ISSUE N°3: MAYAKOBA COLLECTION - Part 1 History of Mexican Jewelry

Mayakoba Collection Launch!

Sophie Blake NY will be debuting the Mayakoba Collection in a few weeks and is excited to share with you a sneak peak of our mood board and inspirations!

Where is Mayakoba?

Our newest inspiration is from our trip to Mexico, that led to the discovery of the breathtaking tropical hideaway of Mayakoba! Mayakoba is a secluded retreat that is designed with mixed-use developments that encircle the Mexican coastline. Its uniqueness celebrates the very best of conservation in its efforts to embrace the original geographic landscape that does not replace but beautifies the natural environment.

Engineers and architects were joined by geologists and biologists to uncover and outline isolated but attached locations that could be constructed for development. 

The final product is a "consciously" planned retreat which now welcomes native residents and global visitors. Mayakoba is an achievement in conservation and sustainability and a utopian masterpiece! 

The Rich Tradition of Mexican Jewelry

Historically, Mexican jewelry dates back thousands of years during the Mayan empire. The earliest artisans primitively fashioned jewelry from rocks, animals, bones, and teeth. Gold, jade, turquoise, and silver were all used by Mayan artists. The Mayans believed that jewelry wasn’t just meant to be beautiful, it also signified a wearer’s social status or to beautify the body with adornment. As the civilization progressed, stunning jewelry designs began to emerge.

Bracelet: William Spratling Circa 1940 Necklace: Hector Aguilar Circa 1940

Common Mexican Jewelry Motifs

Nature – Mexican artists are often influenced by their country's natural beauty. Mexican jewelry has always drawn inspiration from nature's living things. Flowers, snakes, birds, and insects are all commonly represented in Mexican gemstone jewelry.

Religion – Mexican artists from the early Mayan civilizations through today, have used jewelry to represent and celebrate their religions. Aztec jewelry makers used turquoise and other gemstones to honor their gods. "Xiuhtecuhtli" was the Aztec god of fire and the name roughly translates to “Turquoise Lord!” Aztec artists made turquoise masks, statues, and mosaics in his honor.

Cultural Movements – Modern Mexican jewelry pieces reflected art movements like Surrealism and Cubism. The paintings, metalwork, artwork, and style of modern artists like Frida Kahlo, William Spratling, and Ignacio Gomez influenced artisans and jewelry makers throughout Mexico.

Mayakoba Inspiration

Mayakoba collection is inspired by the juxtaposition of organic materials with contemporary artwork and rustic traditionalism. All the designs stay true to the modernity of muted tones, the azure waters of the sea, and aesthetic that always embraces minimalism and the beauty of nature.

Stay tuned for Issue N°3: Part 2 as we share the five key colors of our Mayakoba collection and the mood board inspirations!

What Inspires You? 

We want to know what inspires you too and how you express yourself with SOPHIE BLAKE NY jewelry! 

The SB Journal - Issue N°3 Part 2 Coming Soon! 

Be sure to check The SB Journal often to stay connected with us. Say hello on our social pages and use #sophieblake and #sophieblakeinspo to show us your jewelry inspirations!