18kt ECOLOGICAL GOLD DANCING DISC EARRINGS

A BRIEF HISTORY OF WILLIAM SPRATLING

Spratling with Candlesticks, 1935

William Spratling's original Dancing Disc earrings design, CA 1960

Born in Sonyea, New York on September 22 1900, Spratling studied architecture at Tulane University. After he graduated, he began working as an instructor giving lectures during the summer in Mexico.

In 1931 he decided to stay in Mexico to help revive the tradition of the silver jewelry industry in Taxco, using pre-Colombian motifs and traditions as inspirations for his designs.

He established a small workshop in Taxco, Mexico from the 1930s-1950s where he employed over 500 local artisans to skillfully craft his designs. The non-European aesthetic gave the locals the opportunity to make and celebrate the heritage of their own native history.

He greatly influenced 20th Century Mexican jewelry design, and because of his success in reviving the tradition of and desire for silver jewelry, he was named “the father of contemporary Mexican silver”. His influence extended far beyond Taxco, as he not only reinvigorated the local silver industry but also inspired a new generation of artisans and designers.

Spratling's designs were characterized by their bold yet elegant forms, often incorporating indigenous Mexican motifs such as glyphs, Aztec and Mayan symbols, and natural elements like animals and plants. He believed in blending modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece carried the essence of Mexico’s rich artistic heritage.

His workshop, Taller de las Delicias, became a hub for silversmithing excellence. Many of the artisans who trained under him went on to establish their own successful workshops, further cementing Taxco as the heart of Mexican silver jewelry production. Among them were notable designers such as Antonio Pineda, Hector Aguilar, and Margot de Taxco, who continued Spratling’s legacy of innovation and high-quality craftsmanship.

Spratling’s impact was not limited to jewelry. His work extended into furniture, decorative arts, and even collaborations with prominent designers and collectors from the United States and beyond. His pieces gained international recognition, with collectors, celebrities, and museums alike cherishing his work. Today, his designs remain highly sought after, and his influence is evident in contemporary Mexican jewelry-making.

His contributions to the world of design were officially recognized in 1945 when he was invited to exhibit at the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City. Later, in 1960, he was honored by the Mexican government for his role in revitalizing the country’s silver industry.

William Spratling passed away in 1967, but his artistic vision and dedication to craftsmanship endure. His legacy lives on through the generations of artisans he mentored, the continued prestige of Taxco silver, and the timeless beauty of his jewelry. Whether admired in museums, worn as heirloom pieces, or studied by designers, Spratling’s work remains a testament to the power of blending tradition with innovation.

"The Dancing Disc earrings are a testament to timeless yet modern design." 

-Bob Donofrio, Founder FUTURA Jewelry

THE DANCING DISC EARRINGS

As our jewelry historians combed through the archives of William Spratling's work they had many beautiful pieces of jewelry to choose from. When they discovered these rare and intriguing earrings, we knew we had a new Legend on our hands.

The Dancing Disc earrings stood out as truly iconic and timeless, and became FUTURA’s Legendary Release 03. After receiving permission from his estate to make these with our Ecological gold, we sent this design off to our workshop.

 They begin creating the prototype in sterling silver in order to decide the right proportion and scale. Next, our jewelers engineered the earrings with the perfect balance so as to not collapse the design when worn (shown above). Each individual disc was then carefully cut from our 18kt Fairmined Ecological gold, soldered, and assembled by hand, piece by piece. 

And voilà, the finished Dancing Disc earrings in all their golden glory. A truly legendary piece of jewelry, handcrafted with the world's most Eco-friendly gold, by our master artisans in NYC.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE DANCING DISC EARRINGS

Original sterling silver earrings made by William Spratling's workshop in the 1950s.

The original earrings made in gold in the 1960s. 

Dancing Disc earrings made By FUTURA. Handcrafted today with 18kt Fairmined Ecological gold. Sustainably made luxury gold jewelry.

GIVES BACK

Jewelry with a conscious. Every piece of FUTURA jewelry sold, helps eliminate mercury emissions from entering into our food and water sources. Become a change-maker with your purchase, and help make our planet a safer, cleaner place for us all. 

ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE & TRACEABLE

Empowering miners with healthy and safe living and working conditions, stability, gender equality, no child labor, along with creation of wellbeing in the community and support for workers rights. From the mine to your finger, we provide physical traceability of the source of gold through the entire supply chain and creation journey.

RARE & COLLECTABLE

For the William Spratling collector, a rare golden take on his famous Sterling Silver jewelry.