Sterling .925 silver chain sold by weight (~30g)

Buying worked silver at roughly MX$50/g in the town that defines Mexican silversmithing costs a third of US retail for equivalent pieces — and the craftsmanship is better.

Price: 1500 MXN (Taxco Saturday silver market quotes chains at MX$45-55 per gram (mid-2026); 30g chain at ~MX$50/g)

Where to buy: Tianguis Sabatino (Saturday market) and platerías around Taxco's zócalo; ask the per-gram rate first, then weigh the piece in front of you

Price checked 2026-07-03

• Insist on the '925' stamp plus the maker's eagle/registry hallmark; ask for a written receipt stating fineness
• Quick checks: real sterling is non-magnetic and doesn't smell metallic like brass; 'alpaca' (nickel silver) is the classic tourist fake
• Design work is nearly free here — you pay by weight, so intricate pieces are the best value vs US retail