Silver Lining: The Legacy of Silver Jewelry in Thailand
A type of white, precious metal, silver has been manufactured on a large scale around 500 BC by ancient civilizations of Asia Minor, who discovered how to extensively use this highly malleable mineral. As silver mineral resources in Thailand are limited, large amounts of silver have been imported to Thailand since the early times. Evidence of silver usage dates back to the 6th to 11th century AD, in the form of coins, silverware and religious and royal offerings.
Silver jewelry has been made since the Sukhothai era and silverware reached the height of its popularity during the Ayutthaya period. Initially, the jewelry was mostly worn by the middle class while silverware goods were reserved for the wealthy ruling class. However, the versatility of silver soon expanded to various arts and crafts, which became highly developed as a result of the vigorous flow of trade with European and Chinese merchants, as well as the influence from foreign silversmiths and goldsmiths travelling to Thailand.
Apart from the popular trends in each period, silver jewelry also reflects local traditions, methods and aesthetic sensibilities. Today, silver jewelry making in Thailand remains a valuable handicraft showing exquisite craftsmanship. Small batches of jewelry are still meticulously made by hand, a process that has been preserved and passed on among artisans. On the other hand, most silver jewelry in Thailand is manufactured in an industrial system for large scale export as well as domestic distribution.
These days, silver jewelry in ethnic designs is especially favored by consumers; they are largely created by two distinct groups from northern Thailand: Lanna Kingdom (Chiang Mai) and hill tribes of Nan. Both are known for fine jewelry having a purity level of 97 to 99 percent pure silver.
In Chiang Mai, silversmithing likely stemmed from the craftsmen who settled in the province during the period of King Rama V, establishing their silver handicraft workshops along Wua Lai Road in the main city. They have since incorporated and adapted traditional indigenous motifs, from floral to geometrical and tribal designs, into a distinctive identity, producing high quality silver bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants, amulets and cloth adornments, among other items.
Nan province houses outstanding silverware manufacturing centers where techniques and know-how have been passed on from generation to generation. In 1995, a group of craftsmen founded “Nan’s Chompu Phuka Silver and Handicraft Center”, aiming to promote local silverware made by Mien and Hmong hilltribes, who have developed expertise in silverware since ancient times. Boasting unique nature-inspired patterns and unparalleled craftsmanship, Chompu Phuka jewelry, including necklaces, bangles, earrings, rings, hairpins and belts, is famous within and beyond Thailand.
With highly skilled craftsmen, creative designers and manufacturers who maintain product quality and great service, Thai silver jewelry is internationally recognized as second to none, while conveying the fact that Thailand has long established itself as the world’s largest manufacturer of silver jewelry.
Words by Voralak Suwanvanichkij
Sources:
https://infocenter.git.or.th/storage/files/ThaiSilverJewelry_0556.pdf
https://infocenter.git.or.th/storage/files/Thai%20Silver_en-0558.pdf
https://infocenter.git.or.th/storage/files/Nan_silver-en_0159.pdf
https://www.silverjewelrydoctor.com/blog/How-The-Legacy-Of-Thai-Silver-Jewelry-Still-Exists
