This is a beautiful hand made silver plated pendant from Taxco, Mexico. It is an abalone shell California Bear at night under an azure sky. The pendant is 1 inch in diameter. 

Silver plating consists of a base metal, alpaca in this case, electroplated with 100% pure silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, the remainder can be any metal. Silver plating puts 100% pure silver against your skin!

In 1823, a competition was launched in Prussia to create a metal alloy which, when polished, would have the same appearance as silver. The result is the metal we now call German Silver, known in Mexico as Alpaca. German Silver is frequently used to make silver jewelry in Mexico. Around the world it has many uses including musical instruments, cutlery, silverware and zippers.

From time to time people ask, “How do I know this piece comes from Taxco, Mexico?” Here is my answer: Since the year 2000, I have traveled to Taxco, Mexico twice a year to buy jewelry for Silver Dream.

I personally select each piece. This pendant is silver plated.

If you have any questions, please contact me. I love to talk about the beautiful pieces that are created in Mexico!