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The Jewelry of Bali
by Cory Willins
http://www.jewelry-and-more.com
A home to jewelers and master silver and gold artisans,
Bali is a small island located in Indonesia. The jewelers
of the island have become famous for their detailed and
original pieces of silver jewelry.
Traditional methods are used to produce the silver jewelry
from Bali. A strong Southern Chinese and Southeast Asian
influence can be seen in the art, and many of the patterns
and designs used in the different cultures have similar
elements. The artisans from other countries came to Bali
during the Majapahit Empire, and many families in Bali can
trace their ancestors back to this time. In addition to the
Chinese and Asian influences, Bali was invaded by the
Javanese in the early 16th century. At this time the
people of Bali began to use a term for silversmiths that
meant both smith and clever. This word was Pandai, and
continues to be used today. In traditional folk legend the
gods themselves came to teach the Pandai clans the art of
gold and silver working to bring civilization to humans.
While originally jewelry from Bali was gold, it is now more
common to see Bali jewelry that is made from silver. As
the worldwide demand has shifted from gold to silver
jewelry, the artisans of Bali have adjusted and made
changes. Javanese and Balinese traditions are seen in the
jewelry now made in Bali. Javanese influence is the fine
filigree work on the items with a polished silver
background, whereas the Balinese tradition is the placing
of fine granulars of silver in patterns on an unpolished
silver background. This granulation produced incredibly
detailed patterns and designs that are truly unique. A
combination of these two traditions is seen in much of the
jewelry from Bali today.
One of the unique aspects of Bali jewelry is the
combination of silver and other metals with gemstones. This
distinctive look is usually on a background of unpolished
silver, and the dark contrast of the black background with
the polished silver and the beautiful gemstones creates a
striking effect. In addition to this traditional jewelry,
woven silver or gold jewelry is also being produced which
has become very popular as an exported item.
Popularity
One of the characteristics of Bali jewelry is that an
individual item can often be identified as coming from a
certain jeweler or family just by studying the particular
pattern of the granulation. This feature has made Bali
jewelry very important to collectors around the world. The
interplay of gems, metals and intricate patterns produces
truly eye-catching items.
Not just for rings, pendants and bracelets, this process is
also used to produce silver beads. These very small and
ornate beads are in high demand by both home hobbyist and
commercial jewelry makers alike.
The exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail has
increased the popularity of Bali jewelry. The internet has
opened up new markets, and the demand for this beautiful
jewelry will only continue to increase.
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