Jewelry design - materials - Thai Hilltribe silver
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My travels throughout Thailand were a great source of artistic inspiration for me. Wondrous colors, textures, smells and sensations permeate the landscape. The people are warm and welcoming - it is very hard to leave. On my list for my next sojourn to Thailand is the north, the land of the Hilltribe peoples - and the land of some of the most beautiful silver work in the world.
The Hilltribe people are actually composed of several tribal groups, including the Lahu, the Lisu, the Akha, the Hmong, and the Karen. Thai silver is often distinguished by the decorative details stamped into the silver. Hilltribe silver is .999% pure and has the highest silver content available. The manufacture and sale of silver is a major part of the economy of the Hilltribe people. I always try to buy directly from Thailand and as close to the source as possible to ensure that the artisans receive a fair price for their craft.
Notice the intricate details worked and stamped into the beads I’ve used in the Chalcedony necklace in the photo above. The stamped patterns are the signature feature of fine Hilltribe silver work, and they add an elegant and unique texture to the finished piece. The texture of the silver compliments the smooth luster of the pearls. Sorry, but I truly dislike a plain strand of pearls. Boring!
The tiniest Hilltribe beads are the most difficult to create and often require two artists to manufacture; the master for his or her skill, and the apprentice, for their sharp eyesight when working with very small beads. Note the tiny tube beads in the photo below. Each bead has a tiny floral patten and is completely created by hand.
You can find my jewelry at the Artsfish Design Studio.
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August 17th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Thailand is such a wonderfully inspiring place and it leads to wonderful items such as these necklaces being produced. The attention to detail is fantastic.