How do I know if the silver is real?

Silver craftsmen in the jewellers' quarter of Tiznit, Morocco's silver capital

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Silver Jewellers of Tiznit

Hours

Souk: daily 9am–7pm

Entry

Free to browse

Duration

60 minutes

Location

Jewellers' Souk, Medina, Tiznit, Souss-Massa

Morocco's silver capital. Amazigh jewellers working techniques older than the medina walls, in a desert town the French built around an existing oasis.

The Silver Town

Tiznit was the centre of Amazigh silver jewellery production for centuries. The silversmiths — traditionally Jewish — worked in a dedicated quarter within the medina. When the Jewish community emigrated, Muslim craftsmen continued the tradition. The Souk des Bijoutiers (jewellers' souk) still operates, though much of the silver is now mass-produced or plated.

The Workshops

Small workshops in the medina souk — benches, hammers, blowtorches, trays of bracelets and fibulae. The traditional Amazigh fibula (tizerzai) — a large triangular silver brooch used to pin garments — is the signature piece. Real antique silver is increasingly rare and expensive.

Visiting

Tiznit is 90 km south of Agadir. The jewellers' souk is inside the medina walls. Browse, compare, ask about the difference between solid silver and plated. A knowledgeable shopkeeper will explain the symbolism of Amazigh jewellery designs.

Best Time to Visit

Morning when the souk is most active.

Getting There

90 km south of Agadir.

Local Tip

The silver capital of Morocco. Amazigh jewellers in the old mellah work silver with techniques passed through generations. The main jewellers' souk is inside the medina walls. Prices are better than Marrakech and Essaouira. The fibula (tizerzai) brooches are the iconic pieces — large triangular silver pins that Amazigh women use to fasten garments. The medina walls were built in 1882 by Sultan Hassan I.

Common Questions

Ask for solid silver (argent massif). Check for hallmarks. Weight is a reasonable indicator — real silver is heavy. Established shops in the souk are more reliable than street vendors.

Walking Distance