Thai Sterling Silver Jewelry
Early
Hindu settlers, explorers and traders who spread from the Dravidian
lands of southern and eastern India brought their ancient gold working
traditions with them nearly 2,000 years ago. Their methods were adopted
by the Dvaravati Mons of the Chao Phraya basin, the first pieces of
crafted gold from the region in the 1st century (AD), were quite
obviously Hindu-inspired.
The Mon people were the dominant
influence on the early development of gold smithing in what is now
known as Thailand and they were a strong factor in the development of
gold crafts in the Khmer civilization that emerged in the east. The Tai
(not Thai) people who migrated south from Yunnan were likewise
influenced when they came into contact with the Mon.
In modern Thailand, gold is mainly crafted for modern gold necklaces and rings, which are used by many Thais as a method of saving money or holding an emergency fund. In spite of the practical purpose behind the modern day popularity the jewelery remains quite detailed and intricate.
The ancient Hindu influence also directed the development of silver work in Thailand but it was very much confined to creating decorative or ceremonial items and religious pieces such as trays, bowls and betel sets.
With the rise of Chiengmai (now known as Chiang Mai) 700 years ago and its indigenous handicraft industries, silver-tooling began to develop in earnest. For the first time fine decorative and jewelery items were created, this was due partly to an immigration of Burmese refugees who brought their arts and skills with them, the style know as northern Thai silver born from this melting pot of skills and cultures. Chiangmai remains famous for a wide variety of quality silverware.
The best and most desired silver jewelery is usually handmade by master craftsmen rather than machine operators mass producing silver jewelery. Producing hand crafted silver jewelery is very labor intensive and time consuming. As hand crafted silver jewelery is priced much higher than their machine made counterparts due in a large part to the greater amount of labor involved only good quality gems tend to be used to 'crown' the piece.
Sterling Silver
Pure silver is a soft (Mohs rating of 3.25), easily-damaged metal, so it is often combined with 7.5% copper in order to produce a more sturdy material known as sterling silver and used for jewelery making. Sterling silver is usually identified by the numbers 925 stamped into it (representing the 92.5% pure silver, Mexican silver is only 90% silver and is stamped with 900). Sterling silver does not contain nickel - those with nickel allergies may find sterling silver pieces more suitable than some other alloys.
Silver vs Gold!
Silver is more adaptable than gold – working as well with casual as with glamorous fashion.
Silver is very affordable - no confusing karats to deal with.
Silver is the most reflective metal – outshining even gold.
Silver is flattering to all skin colors.
