Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Accent Naga Necklace, "Celuk Celebration"

Update (May, 2019)

“I was born in 1964 in Celuk, Gianyar. It is a small village in Bali where the silver crafts are world-class quality. I feel so lucky that I was born in Celuk, where hopes in life keep increasing, especially when the tourism industry is at its best. Celuk village is one of the most important tourist destinations where you can see, learn about and buy silver jewelry and souvenirs.

“My parents were farmers, and because they were farmers there were a lot of time after planting season. When they had spare time, they learned to be silver artisans. The skills of a silver artisan did not earn money at that time; they were only good for helping the community and helping to repair temples. Until regencies such as Kuta and Ubud evolved for tourism purposes. Then Celuk was also impacted, and people could make a living from being silver artisans. Many people’s lives have been changed by working with silver.

“As the sixth child of seven brothers and sisters, I used to watch my parents and everyone else working with silver. Naturally, I got into learning about silver myself when I was very young. My father was the one who taught me how to work with silver. Like other kids, I also finished my formal education until I got a bachelor’s degree. I think education is very important, even though I do not need to use my bachelor’s degree. I decided to continue my career in silver, which I had been learning since 1972.

“Though I love making silver jewelry, when I was very young I also loved to be a traditional dancer. I used to dance in my neighborhood community. My friends say that I am a busy and creative person who loves to share everything. Now I am married to a man who is also a silver artisan. We have not been blessed with children yet, though we are happy. And people of my age, including me, understand that family is the thing that is most important. For me, spending time with family is priceless. We can share our stories and inspire and motivate each other.

“In my workshop there are six people (three men and three women) that help me make silver jewelry. I make the design, and my helpers work on it. I also pick out the materials and supervise all things. My designs are all influenced by ancient kingdoms, but they are given a modern touch and adjusted for modern design. The tools are just ordinary tools, such as scissors, pliers and a stove. Making silver jewelry is my passion, and that passion finally paid me back in 2011. I got an award from the State Minister for Women’s Empowerment through BNI (Indonesian Bank), in the framework of Kartini Day as an ‘Indonesian Woman Entrepreneur’.

“I am really grateful that I joined Novica in 1993. By joining Novica, I raised my standards to achieve the best in silver jewelry. In both quality and the quantity, Novica’s demand is always high. That’s why that makes me more selective in choosing designs to be presented to my Novica customers. And after years since joining Novica, I feel that my income has improved. I hope that I can always give my customers great jewelry pieces.”

Original Artisan Story Made Sriasih was born in Bali on April 14, 1964, in a village long renowned as the island's center of silver production. Her father was one of the senior silversmiths, well trained in the jewelry arts. This skill was passed on to his daughter, Made, from the time she was 12-years old until she got married. She learned how to select quality material and create her pieces with precision, employing the village's traditional motifs and designs.

Although Sriasih studied anthropology in college, she decided to start her own silver business with the support of her husband. Currently her workshop employs ten other artisans. It has not always been easy for Sriasih, but she always remembers the sage words of one client, who said, "Success won't fall down from the sky, and if you want it you must try hard to reach it." Each time he comes to Ni Made Sriasih’s workshop, they laugh together, remembering that moment.