One of the little towns close to Cuenca that we really like to visit is called Chordeleg. It’s only about a half hour away by bus. Chordeleg is also bursting at the seams with jewelry stores!
We took the bus and it dropped us off in Gualaceo first, from there we took a truck taxi ($2.00) and about 10 minutes later we were in the pretty little park in the center of Chordeleg. The park is really charming, and lining all four sides are jewelry stores!
Learn more about filigrana silver jewelry from Chordeleg.
You might enjoy: Road Trip: Cuenca to Paute Bus Trip (Video)
So Much Silver
There are dozens of jewelry stores lining the streets surrounding the park, and scattered through the side streets as well. I’ve never seen so many jewelry stores in such a small area!
The abundance of silver jewelry is almost overwhelming, and the unique way the silver is worked made it hard to choose what I wanted. I’ve gotten rings and earrings there, but they also have necklaces, brooches, bracelets and ornaments. We also saw gold jewelry, but the focus is on silver.
The prices were really good. My ring, which is a combination of the traditional solid silver, mixed with twisted silver wire woven into a delicate leaf design, was under $10. The silver and pearl earrings my husband bought me (the pearls are large) were under $15.
Chordeleg is the “Silver Town”. There are four jewelry stores (joyeria) in this photo!
Makes A Great Day Trip, Or Stay The Night
We spent the day in Chordeleg and still made it back to Cuenca before dark. We also went there for our anniversary and spent the night. We stayed at Zhirogallo Gran Hotel, the rooms are really nice. There is a rooftop balcony with views of the town and surrounding mountains. The restaurant/Café/Bar on the main level serves a wonderful steak and eggs, one of my favorites.
We hope to head back to Chordeleg soon. And we always try to take friends there when they visit, silver jewelry from Chordeleg makes a nice souvenir. Chordeleg makes a great Cuenca side-trip.
(If you take the bus from the bus station in Cuenca remember to look for the bus line heading to Gualaceo.)
We took the bus (today) straight to Chordeleg ($1 each) then later one back to Gualaceo (.30). The bus back to Cuenca was maybe .70 – not sure of amount because we didn’t count the change, but we were happy with the trip.
Do you think any of the little jewelry store owners would be interested in selling their jewelry on the Internet, internationally? If so, how could I contact them? Thanks! 🙂
It would be best to come and make the deals in person. I’m not sure how you would ship, the post office and couriers refuse silver shipments.
Bryan, thanks for the info! I guess I could look at other things to sell, maybe like textiles.
It’s a pity you haven’t taken any picture of the jewelery you have seen, bought…
It could make your report more impressive;)
Regards
Zdzislaw
Fortunately my wife also likes silver jewelry. We’ll have to make a trip to Chordeleg sometime before her birthday, Christmas or our anniversary!
The good thing about silver in Ecuador is the price and the fact that there are craftspeople that work it who don’t charge too much so the price is very low for the customer compared to gold.
If you ever come to Quito there’s a silver store called “La Mina” in “El Jardin” mall you should check out. I bought a set of ear rings and pendant and chain for about $40.
Best regards,
Stewart