Jewelry · Tiznit, Anti-Atlas

Amazigh Silver Jewelry

Traditional Berber silver jewelry including fibulas, bracelets, necklaces, and headpieces. Features geometric motifs, enamel work, and coral or amber insets.

History & Cultural Context

Amazigh (Berber) silver jewelry is one of Morocco's oldest craft traditions. Tiznit in the Anti-Atlas is the historic capital of silver craftsmanship. Jewelry served as wearable wealth, dowry, and tribal identity markers. Each tribe had distinctive motifs and shapes.

Materials

Sterling silver925 silver or traditional coin silver
EnamelColored glass powder fused to metal surface
Coral, amber, or glassTraditional stone and bead insets

Production Techniques

Lost-wax castingTraditional
Wax models encased in plaster, melted, replaced with silver
Hand-engravingTraditional
Geometric patterns carved into silver surface with burins
Champlevé enamelTraditional
Recessed areas filled with colored glass powder and fired

Production Notes

Sterling or coin silver is melted, cast, hammered, and engraved. Enamel work is applied in traditional colors (green, yellow, blue). Stones are set by hand. A complex necklace takes 1–3 weeks.

Quality Indicators

Authenticity

Weight appropriate for solid silver

Quality

Hallmark or silver content stamp

Red Flags

Green skin staining when worn

Price Ranges

Budget80 – 250 MAD(~$8 – $25)

Simple rings, small pendants, possible alloy

Mid-range250 – 800 MAD(~$25 – $80)

Bracelets, earrings, sterling silver, basic enamel

Premium800 – 2500 MAD(~$80 – $250)

Large necklaces, fibulas, detailed enamel work, genuine coral

Luxury2500 – 10000 MAD(~$250 – $1000)

Master silversmith pieces, antique jewelry, full ceremonial sets