Sterling Silver and Garnet Snake Ring, "Rainforest Goddess"

"Those who know me say I'm a focused, artistic and creative person with high principles. I do strive to always be fair and honest. I was born on September 11, 1967 in Tabanan, Bali, and though I graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Udayana, I am a master silversmith. It all started after I helped a classmate who had a silver workshop where he did some stunning art work. I began to realize I had the ability and skills necessary for designing jewelry.

"I started in this field from scratch and at first it was difficult, but now I'm proud to have persisted and to have 'climbed the learning curve.' It was a great struggle in my life and it is my proudest achievement, besides being a good husband and father of three children. Children make you very aware of the cycles and continuity of life. They also teach you humility and nurture great love, the two great values of life. I devote my time mostly to my family, and the rest to the spiritual communities.

"I am a self taught silversmith, I started to craft my own products in 1995 by learning on the job and through persistence, patience, and always listening to the advice of others who are experienced. I once was confused by what some of my foreign customers where asking -- things often get lost in translation! Looking back, it seems very funny but truth is these situations have always been solved through humor and our goodwill.

"I craft high quality products, focus on quality control and treat the people that work with me with great respect and excellent rewards. I feel really glad when I see customers happy with my products because I can tell they are really appreciative of Balinese silver art.

"Working with silver, gold and gemstone materials can be difficult given the required precision. I often do trials and got errors when trying out new designs. We have a fully equipped workshop so sometimes we make special tools, though mostly they are hardened steel and precision instruments. We are highly conscious of our water and power consumption, so we are always seeking efficient and preventive ways of using our resources. We are always careful with purification system and prevent contaminating the environment.

"I only need a pencil and a paper when I'm creating new designs, focusing on creating jewelry pieces that are really different from other designers.

"Bali is an ancient culture filled with great beauty, music, magic and mystery. The Balinese culture is full of spiritual, mystical ceremonies and activities that also provide great serenity and inspiration. I like to create unique and special designs that reflect the inner mythology of the Balinese culture, which can be adapted to modern designs… I'm constantly innovating!

"I know Novica from internet and our friends, so I hope this association will lead to connecting with more appreciative customers, as well as seeing my products participating in the global market."