metal crafts

The Karen hill tribe artisans from Thailand are known for making jewelry unique to their corner of the world. Artisan Napapat comments that their works are "...very creative and beautiful, but also distinctly Thai: their methods unchanged from mother to daughter." Here she presents a hand braided ebony colored cord bracelet with a barrel-shaped silver tube flanked on each side by two beads; the detailing of the tube's filigree motif and the bead's decorations is further enhanced by the combination finish of the metal. The sliding knot closure makes it easy to adjust the bracelet so that the fit will always be perfect.

A sense of celebration mixed with mockery is integral to how death is viewed by Mexicans, something to which artisan Diego Ortiz alludes in the design of this hand crafted double skull bracelet. Leather is braided by hand to form the bracelet which features two sterling silver skulls clashing head to head. A dazzling high-polish shine is given to the metal surfaces which include two sterling silver end caps and a hook clasp.

Crafted by Guatemala's Wakami Association, these braided bracelets feature a unique design enhanced by a palette of red and metallic tones. Artisans of the region embellish the accessories with Zamac pendants with abstract motifs and the word coincidir at the back, meaning "coincide" in Spanish.

Guatemalan artisans of the Wakami Association find inspiration in the symbolism associated with colors, crafting a stylish leather braided bracelet with a little Zamac accent at the center. After adding a sliding knot to the accessory, they enhance the pendant with a little red dot, symbolizing unconditional love.

Wear the colors of spring with this set of three wristband bracelets crafted by the Wakami association. Guatemalan artisans work with waxed polyester cords to create sturdy structures, adding crystal and glass beads. As a special touch, they also embellished one accessory with a Zamac pendant depicting little human-like figures holding hands as a symbol of peace.