Gerardo Lopez Taxco sterling cake and knife server with hoof handles, a stunning and unusual pair in original box, signed on the bottom.

In the 1950s, Gerardo Lopez had a highly regarded Taxco shop and his silver jewelry was well regarded. His large factory and shop were recommended by guidebooks as one of the best silver shops in Taxco.

Lopez’s beautifully aged sterling draws inspiration from Colonial Spain and Art Nouveau. Some of his work can be mistaken for early Margot de Taxco.

The silver jewelry creations designed by Lopez (and now his son, artisan Julio César López Heydeck) is known as hollowware that is sterling silver or better and can be very heavy. Designs are often strong and bold and, sometimes, surprisingly, delicate. The pieces have a visual and tactile impact that exemplifies jewelry creation that’s been produced in Taxco for generations.

Swirling lines are often accented by deep oxidation highlighting softly gleaming surfaces of domes, beads, fronds and teardrops. López bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are attention grabbers that can be worn as an ensemble or separately.

Other notable López pieces display ocean surf and scrolling waves as well as warrior motifs inspired by pre-Columbian art found in Mayan and Aztec decorations that adorn ancient temples.