Artisan Craftsmanship. Each piece a singular work of art.

Rustica Gift & Talavera Pottery's Newest Artisan

April 23, 2017

Rustica Gift & Talavera Pottery's Newest Artisan

Welcome to Alpaca Silver Box Artesana Ruth Cortez

We are so excited to welcome the extraordinary master Artesana, Ruth Cortez Rodriguez of San Miguel de Allende to our Rustica Gift & Talavera Pottery family of talented artisans.  A long-time resident and much-loved member of the creative community, Senora Cortez and her daughter, Monica, create extraordinary pieces of Alpaca silver handboxes, jewelry and other items.

Rustica Gift & Pottery was selected to be the first U.S. gallery to offer Senora Cortez's breathtaking artisan-tooled boxes, and we are honored.

Her focus is on creating seamlessly contemporary artisan handcraft, with her roots in traditional design and craftsmanship.

We worked closely with Ruth to be the first to import her hand-crafted, artisan-design jewelry and treasure boxes for you here in the U.S.  Her work is featured in prestigious art markets around the region, and, as with so many of our talented artisans, her business is a family affair.  

Alpaca Silver

 Ruth prefers to work with a special, exceptionally bright alloy known as Alpaca Silver. Tarnish free and highly durable, it's made from a composite of nickel silver, copper and zinc. There is no plating, and the lustrous sheen will only get more beautiful over time. 

She complements the highly detailed hand-tooling, punch work and scrolling on the Alpaca silver boxes with a curated selection of turquoise, onyx, crystal, marble and other stones hand-picked for their unique color and composition.

Rustica Gift & Talavera Pottery artisanal jewelry box men's value curio box

Ruth and her daughter take pride in the workmanship and hours of time that goes into each and every box; whether used as a jewelry box, treasure chest, men's valet, curios or as an extraordinary gift for special occasion - wedding, graduation, anniversary and more - there is simply no more beautiful example of this handcraft to be had.

If you are fortunate to visit San Miguel de Allende, be sure to look for her at the Mercado de Artesanas, located off of Mesones street behind the local church.  If you're not planning a trip there soon, the second best thing is to enjoy our limited collection of exclusive hand-crafted Alpaca silver boxes, handcrafted by artesana Ruth Cortez. 





Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Rustica Recipe: LIfe Well Lived

The Art of the Atmospheric Table
The Art of the Atmospheric Table

January 24, 2021

 “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”  – Virginia Woolf.

While there is no end to the personality of a well-heeled table, there is something to be said for the elegant simplicity of the under-stated table.

View full article →

New Year Reflections:  Loved Ones Around the Table
New Year Reflections: Loved Ones Around the Table

December 24, 2020

New Year Reflections:  Loved Ones Around the Table

Take this day, this month and the new year to reflect with gratitude on the blessings small and large which have come your way.  For so many that are in loss, may peace be upon you as you move forward with memories and love.  Some of our loved ones get to be around our table this year, and some reside in our hearts.

View full article →

Fall Harvest & Thanksgiving:  Dinnerware that Dazzles
Fall Harvest & Thanksgiving: Dinnerware that Dazzles

September 16, 2020

Fall is approaching.  There's a tinge in the morning air and the leaves will be arrayed in vibrant color soon.  All of this seasonal change calls for delicious comfort food and equally delectable artisan handcrafted dinnerware.

View full article →