How to Read Mexican Silver Hallmarks

Mexican silver jewelry is often stamped with a series of marks that identify its origin, maker, and metal content. Understanding these hallmarks helps you determine authenticity and value.

Common Mexican hallmark elements:

• MEXICO – Indicates the country where the piece was made
• .925 or 925 – Confirms sterling silver (92.5% pure silver)
• Letter + Number Code (e.g., TV-III) – Identifies the registered workshop or silversmith

How to interpret a hallmark like “MEXICO TV-III 925”:

• MEXICO – Made in Mexico
• TV-III – Workshop or maker’s registration code
• 925 – Sterling silver content

Important tips:

• A “925” stamp is the key indicator of sterling silver
• Maker codes vary and may not always be traceable to a specific artist
• Some pieces may include additional marks such as “Taxco” or a designer’s name
• If a piece is marked “Alpaca” instead of “925,” it is not sterling silver

Note: Mexican silver jewelry includes both handcrafted artisan pieces and workshop-produced designs. Hallmarks help identify origin and metal content, but style and materials should also be considered when evaluating a piece.