Federico's Story
The Story of Federico Jiménez
Federico Jiménez, originally from the tiny village of Tututepec, Mexico, now resides in Southern California where he is known as a foremost authority on Mexican silver, Pre-Columbian and Mixtec (pronounced “Mishtek”) jewelry.
An admirer of Native American craftsmanship and technique, Federico has taken his lapidary and design expertise to another level of beauty and creativity.
Over the course of his sixty-three year career, Federico has gained the recognition of admirers from around the world who wear and collect his jewelry.
International Recognition
Distinguished Mexicans Award
In 2023, the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles recognized Federico Jimenez Caballero with the Distinguished Mexicans Award. It is one of the most prestigious awards that the Mexican government gives to its citizens who reside outside Mexico and who have been distinguished for their extraordinary contributions benefitting their peers and humankind.
Through Federico's involvement and advocacy, indigenous artists from remote parts of Mexico have been sponsored by acclaimed institutions in the United States to exhibit their work. Federico is a founder of "La Plaza de Cultura y Artes" an institution that pays tribute to Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, and Latinos by sharing their history, cultures, values, and traditions throughout Southern California.
As a national civic leader who served for almost a decade as a board member of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF), Federico has dedicated himself to empowering those in the Mexican and Mexican-American community. Federico is honored as an artist who has created jewelry designs inspired by his Mixtec heritage and exhibited in highly acclaimed museums and galleries. He is honored as the first Mexican of indigenous heritage to become a board member of esteemed museums such as the Southwest Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West and the Millicent Rogers Museum. Federico is honored for his continued commitment to promote the culture and art of his ancestors, for his living legacy of helping to promote the interests of those in the community, and for furthering the development of artists around the world.
Unlikely Historian
Federico Jiménez became interested in Meso-American art in his early years when he and his father uncovered a pre-Columbian Mixtec Indian pectoral chest plate buried under their house. With the sudden ownership of the ancient pectoral, his appetite for antiquities grew, sending him from village to village in search of more.
In addition to jewelry, he also started collecting Meso-American Indian costumes. His private collection includes pieces from the contemporary, colonial, and pre-Columbian periods.
Original works created by Federico Jiménez are generally bold in size, and many are decorated with colorful stones includingnatural turquoise,coral, opals, or various types ofshells.
Some Federico's designs include his interpretation of interesting wirework pieces in silver, although many were traditionally made of gold. They often include motifs like flowers, ribbons, and animals such as birds. He has created many impressive pieces including bold statement necklaces that are among his most popular designs among collectors.
Iconic Craftsman
Federico has organized exhibitions and acquired pieces for institutions such as UCLA Museum of Cultural History and the National Folk Art Museum in Santa Fe. He displays many pieces of his jewelry in the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City and the Museo Belber in Oaxaca, Mexico. His collection includes textiles, jewelry, religious artifacts, and clothing.
Living and working in the Los Angeles area, Federico is a popular designer for those in the entertainment industry. Ali McGraw can be seen modeling many of his designs in magazines. His pieces are also worn by Christie Brinkley and Elle McPherson, and once you know his style, you’ll spot his designs being worn by many in the music, television, and art worlds.
His current offerings are traditional and elegant stories in turquoise and coral, show-stopping in their simplicity.