Continuing on the road to
Ubud, you will pass through Celuk, known for its silver
and goldsmiths. The skills of the Celuk artisans are well
known for their high taste of art and high quality products.
A large variety of all types of intricately designed pieces
can be found. The silver filigree work is quite amazing.
The cottage industry has spread
through the entire village. All villagers have a talent
in this industry.
Remember to bargain!!!
Original designs in delicate filigree
make Balinese jewelry one of the most unusual styles in
Asia. Although individual pieces are elaborate, they have
simple origins in their making. Artisans use a tree stump
with a protruding iron spike as a pounding base, a bamboo
stem to catch the filings, and a manually operated gas
pump for heat. As with most Balinese crafts, gold and
silver work is largely an hereditary trade. Apprentices
begin young.
Balinese silversmiths are known worldwide for their intricate
designs and meticulous attention to detail. Their skills
are passed down from generation to generation. Many fake
"Bali beads" are now being produced in other
countries (India is the worst offender). These are often
cheap imitations that are cast in molds rather than handcrafted
as described above. Many Indian-made "Bali beads"
are also merely silver plated rather than made of solid
silver.
Please help preserve the Balinese culture and its traditions.
Buy Bali-made Bali beads!
At Beads of Bali, we are proud to support these skilled
Balinese silversmiths. You can be sure that our Bali beads
are always from Bali! When you buy Bali beads, insist
on the real thing!
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