1950s Salvador Teran Sterling Silver Brooch | Mexican Modernism

About Salvador Teran

Salvador Teran was a skilled Mexican jewelry designer known for his innovative, modernist pieces in the mid-20th century. He began his career in the 1930s, working in Taxco at William Spratling’s famous workshop. Alongside his cousins, the Castillo family, Teran learned silversmithing techniques and developed a unique artistic vision. In the 1950s, he branched out on his own, moving to Mexico City and establishing his workshop, pushing the boundaries of traditional Mexican silver design.

Teran’s jewelry stood out for its bold, geometric patterns and incorporation of mosaic tiles, colored stones, and glass inlay. His pieces often reflected Mexican cultural motifs, yet with a modernist flair that appealed to an international audience. By the 1960s, his jewelry had gained popularity in Mexico and the United States, admired for its craftsmanship and distinctive style.

Despite his growing fame, Teran remained a somewhat enigmatic figure in the world of jewelry designers. He continued to create until his untimely death in 1974, leaving behind a legacy of collectible, highly sought-after pieces. Today, Salvador Teran’s work remains celebrated for its artistic innovation and craftsmanship.