 ZIRCONIA RING SIZE 7 $31.99 |
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Vintage ProSA Mexico Sterling Brooch Mexican Silver Eagle 5 Aztec Calendar 2+” $99.99 |
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Grapes ~ Vintage Sterling Silver Bracelet, Earrings Set $118.74 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 CUBIC ZIRCONIA SIZE 6 $31.99 |
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COIN BEZEL 14k Gold Filled Mexican 1/4 SILVER MEXICAN $15.95 |
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COIN BEZEL 14K Gold Filled Mexican 1/20 SILVER MEXICAN $15.95 |
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COIN BEZEL 14k Gold Filled Mexican 1/10 SILVER MEXICAN $15.95 |
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COIN BEZEL 14k Gold Filled Mexican 5 PESO SILVER ce $17.95 |
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6 Vintage Southwest & Mexican Silver & Sterling Rings! Turquoise & Agate! $76.99 |
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VINTAGE GALLEGOS TAXCO MEXICAN 980 SILVER OBSIDIAN PIN $125.00 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 RING SIZE 6.5 FROM TAXCO $22.99 |
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Mother of Pearl Mexican silver earrings diamond shaped $10.90 |
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VINTAGE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER MOP PEARL BUTTERFLY PIN $50.00 |
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sterling Silver Harmony ball sounds Mexican Bola PENDANT Angel sounds +H18a3 $6.99 |
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Inca Artisan Moon JAPER Tribal Design SILVER EARRINGS $9.50 |
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VINTAGE MEXICAN SILVER ENAMEL CROSS SIGNED $68.00 |
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SP78471 RARE MEXICAN FIRE AGATE 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $13.99 |
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VINTAGE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER RETRO MODERN PURPLE AND BLACK BEAD EARRINGS $68.00 |
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Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver & Black Enamel STAR OF DAVID Men’s Ring Size 11 $29.95 |
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Lovely Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver and Blue Cat’s Eye? Women’s Ring Size 6.5 $16.95 |
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Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver and Purple Stone Women’s Ring Size 6.75 Signed $19.41 |
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Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver and GenuineTiger’s Eye Men’s Ring Size 8 Signed $34.95 |
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Mexico/Taxco Sterling Silver/925 Bold Red Stone/Gemstone/Glass Beaded Earrings $39.99 |
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SPLASH~Sterling Silver & Suede Wrap CHOKER or NECKLACE $71.96 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 RING SIZE 7.25 FROM TAXCO $19.99 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 BRACELET FROM TAXCO,MEX $54.99 |
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Pre-Owned Sterling Silver Mexican Jewelry Set, Signed MM $125.00 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 BRACELET FROM TAXCO,MEX $49.99 |
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SP78451 RARE MEXICAN FIRE AGATE 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $13.99 |
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MEXICAN STERLING SILVER .925 BRACELET FROM TAXCO,MEX $49.99 |
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Lot of 20 1957-1967 Silver Mexican Un (1) Peso Coins $48.01 |
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SP78468 RARE MEXICAN FIRE AGATE 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $13.99 |
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Vintage Mexican Signed Cufflinks Gilt Sterling Silver Dragons Breath Opal Mexico $135.00 |
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Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Craftsman Pin 1940′s $275.00 |
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STERLING BRACELET CHARM-ANOTHER GREAT MEXICAN SOMBRERO CHARM-$11.99!! $11.99 |
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925 sterling Silver Harmony ball sounds Mexican Bola PENDANT Angel sounds H31a8 $6.99 |
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LOT OF 3 MEXICAN SILVER JEWELRY – NECKLACE-BRACELETS $9.99 |
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VINTAGE STERLING BRACELET CHARM-A NICER 3D MEXICAN IN A SERAPE FOR JUST $12.99!! $12.99 |
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SP71494 MEXICAN DENTRITE 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $7.99 |
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TAXCO MEXICO STERLING SILVER DANGLE VINTAGE STYLE EARRINGS MEXICAN FRIDA JEWELRY $26.00 |
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Long Sterling 925 Mexican Silver and Pearl Paddle Drop Cord Necklace in Gift Box $39.19 |
