Bali Silver Beads
I am learning a lot more about the different silver beads out there as I learn more about making jewelry. I have come to really notice and appreciate Balinese Silver Bead work. Its like beautiful cultural art in a silver bead.
The techniques for silver bead making are similar for all over the world. However, each community has refined its own style over time. Bali has strong silver smithing traditions, as does much of Southeast Asia. Bali remained Hindu over time, instead of becoming Muslim like many other places. they kept their own versions of arts and crafts, such as dancing and jewelry making.
In this region you will find much use of hammering, embossing, inlay, filigree, and engraving. It is the granulation in particular that is the hallmark of modern day Balinese silver beads. Its an old tradition but also has developed into a more modern thriving industry.
I think once you see more Bali Silver, you will see why so many love to use it and wear it. Sometimes you will see a completed bead that is polished, then given a black "antiquing" coating to make it look oxidized and therefore, older.
The techniques for silver bead making are similar for all over the world. However, each community has refined its own style over time. Bali has strong silver smithing traditions, as does much of Southeast Asia. Bali remained Hindu over time, instead of becoming Muslim like many other places. they kept their own versions of arts and crafts, such as dancing and jewelry making.
In this region you will find much use of hammering, embossing, inlay, filigree, and engraving. It is the granulation in particular that is the hallmark of modern day Balinese silver beads. Its an old tradition but also has developed into a more modern thriving industry.
I think once you see more Bali Silver, you will see why so many love to use it and wear it. Sometimes you will see a completed bead that is polished, then given a black "antiquing" coating to make it look oxidized and therefore, older.
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