Just outside of the city of Surin where I live (off highway 214) are two villages that make and sell silver jewelry, one is named BanKwao Sinarin. I've taken a half a dozen friends of mine who were visiting me to see these places over the years, and to buy some presents to take back home. It is interesting to watch how they make the jewelry and other silver pieces. You can find great bargains here, and very beautiful and intricate earrings, belt buckles, belts, rings, braclets, and necklaces.
A silversmith applying heat to some silver earrings.
Some family members sorting through the silver jewelry for sale.
One of the silversmiths applying patterns to the silver jewelry.
All the silverware and jewelry is still made by hand in a primitive yet functional manner. It is amazing how much work goes into these pieces and how detailed they are.
Silver beads for necklaces in the making.
The family patriarch looking over his wares.
I bought these earrings for my wife for Christmas.
A handmade silver hairpiece.
Same piece with matching earrings.
Also I bought a bracelet that matched the earrings for her as well. There are many nice things to buy here. The necklaces are very nicely made and beautiful as well. There are also a lot of shops on the road leading to these villages that sell stone jewelry; amber, torqouise, and many other semi-precious stones. I've gotten some very nice bargains along this road for presents to send home for birthdays and Christmas. A very neat and short trip out of Surin can be incorporated into a day trip including a few other villages as well that sell woven baskets, high quality silk and silk clothing, pocketbooks, tableclothes, slippers, and just about anything that can be made of silk. There is also a village that deals exclusively in 'red sapphires' as they call them ... rubies. Plus there is a small village where some members of my wife's family live that has very inexpensive handicrafts made of silk; change purses, scarfs, and small handbags. In one day you can see many different villages with interesting handiwork and wares.
I hope you liked this post and found it interesting. If you are ever in the area this is one of the many things to see and do.
Some facts on the silverware villages for the reader:
The Silverware Villages, Ban Khwao Sinarin and Ban Chok, are Iocated on Highway 214 with a 4 kilometers right turn between Km. markers 14 -15. The villages produce and put on sale assorted silver ornaments such as belts, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and watches. A large number of silverware shops line both sides of the road.
* All pics in this post by Bob, the Old Hippy.
Mike/Cent