Blue Topaz and Silver Circular Dangle Earrings - Mystic Shields

Artisan Organization: Wirabhuwana

Country: Bali and Java

"Hello, my name is Wirabhuwana, I was born in Celuk Sukawati, a town rich in tradition and arts. I'm the second of three children.

"In the third grade, I was jealous of my friends who had new clothes and money they earned from a jewelry workshop. Although my father bought me clothes and gave me money, I wanted to be self-sufficient like they were. I wasn't allowed to work because I was still quite young and my father would buy anything I needed. But from there, I became interested in learning about silver jewelry and sometimes worked like the other children, but surreptitiously.

"After a few years, my mother became interested in the jewelry craft, saying it seemed to have good potential. At first she made rings, and then created many other jewelry designs. In 1990, my father retired and joined this effort. We built our workshop at home and received many orders.

"After studying accounting in Udaya University, I worked as an accountant and as a civil servant. Now, I look after our silver jewelry venture as well.

"I married a beautiful woman from Tabanan who gave me a daughter and son. My wife is a doctor at a hospital in Denpasar, but she helps me with the workshop when she has time. My children make me feel happy, grateful and proud. We'd been wanting for a child for years after getting married and God finally heard our prayers.

"The people in Celuk know me as a shy, quiet but patient man. I like computers, the Internet and traveling. My mother said to always remember to live life without making others suffer, because helping others and making people happy will result in good karma and happiness in the future. I'm proud to help my workers finish their schooling until they graduate from high school. They deserve to get a good education.

"I manage this family workshop, which employs about 15 people, including silversmiths. We use traditional tools like scissors, stoves, hammers and also do casting. We use sterling silver, gold and gemstones.

"We use Balinese designs, like bun (vine motif) and jawan (silver bubble). We add our own embellishments to make our own unique creations. I hope that people from around the world like our designs.""