Necklace Circulos Martillados

Reversible necklace. One side has a flat surface, the other side has a hammered print.
Length: 45 cm
Quality: 960 silver, hand-made

Price: 70 euros

The history of silver...

One of the main reasons that Peru was such an important colony for the Spanish Crown was its incredible wealth. From the middle of the 16th century and all through the initial gold fever displayed by the "conquistadores" who looted the Andean temples and palaces, the discovery of rich silver deposits in Alto Peru (now Bolivia) and of mercury deposits in Huancavelica, used in the exploitation of silver, became the basis for the Peruvian virreinato's grandeur during the 16th and 17th centuries and for the domination of the capital of Lima over the other South American cities.

The history of silver in colonial Peru is anyhing but a happy one. Recruited by force and under the pretense of paying off taxes to the Spanish Crown in labor instead of in money, thousands of natives were forced to work in subhuman conditions in the mines. This resulted in a high mortality rate in the Central Andes and in the destruction of the rural economies, whose stronger citizens were sent to work in the mines with few people left in the villages to plant and tend to agriculture. However, life was very different for the Criollos (Peruvians of Spanish descent) and Spaniards. This precious metal passed through so many hands and intermediaries that the silver that finally arrived in Spain was much less than what came out of the mines.

It crossed the Andes on the backs of llamas and other animals which transported it towards the Pacific Ocean to the town of Arica, where it was loaded onto ships and sent to the port city of Lima, Callao, where it was weighed in customs and the corresponding taxes paid. Its long journey then continued on to Panama, where it was again transported across the isthmus on the back of beasts to the Caribbean for final loading onto the ships destined for Seville.

The opulence of Lima's elite and the abundance of the mineral led to the development of a sophisticated silversmith industry, which produced jewelry, utensils for the home and decorative objects for both Lima's homes and churches. In the 18th century, the Spanish Crown opened up international commerce to other South American ports and the silver route changed to Buenos Aires, which became the center for the new virreinato.

The Peruvian virreinato was fragmented into different circunscripciones which led to the decadence of Lima's ruling classes. Silver objects in the old capital increased in value and thanks to the scarcity of the mineral, forced the artisans to improve the quality of their products. This tradition has remained intact even after the War of Independence and continues today.

Today's modern Peruvian artisans continue to work the silver as if it were an old friend. They continue to fabricate jewelry for the elite, but also produce artwork for the average consumer with the same quality and artistry used by their colonial predeccesors.

Necklace Filigran Triangulo

Extremely fine hand-work in a triangle.
Length of necklace: 40 cm
Length of triangle: 6.5 cm
Quality: 960 silver, hand-made

Price: 55 euros

How to maintain and clean silver jewelry

You have purchased a beautiful silver jewel from our collection and now you want to know how to keep it pretty? In this article you will find tips about how to maintain your Inti product.


Of course it is important you avoid the damage in the first place. This means you should not spray perfumes, hair spray, lotions, and similar items. Also make sure your jewels stay away from make-up, foods, and drink. If you do stain your jewelry with the above, rinse immediately with water and soap (mild, phosphate free preferably). Avoid strong chemicals, such as those found in hair coloring and dyes; these can tarnish silver instantly. Removing your jewelry when you bath or swim may or may not be necessary; we recommend you always take it off since it might damage the silver or stones.

To clean your jewelry you can use a soft polishing cloth. This helps remove any dirt or oils that may get on your jewelry through contact with skin and the environment. A soft non-abrasive cloth will work, or you can buy a special silver polishing cloth at a jewelry store. The frequency of such cleanings will vary with each person, but the hard and fast rule is to wipe the piece anytime you feel the shine is looking dull or before you store the piece away for an extended period.


If you don’t wear the jewelry it is important to stow it away carefully in the box you will get when you purchase your Inti product.

For a more thorough cleaning, detergents can be used. One method is to put a little bit of baking soda or other mild non-phosphate detergents on your jewelry, then wash with mineral free water by either rubbing with fingers or using a soft cloth. Take note, however, that the softer your stones are, the more delicate your soap should be. You can easily brush off dirt from harder diamonds and sapphires with a good solution of distilled water and cleaning powder.

There are also chemical cleaners available, but repeated use of liquid cleaners can result in discoloration overtime, therefore, such cleaners should only be used sparingly and only when other methods of cleaning fail.

Necklace Dijes Varios

Long necklace with three hangers: a heart, a key and a green chrystal. Also available with a pink chrystal.
Weight: 33 grams
Quality: 960 silver, hand-made

Price: 55 euros

Necklace Circulos Calados

Fine necklaces with very detailed decoration in each circle.
Weight: 30.6 grams
Quality: 960 silver, hand-made

Price: 70 euros

Set Piedra Quarzo Rosado

Necklace with three hangers with fine filigran work, in the middle hanger a rectangle of pink quartz. Earrings with pink quartz. Necklace has a very special lock.
Weight: 41.2 grams
Quality: 960 silver, hand-made

Price: 80 euros

Inti Earrings

Inti offers many different earrings in very different styles. See for example these earrings with a very fine filigran design, these "earrings circulos filigran" go very well with your everyday outfit but are definately something special! (price: 25 euros)

If you want to wear something bigger to go with that special outfit, the "earrings cuadrados filigran" are really cool. (price: 30 euros)

Set Anillos y Aretes

Set of necklace and earrings. Very unique mix of two merged plain silver rings followed by a fine filigran ring. Unique but very safe lock in the style of the necklace.
Necklace: 55cm, earrings: 5 cm
Quality: 960 silver, hand-made

Price: 80 euros

Set Narihualá

Beautiful set of 3d circles consisting of 2 circles together.
Length necklace: 42 cm
Length earrings: 5 cm
Quality: 960 silver, hand-made

Price: 70 euros

Necklace Dije Corazon

Simple but stylish necklace with heart shaped hanger.
Length necklace: 45 cm
Weight: 25.6 grams
Quality: 960 silver, hand-made

Price: 55 euros

Necklace Corazon Azul

Double necklace with two sizes beads. Hanger with blue heart from lapis lazuli in silver.

Size: Length necklace: 40 cm
Weight: 44.1 grams
Quality: 960 silver, hand-made

Prie: 80 euros

Inti Originals

Vision
Inti is cool, affordable quality jewellery for everyone. Inti has its roots in Peru, where the Incas have a large history in making fine jewellery with the best quality of silver, gold and precious stones. Inti means sun in quechua and was the most important god for the inca’s. The tradition of producing fine, hand-made jewellery has continued in Peru and all of our pieces are hand made out of the highest quality materials. The designs for Inti are a mixture of Dutch designs and Peruvian designs, which makes the style unique.

Mission
Our mission is to offer you special but affordable jewellery, hand-made and of the best quality, which makes each Inti product a very unique item to wear