Let's Learn About Thai Silver

A few months after I began making jewelry I discovered Thai Silver and I fell in love.  I knew that the silver pendants and beads were made by the Karen hill tribe in Thailand but I didn't know the whole story until recently when I read a newsletter from my supplier.

They gave a long history of the economy and farming practices in Thailand but here is where the silver comes in...

"Opium cultivation was a major source of income for many of the hill tribes and the government worked hard to eradicate this cultivation by successfully substituting it with other cash crops, such as cabbages, peppers and fruits. In the early 1960's, their Majesties, the present King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, undertook to help the Karen hill tribe people develop an alternative to growing their traditional cash crop- opium. As part of a royal project, silver experts were dispatched to impart their knowledge of jewelry to the farmers of the Karen Hill Tribe.

The first generation of Karen silversmiths was taught to carefully handcraft each design from scratch, using high-content silver. They learned to give each design a unique appearance only seen in their own creations. From Karen mothers and fathers to Karen sons and daughters, they have passed down their silver work skills and traditions. Today, each handmade ornament is a unique masterpiece that represents centuries of Karen culture and art. Often, the jewelry is engraved with plant, animal, or geometric designs, symbolizing their direct connection to their land and water.

Choosing Karen silver is much more than buying jewelry of rare distinction. Your purchase also helps preserve the timeless culture, art, religion, and language of the gentle Karen people, and helps their Majesties, The King and Queen of Thailand, in their goal of providing a stable economy for the Karen hill tribe people, an economy based on beauty instead of illicit drug crops."

If that's not a good reason to buy Thai silver I don't know what is.  I love that these pendants are handmade and come with such a rich history.

Here are a few necklaces made with Thai Silver pendants that are currently available in my store:

Thai Silver Flower Handmade Necklace, Stamped Thai Silver Handmade Necklace, Thai Silver Mini Flower Handmade Necklace , Red Thai Silver Handmade Necklace , Thai Silver Flower Handmade Necklace , Thai Silver Swirl Handmade Necklace , Thai Silver and Black Drop Handmade Necklace