Bali is part of Indonesia. It is an island that is home to nearly 4 million people. Although Indonesia is mostly Muslim, this little island is the only Hindu dominant island in Indonesia. Bali is known for it's picturesque beauty and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It's eco system and agriculture centers around the fact that it is a volcanic island and Mt. Agung, the largest mountain in Bali is volcanic. It is extremely fertile land and the island is surrounded by a coral reef.
You can see why this island is a natural place for tourists to visit. Tourism is one of Bali's main industries. Unfortunately the 2002 and 2005 bombings and terrorist attacks has caused a drop in tourism to Bali.
Balinese silver smiths are highly skilled and learn how to craft silver at a very young age. Most genuine Balinese silver is crafted by hand and very few items, such as beads are casted. The silver smiths work mostly with Sterling silver and combine silver and copper. They use artisan methods such as using a torch to melt the silver and copper together and a foot pump to cool the silver down. They hand produce the silver wire that they braid together and hammer and solder all painstakingly by hand. If they are not careful, hours of work can be undone by a single wrong hammer or solder mistake. These methods are how Balinese silver smiths produce their beads, silver wiring and other unique designs. No two beads or designs are exactly the same.
The designs are bold and very distinctive. Most of the jewelry are either geometric earring designs with resin, or semi precious stones or braided rings, bracelets and necklaces. They have solid hooks as clasps. Balinese style jewelry is usually oxidized causing a unique dark patina on the piece. This is caused by the copper that is mixed into the silver. If there was no copper the silver would be too soft and easy to bend and break.
Balinese jewelry are strong visually and will appeal to those who like the look of a solid piece of jewelry.
Buy a Balinese Bracelet
Buy Balinese Earrings
Bali Silver: Silver Jewelry for Less
Find out more about Indonesian handicrafts as well as the silver patina in geometrical designs, the trademark of Bali silver jewelry.
New Zealand Jewelry: Land of the White Cloud
Learn more about the Maori culture, their artisans and crafts and what the meaning of their unique pendants really are.
Have you heard of the properties of coconut oil and the amazing curative Tamanu oil from Dr. Oz? Find out what all the fuss is about.