Gold Plated Rectangular Onyx Cufflinks from Bali, "Regal Rectangles"

“I was born in a village where the silver work is well known to be the finest--Celuk, in Gianyar, Bali. I am the first born of two siblings. My parents were also silver craftsmen. My parents wanted me to not be a dependent person, so they really taught me well to be a strong person. And the result of my parents’ teaching was that I could pay for my own school fees from being a silver craftsman. And since I was young, I rarely asked my parents to support my finances.

“As a village boy, my childhood was really fun. I loved going fishing with my friends in my neighborhood. Even today, fishing is one of the hobbies that I really enjoy. My education was ordinary, like that of other children, but my high school was a bit more interesting since I went to Vocational High School (SMK) and learned about modern design. I had learned about silver since I was really young, and at the age of 16, I started to be serious in this field.

“At first, I was forced to learn about silver crafts, but then I found something that really drew me into silver crafting. My grandfather was the one who taught me; he was one of the elders in my village and also one of the most skillful silver craftsmen. Yet, he was not my only teacher, I also learned from my parents-in-law. I met my wife when we were both learning about silver.

“Now I am married and we are blessed with two sons. Being a father is really amazing for me; many things have changed since I became a father. The old me was selfish and thought only about myself, but now my children are always in my thoughts. I am always thinking about how to prepare for their studies, provide for their needs and also prepare for their future.

“Thank God I am a silver artisan in Celuk, Bali, because the materials are easy to find here; from the silver, copper, and gold, to the tools such as scissors, thongs, hammers and many others. I have three part-time workers who make all the designs that I create with my wife. I usually work with my wife to create beautiful designs. And mostly the inspiration comes from surrounding things.

“I joined NOVICA at the recommendation of a friend who had already joined with NOVICA. I hope NOVICA can help me promote my designs, and I hope that the customers love my pieces.”