Sterling Silver and Garnet Religious Necklace - Balinese Cross

Artisan Organization: Kenari

Country: Indonesia

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"Our family had a simple life, and we held tight to traditions that we had passed from generation to generation. My father was a silversmith and, with the help of my mother, they could make a living. My mother displayed and sold the jewelry that my father made. My parents had three children, and I am the second child. I went to school from kindergarten to junior high school in our neighborhood. Then I went to senior high school and college, majoring in hospitality. At that time, the hospitality business had grown a lot in Bali and that's why I chose that major.

"I've loved making silver jewelry ever since I was a little girl because my parents and uncle taught me how to work with silver. At first I learned the techniques, and then material choices and also the finishing. The reason I love this field is because I keep learning new things. In designing or making new designs, most of the time there is a little hiccup that prevents me from finishing. And by hitting that wall, that makes me learn how to finish my design properly. And then eventually I can create jewelry with great quality.

"Like other people, I also have hobbies. I like listening to music, traveling and also watching movies. I love them because I can learn something new, and maybe apply the values to my daily life. When traveling, sometimes I go with my friends. From my friends, I know that I am a firm person. And usually when I do something, I would like to be the best at it, meaning that I do it with totality.

"Today I am married to a great artist. He also helps me sometimes to create new designs, or at least gives me input about them. During our marriage, we have been blessed with two boys. Married life isn't easy, yet it is not that hard either. Change is mostly what we face. It started from when I first lived with my parents to then living with my husband. Starting from that point, I had to establish my new life with a husband and children. Being in new circumstances, of course, takes some time until we can feel comfortable.

"To get through this cruel world, I always remember a saying — 'Life is like a wheel. Sometimes we're on top, but sometimes we are on the bottom.' That is why I always do my best, so I can be tougher than anything that puts me down. I also apply that when I make new designs. I always put hard work into them. I am satisfied with all of my designs, yet, the one that has a special place in my heart is named 'Crown Princess.' That design is completely handmade by skillful craftsmen, known in Bali as tukang. To find skillful tukang who are able to create handmade designs isn't easy. Fortunately, I have three such artisans working with me, and each of them can supervise as many as eight workers.

"Before I started working with you in 2006, I used to manage the family silver workshop. Then I heard from a friend that you could take my jewelry to a wider market, directly to new buyers. Today, my personal target is to make more great designs with which I can please everyone. That is one way of saying thank you because with your help, I can make a good living for my family. I can provide a decent education for my children. You are very a big help to me — almost 80 percent of my income comes from your purchases. Thank you for helping silver artisans like me."

Original Artisan Story

Kenari was born in 1979 in Celuk, a village famous for its gold and silversmiths. All of her family members work in silver. From the time she was very young, Kenari started learning the process of crafting silver jewelry such as rings, necklaces, bracelets and much more. Her days were filled by assisting her uncle in his silver workshop. In 2003, Kenari married an artist from Gianyar. Balinese women who marry live with the husband's family and so did she. Even after moving away from the silverwork environment, Kenari was still obsessed with crafting jewelry. Fortunately, her husband gives her great support. While working in an art shop, Kenari is active in designing silver jewelry. She is constantly busy developing new designs."