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Vintage LATON Mexican Sterling Silver Heart Earrings $49.00 |
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VINTAGE MEXICO HEAVY STERLING SILVER Ring SET-BRACELET & EARRINGS $99.99 |
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Blue Mexican Head Bracelet, Sterling Silver, carved stones, Iguala $50.00 |
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Mexican Sterling Silver & Gilt Beaker Tane, Mexico City 11oz RARE $331.00 |
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Vintage Sterling Silver Bracelet multi Gemstones TAXCO MEXICO $99.99 |
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Sticker Decal Vinyl Graphic Window Wall Goth Emo Punk Vintage Mexican Skull A163 $3.95 |
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SP70886 RARE MEXICAN FIRE AGATE 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $13.99 |
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*SIGNED* SILVER “BETO” TAXCO MEXICO STERLING MEXICAN BROOCH HALLMARKED $79.95 |
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MEXICAN FIRE OPAL RING Men band Gold Silver 18K Handmade $105.00 |
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VINTAGE MEXICAN L MACIEL STERLING SILVER REPOUSSE MAYAN CALENDAR BRACELET $237.00 |
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HEAVY~WIDE! SILVER MEXICO LINK PANEL MEXICAN BRACELET HEAVY~54+ GRAMS!! $54.00 |
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TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER MULTI INLAY BEADED BEAD ADJUSTABLE RING MEXICO $89.95 |
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OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer $12.95 Healthful and wholesome, freshly squeezed citrus juice just can’t be beat, especially when added as complements to drinks. An easy and efficient way to get this juice is to use this citrus juicer by OXO. Manually operated through hand squeezing, the juicer is made of stylish aluminum and has black, non-slip handles. It is designed to be used on lemons and limes (or other fruits of roughly the same… |
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Godinger Ceramic Double Warmer Chafing Dish with Serving Stand $23.99 Keep your side dishes warm in this elegant white ceramic covered double pagoda food warmer by Godinger. Pegoda includes two 1-quart of foodbakers, tarnish resistant chrome caddy & includes 2 tealights for keeping food warm. Coordinating tableware also available on-line…. |
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Cast Iron Tortilla Press 7.5, Made in Mexico $13.40 The typical Mexican tortilla press has a “silver” painted on coating normally “crudely” applied. The purpose of the coating is to prevent the cast iron from rusting. Don’t be concerned about the “paint job” because you never put dough directly on the surface. The “rustic” nature of the “authentic” Mexican made tortilla press is part of the fun of Mexican cooking. Small rounds of corn masa (dough) … |
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The Cross and the Switchblade $7.01 DVD-Cross & Switchblade by Wilkerson David… |
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Advantage Avondale 60/40 Double Bowl Self Rimming Kitchen Sink Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Four Holes 24407 Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Four Holes Shown with four faucet drillings; faucet not included Features: -Double bowl self rimming 60/40 kitchen sink with deco rim.-Available in 1, 2, 3, 4 faucet holes.-Lightweight and easy to install.-Easy care with soap and water.-Extra deep 10.75 inch bowl that stretches from the front of the sink to the back rim.-8.5 Inch deep offset bowl in fr… |
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Advantage Jamestown 50/50 Double Bowl Classic Self Rimming Kitchen Sink Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Five Holes $280.95 26507 Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Five Holes Shown with one faucet drilling; faucet not included Features: -Double bowl self rimming 50/50 kitchen sink with deco rim.-Available in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 faucet holes.-Lightweight and easy to install.-Easy care with soap and water.-Decorative 3 tiered raised rim to the traditional 50/50 double bowl.-Features 8.5 inch deep bowls and more actual bo… |
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Advantage Avondale 60/40 Double Bowl Self Rimming Kitchen Sink Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Single Hole 24107 Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Single Hole Shown with four faucet drillings; faucet not included Features: -Double bowl self rimming 60/40 kitchen sink with deco rim.-Available in 1, 2, 3, 4 faucet holes.-Lightweight and easy to install.-Easy care with soap and water.-Extra deep 10.75 inch bowl that stretches from the front of the sink to the back rim.-8.5 Inch deep offset bowl in f… |
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