18. How is Bali silver jewelry made?
The creation of Bali silver jewelry is a mesmerizing dance between ancient techniques and artistic vision! The process begins with purifying raw silver through melting, then forming basic shapes through casting or hand-forming. The magic emerges when master artisans apply decorative techniques passed down through generations – granulation (attaching tiny silver beads), filigree (creating lace-like patterns with fine silver wire), repoussé (hammering designs from behind), and jawan (applying silver balls in intricate patterns). Many pieces undergo controlled oxidation to enhance details before final polishing creates dramatic contrast between bright and darkened areas, revealing the full beauty of the design.