Los Castillo was established in 1939 by the brothers Antonio, Jorge, Miguel, and Justo Castillo who were trained in the William Spratling shop. Margot Van Voorhies, Margot de Taxco, was wed to Antonio and was intimately involved in the opening of the shop and the designs that were produced. The early designs reflected colonial ornaments from the Spaniards, namely scrolls, fish, flowers, flourishes, and feathers. But, later, they leaned into the pre-colonial motifs and techniques, which consisted of inlay and mosaics using malachite, abalone shell, turquoise, and chrysoprase. Los Castillos developed techniques in mixed metals and are still recognized today for their very impressive link patterns, mixed metals, inlay work, and even pottery and decor. Any piece from Los Castillo is an heirloom piece. The silver house is still functioning today and sits on Antonio’s estate—Rancho de la Cascada, which also holds his world renowned personal collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Don Antonio passed away on May 25th, 2000 and is remembered as a Taxco legend. The estate and the legacy of his silversmithing is being continued through his daughter Emilia Castillo, also a very respected silversmith.

I came across this necklace design years ago and have been looking for one ever since. Finding two was an affirmation nod to never stop working on the back-burner dreams. So, cheers to slow progress still being progress.

These necklaces are impressive. They have early hallmarks and were designed by Margot de Taxco when she was wed to Antonio and influenced production design. They are chokers with a heavy metal feel that snake around your neck. The repetitive links lay smoothly like a ribbon spread and wear as armored scales. They are flexible and can be worn comfortably, but they remind you of their presence with their humming weight. They reflect one of the “most stunning designs in the Mexican Silver Renaissance.”

I do have an affinity for all of my offerings, but these Los Castillo necklaces have a very old reservation in my heart.

Hallmark: Los Castillo | Taxco | Sterling | Made in Mexico | 263