National Hispanic Heritage Month and Hispanic Jewelers

Did you know that National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 every year?

I wanted to give a shout-out to the Hispanic community by showing some love to some of my favorite Hispanic jewelers.

Celebrating Independence

Each year, Americans commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month  by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The idea for National Hispanic Heritage Month started back in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week.  In 1988,  President Ronald Reagan expanded the week into a 30-day period beginning September 15 and ending October 15.  The date of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Mayeh Jewelry’s Ivon Fuentes

Ivon Fuentes from Mexico started Mayeh Jewelry to corral all her inspiration into jewelry.

She is inspired by native pottery, the natural world and the historical architecture all around her. Her silver and fine gold jewelry is making waves.

Ivon incorporates some native materials to support her birthplace.

Oscar Figueroa, One of the Great Hispanic Jewelers

Oscar loves rounded shapes, and asymmetric lushness. His style is unique and very recognizable.

He works mostly in sterling silver and makes bold and fun pieces that are collected all over the world.

A Fabulous Graduated Asymetric Ovals Necklace from Oscar Figueroa.

Oscar is a Designer of Distinction and much admired by jewelers and jewelry lovers around the globe. Oscar achieves a unique style with ergonomic designs, of devious shapes and imaginative flair.

He cut his jewelry making teeth  in Taxco in Guerrero state, south-central Mexico. He learned the trade from several of the great Master Craftsmen in the region.

At one time, Taxco was a pre-columbian silver mining site and has a rich heritage in jewelry making. How appropriate that Oscar learned in an area steeped in silver jewelry tradition!

Isabel Herrera

An Otherworldly Texture is the Star of This Isabel Herrera Bracelet

Isabel Herrera  studied jewelry at the Instituto Metallo Nobile in Florence, Italy.

Her early work creating for well known design houses helped fuel her spirited style, which grew quickly and brilliantly.

Isabel’s design style is refined, emotional and wildly creative. In 2005 she founded Boato Art in Jewels.

She is currently exploring designs featuring flowers and dragonfly motifs among others. I love her style.

Make the Most of The Hispanic Heritage Month and Hispanic Jewelers

If Fall is in the air, and you love jewelry, join me and commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month by discovering new Hispanic jewelry designers. Or celebrate the ones you already love!

Calla Gold