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

Alpacca is not sterling silver but close. "Alpacca" 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, Alpacca is also referred to as German Silver or New Silver.

The Alpacca Ruth works with is composed of 25% silver, with varying percentages of copper, zinc or nickel. Alpacca 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.

Ruth has attended Feria Maestros del Arte 2004 to 2006 and is one of our best-selling artists.

If you are interested in purchasing some of Ruth's handcrafted work, call Marianne Carlson at 011522 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com

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

Pelican
Spoon RC25a $7
4-1/2"L
Fork RC25b $7
5"L
Knife RC25c $7
5-3/4"L

Twist
Spoon RC25d $7
4-1/8"L
Fork RC25e $7
4-1/2"L
Knife RC25f $7
5"L

Fish
Spoon RC25g $7
4-1/2"L
Fork RC25h $7
5"L
Knife RC25i $7
5-3/4"L