Based
in Chiang Mai, rose of Thailand's north, PINN proudly
presents 98% sterling handmade silver beads of high artistic
value made by the hill tribe people. Like their ancient
peers, hill tribe silver smiths use only the simplest
tools in the production process. To begin, they mix pure
silver, in the form of little pellets, with a very small
amount of copper, which makes it stronger. They add a
touch of borax, to help the metals melt and to burn off
impurities, then heat the mixture with a torch. When the
silver liquefies, they pour it into molds. Wait till solidifies,
process through rolling machine until they have a thin
sheet of silver called plate. Next the silversmiths cut
the plate with a saw into various shapes and sizes. Open
work designs are made in several ways: using metal stamps,
hammering on metal caps and other techniques that set
of off the patterns beautifully.
Making
beads requires tremendous skill as well as large reserves
of patience. The dedicated craftsmen from hilltops of
the north Thailand put the same attentive care into each
bead. It would not be an exaggeration to assert that each
bead is a work of art, a masterpiece that no two beads
are the same!
