Your Details
Please fill in your email address
Please fill in a password
By Gavin Clarke
Reviewed By Andreas Zabczyk
The History of Thai Silver Jewelry
Modern Thai Silver Gemstone Jewelry
Thailand is world-famous for its exceptional silver and fine artisanal jewelry designs. The history behind Thailand's well-developed silver market runs deep through many generations of Thai people. Originally, the majority of Thailand's silver craftsmanship was for the production of fine silverware and decorative items such as trays, ladles and bowls. Through modernization, the industry brought about a shift in demand for finer silverwork and jewelry design. The northern region of Thailand is most famous for the production of fine silverwork and jewelry, though silver craft is also abundant throughout Central and Southern Thailand. Northern Thai silver is renowned for its high level of purity (often up to 99.9%), and for its fine craftsmanship, typically featuring unique and intricate ethnic detail. The detailing of silver designs native to Northern Thailand incorporates many techniques, encompassing influences from ancient Hindu metalworkers, as well as Burmese refugees, Shan tribes and various hilltribes of Northern Thailand and the surrounding area. ![]() Blue Topaz Silver Ring
The early Hindu settlers of Thailand were highly skilled in the art of metal-crafting. Although gold was their preferred medium, the ancient Hindu civilizations had a great influence on Thailand's silver craft as well. As Hindu traders slowly made their way from Southern and Eastern India, the techniques of skilled goldsmiths eventually spread to natives throughout Thailand. Hindu influence and methods that were formerly used to design fine gold jewelry can easily be seen in some of the most astonishing pieces of modern silver jewelry fashioned by Thailand's artisans. After the fall of the Pagan (pronounced "Bagan" and not to be confused with the pre-Christian religion) Empire, many Burmese silversmiths fled to the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. For over 200 years, Lanna was an independent country, reaching south to Lumpang and extending north to the Shan State of Burma. The Kingdom of Lanna, now present day Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, inherited the fine Burmese silver-working methodology. Around this time, Shan tribes also began to establish themselves throughout Northern Thailand. The Shan tribesmen were also very skilled in the art of silver craft and many Northern Thai silver jewelry designs seen today draw their inspiration from Shan heritage. ![]() Ametrine Silver Ring
Of the many hilltribes in Northern Thailand, none are as famous as the Karen tribe. The Karen tribe is actually one of the largest hilltribes in all of Southeast Asia. The Karen tribe has been hand making traditional silver jewelry for centuries, using methods that have been passed down for centuries from generation to generation. Many of the silver jewelry designs found in Chiang Mai, Thailand are handcrafted by silversmiths who are members of the Karen tribe. Many designs incorporate unusual traditional ethnic symbols or patterns, but nowadays, Western influences are creeping into their silver jewelry designs, in items such as necklaces, bangles and earrings. Since the historical capital of Lanna was such a vast cultural melting pot, it evolved as a centerpoint for ethnic groups of Thailand, Laos, China and Burma. Here they shared and learned many different styles and methods of jewelry-making artistry. The same handcrafting methods used hundreds of years ago are still used today by many of the world's finest silver jewelry artisans. ![]() Silver Fire Opal Pendant
Today, handmade silver jewelry and ornaments can be found throughout Thailand, in places from ritzy five-star hotel gift shops to small shops located in Thailand's many 'open-air' markets. The highly developed art of silver jewelry-making has because a source of local pride, not only for the Thai people, but also for the many other ethnic groups of Thailand and the surrounding areas, including Burmese, Laotian, Chinese and the Karen and Shan tribes of Northern Thailand, all of whom have helped play an important role in the growth of Thailand's fine silver jewelry and craft trade.
About Us
Overall Rating -> 8 Very easy to find the specific stone I was looking for. I am pleased by both the selection and the price of the stones that are available. The only "bad" thing that I have to say is that the interface of the site is outdated. Posted By Nick in March, 2024 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 LOVE YOU GUYS. YOU CARRY EVERY GEMSTON I WANT. THE PRICE IS GREAT,THE PRODUCT IS OUTSTANDING,AND THE SERVICE CANT BE BEET. Posted By APPS in April, 2024 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 I've made several purchases through GemSelect in the past, although not within the last six months. Their gems are always beautiful and I have never had an issue with their prices or their stones. Even when I'm not buying, I love scrolling through their website, which is very user friendly. I especially appreciate being able to change the listing order to your own liking, such as most to least expensive, largest to smallest, etc. As with most online orders, however, I think the shipping charges are not commensurate with the actual weight of the items shipped. Posted By DrLHS in November, 2024 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 I love GemSelect, photos and details are great. Posted By #1 in February, 2024 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 J'ai trouv ce que je voulais rapidement. Par contre, je trouve les frais d'envoies un peu chers. Pour le reste, je suis vraiment trs satisfaite. Posted By Kak in July, 2024 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 too much I want to buy. I have been buying and collecting gems for a few years now all from you {gemselect}. great prices great selections. originally, I wanted to get a sample of each gemstone, but realized with all the different types I could never reach that goal. I love reading about all the gems you sell. Posted By Steve13 in June, 2024 Source: Bizrate Related Articles Ametrine Info Ametrine Gemstones Information - GemSelect Medicinal Gemstones Medicinal Gemstone Information - GemSelect Blue Topaz Gems Blue Topaz: A Guide with Facts, History, Meaning and More Titanium Jewelry Titanium Jewelry Silver Gemstone Jewelry Silver Gemstone Jewelry |
STAY IN TOUCH | NEWSLETTER |
*You're signing up to receive GemSelect promotional email. |
Switch to Mobile Version
Copyright © 2005-2025 GemSelect.com all rights reserved.
Reproduction (text or graphics) without the express written consent of GemSelect.com (SETT Company Ltd.) is strictly prohibited.
2492
Please wait the page is loading!
|