We buy most of our jewelry and jewelry-making materials from a city called Celuk, just north of Denpasar, Indonesia.  It is the silver center of Bali. In this traditional silversmithing village jewelry is delicately handcrafted, using unique detailed techniques.  The silver used in balinese pieces  is mainly mined in Sumatra, another Indonesian island, then transported to Celuk.  It is then mixed with a small quantity of copper to create a 92.5% sterling silver alloy.

  Balinese silversmiths are known worldwide for their intricate designs and meticulous attention to detail.  Each piece of jewelry begins with tiny silver pellets, which are melted and carefully formed into silver sheets. This process requires hours of steady hammering against the top of a tree stump.

Wire is formed by pulling the warm metal through progressively smaller and smaller holes in a simple drawplate. Small balls are soldered onto the surface of the piece with perfect control of the torch...a technique that amazes metal smiths worldwide.  As each piece is created, entirely by hand, no two are exactly identical, thereby producing unique works of art. 

 This type of metal smithing has been passed down through generations. The families generally work from their homes and have tiny workshops with dirt floors, crude wooden workbenches, and very simple tools.   In the village of Celuk, the process of metalsmithing is a vital part of everyday life, delicately interwoven with their peaceful way of life and spiritual practice.