Thai Arts

My mother was an incredible jewelry hound.  She had boxes full of gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls and you name it.  She loved it all. Some of those pieces came from my father and had special meaning but most were acquired because she just loved the stuff and couldn't resist it.

As for myself, I prefer to choose more selectively and I don't buy frequently.  Usually I choose silver and I always make my selections based on uniqueness, quality, design and meaning.  I have recently come by many of my mother's treasures and so I have no need for want to be sure, but it is the pieces I chose for myself because of their uniqueness and their stories that are my favorites.  These special pieces that I choose to adorn myself with have almost become extensions of my person.  I feel in some way that they absorb some of my energy and spirit and after some time...they truly become mine.

Today I received my beautiful cuff from Novica.  It is designed and created by the Thai jewelry artist Achara and her family. It was shipped to me from Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.  It arrived by FedEx sooner than I expected and in opening the packaging I was surprised to find my cuff encased in a lovely fabric bound box...with a pillow inside to safely store the cuff.  A postcard from Chiang Mai was also enclosed with a HAND WRITTEN note from "Team Thailand."

Taking the jewelry from it's box I was immediately enchanted.  It is an exceptionally fine piece of artistry. It is detailed and a bit complex in its design yet beautifully simple. It is heavy on my wrist.  Good heavy, good weight, the kind of heavy that makes itself known without getting in the way.  I like that. There isn't a flaw in the piece.

The mission of Achara is "to create unique designs in great quality silver jewelry as well as to preserve Thai and hill tribe cultures."  I love this and I chose my piece from Thailand because it is a country I want to visit. This is not a piece of jewelry you can buy at the local franchise jewelry store.  It's not even a piece you could get at Tiffany's or Lux Bond & Green.  This is special. This is handmade.  This has history and purpose.  And it makes me feel like Wonder Woman with her invincible wrist cuffs! I've only worn it for an hour and a half and already it is mine!

Read more about Thailand, Chiang Mai and the Hill Tribe Cultures. 
Visit Novica online to browse many beautiful paintings, artworks, baskets, (fabulous Mexican hammocks), apparel, handmade jewlery and more from around the globe. I, for one, will be a return shopper.

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[Mark Randall Kilburn]

In 1988 I spent 33 days in and around Korat, Thailand courtesy of my rich uncle, Sam. Most of the time was spent at the Thai Army base called Friendship Camp, while we trained with the Thai Army during Operation Cobra Gold.

Thailand to me, is never what I think it is.