The tiny silver twisted chain and flower pendant I’m wearing amidst the others here is from Taxco, Mexico. This city has a rich history of silversmithing and mining. I don’t claim to know a whole lot about the history, but the silversmithing boom there came about when an American silversmith started setting up workshops there in the 1920’s and 30’s to train locals in working with silver. To this day there are thousands of silversmiths who live and work there. When I was 17 my favorite uncle Chester took me on a multi week trip to central Mexico. It was such a life changing trip! From trying out my Spanish language skills to being almost locked in a bus bathroom on a 6 hour bus ride to experiencing mind melting humidity for the first time and simply being out of my element. I learned so much that can really best be described as a whole body experience; a lived lesson.
If I look back on it, I can sort of credit my time in Taxco to awakening my interest in silver jewelry. I had crafted wearable items like pins from Friendly Plastic (anyone remember that?) when I was young. And then I started beading necklaces and earrings in high school. But I had no concept of silversmithing until that trip to Taxco.
Back to the necklace- I remember being on the hunt during my time in Taxco for the most delicate chain and pendant I could find. I visited many shops and alleys and hidden markets, trying to explain what I was looking for. This thin twisting chain and teeny flower were eventually what I found. I recall being so pleased with my treasure and amazed by the amount of silver jewelry literally everywhere. Shops were laden with pieces. So much jewelry. At the time I didn't think to look at any workshops to see how the jewelry was made, but my appreciation of silver jewelry had begun. So there you have the story of 21 year old necklace that (sort of) started it all for Lumenrose ;).
I forgot all about this little flower necklace and chain until rediscovering it in a box in recent years. I still love dainty necklaces, as you can see in the work I create. I also love chunky sometimes, as you can see in the heavier chain.
In the photo above I layered my Taxco necklace with other necklaces in silver and gold. This look may or may not be for you, but it's kind of a thing right now. I really don't know squat about fashion or jewelry trends, but I see this look a lot as of late. The handmade chain choker with the Royston rectangle is really the star of the show. It recently sold, but I have another handmade chain necklace available here that is super versatile. These handmade chains are true labors of love that I really enjoy making. 
From wandering silver markets as a teen to vending silver jewelry that I made at local markets, it's sort of full circle. I'd love to visit Taxco again one day and see it with totally new eyes.
