Not only are we constantly trying to come up with new designs for our silver jewellery, we are also always on the look out for top notch craftsmen and designers to work with.
This year, while working on a new project to bring you sparkling handmade silk handbags and shoes (more of those later), I found myself in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, and had a chance to meet the artisans behind the increasingly popular hilltribe silver.
An ancient people, originally from the mountains of Tibet, the Karen Hilltribe are the largest of the remaining hilltribes in Northern Thaialnd and Myanmar. They live in remote villages in the mountains west of Chiangmai. Still living in the traditional way in Teak or Bamboo houses, cooking on open fires and living in tune with the forest around them. For centuries, these people have been making beautiful hand woven fabrics (we will be bringing you some fabulous hilltribe bags this summer), wood carvings and intricate handmade silver beads.
Not only is Karen silver completely handmade, it is also purer than standard sterling silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver & 7.5% copper (Usually. Some people do use other metals for the 7.5% alloy). Karen silver is between 99.5 & 99.9% pure silver. The upside of this is that it is even more valuable, it has it's own unique colour and satin texture (it is less mirror shiny and has a deeper lustre), it is also softer, which allows the hilltribe artisans to create these amazingly detailed flowers. The downside is that being softer, and for larger pieces, more silver is needed to give is the resiliance it needs for everyday jewellery. BUT treat it with the love and respect it deserves and you will find you have a stunning piece of jewellery that will last a lifetime.
Inspired by nature, with each family creating their own unique beads based on the forest around them, there are literally thousands of different beads to choose from, from dainty silver leaves, to intricate flowers, dragonflies, butterflies... you name it, they have created it. These feature beads can then be combined with simpler handmade beads to create stunning botanical pieces that are unique to the hilltribe people.
Working with the artisans, we have created a small range of designs which are exclusive to us, and which we hope captures the spirit of the Karen hilltribe silver. From the delicate flowers to the hammered silver clasps; which are beautiful in their own right, every one of these pieces carries the imprint of the craftsman who made it. For those who want to try Karen silver, but prefer something a little more contemporary and a little less "girly", we have also created 2 modern necklaces and a fantastic silver bangle which use the same high quality silver and craftsmanship but with a contemporary twist. Avalable from July, watch this space for more information and images as the range is finalised.
As Karen silver becomes more popular, it is only a matter of time before someone finds a way to create cheap machine made, low grade copies of some of their designs. To make sure our customers get the real thing, we will be sending every piece to the London Assay office for testing & hallmarking so that we can guarantee to you the purity of the silver.
All of our Karen silver is sourced based on Fairtrade principals to ensure the Karen people reap the benefits of their beautiful work. By buying these pieces you are helping these wonderful people keep their traditions and culture alive. To find out more about the Karen Hill Tribe, visit the Karen Hill Tribes Trust, a charity founded in 1999 by Penelope Worsley to help the Karen people build a better future.
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