Ruth Cortés Rodriguez lives in the state of Guanajuato. She is a silversmith extraordinaire working in Alpaca.

Alpacca is not sterling silver but close. "Alpaca" is a tradename for nickel silver and electro-plated nickel silver and is used primarily in Souca, Germany and the Scandinavian countries. Originally named for its silver-white color, Alpaca is also referred to as German Silver or New Silver.

The alpaca Ruth works with is composed of 10% silver, with varying percentages of copper, zinc or nickel. Alpaca does not lose it brightness over time, does not get rusty, and doesn't peel off. On the contrary, it becomes brighter with daily sunlight, cleaning, and use! The result is a bright, resistant and beautiful alloy.

Although Ruth's work is the more modern side of Mexican folk art, many of her handmade designs have roots in Mexico's indigenous culture. Her work is some of the best art Mexico has to offer.

Ruth's designs are unique and all handcrafted. She is one of the best-selling artisans in my gallery. Many of her pieces have tiny handmade milagros (charms) hanging from them. She makes butter knives with intricate folk art designs carved on them, beautiful jewelry boxes, napkin rings, purses, picture frames, earrings, plates, crosses and much more

To watch a video of Ruth Cortes at Feria Maestros del Arte, just click here.

Contact information:
Alfonzo Esparza Oteo #1, Col Guadalupe
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
415 114 7432 or 415 154 6089

Or contacct Marianne Carlson at 01152 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com

(Our thanks to Karen Henderson for the use of her photographs)