El Capitán's Imports - Importers of Fine Sterling Silver Jewelry, Sterling with Amber Jewelry, and other fine products from throughout the world!

El Capitán's Imports was founded by myself, Marc Ravaris and Erin Lacy. It is the original of El Capitán's four enterprises. Erin and I met in a Spanish class at Everett Community College, in Everett, Washington. During subsequent total immersion language programs in Mexico, we found that we shared a common interest in the language and, the beautiful handcrafted silver jewelry that we saw as we traveled. The company was formed out of a desire to earn a living while utilizing our language skills, and to have an excuse to travel to countries for which we had developed a strong affection. Our first buying expedition to Mexico was carried out by Erin. It will, unfortunately, be forever remembered as being tied to the horrific events which unfolded on September 11th, 2001. After shipping the silver, which successfully arrived the morning of Sept. 11, Erin and her mother were unable to leave Mexico for another week as all commercial air traffic was grounded over the United States. "What better place to be stranded," one might say. On the contrary, it was a stressful situation, being stuck away from ones family during a very difficult time. A minor inconvenience, however, in comparison to what many in our country went through. 

Erin has moved on to other endeavors in life and El Capitan's misses her energy and input. I carry on solo (for now) and continue to bring you fine imported sterling silver jewelry. I continue to use "we" in the text in anticipation of working with someone new in the future. "We" also reflects the fact that every piece of jewelry is handmade and could not be brought to you without the skill of the artisan. In the future, I intend to devote some space in my showroom and here in the catalog to silver artisans from the United States as well as those from many countries around the world. 

The import business itself is now in what I call a "state of suspendes animation."  I am now devoting the bulk of my energies to teaching TESOL and operating the sausage stand.  However, the showroom that I alluded to above does exist, and as I travel more in the future,  I intend to return with fine jewelry from throughout the world.  I hope to use the showroom itself for special showings of the the jewely,  and open it on a limited basis to the public.  

This page will be updated frome time-to-time as more information is available.  Updated 11/10/06.