Leaf-Shaped Silver Filigree Dangle Earrings from Java 'Heart of Leaves' Item ID: 2676661556

"I'm Antarina Putik Hadian. I was born in 1978 in Jogjakarta, and grew up in an area known for its tradition, culture and metal arts. It's an ancient place that was the capital of the Mataram Sultanate from 1575 and 1640. During that time, traditional silver, gold and copper industries began to develop, dominated by the use of repoussé hand-embossing techniques. The work created in this region fulfilled the household needs of the royal family and provided them with their ceremonial articles.

"Even today, my town is considered a site of origin, with supernatural power being the focus of ancestral blessings and prosperity. The silverware produced here is characterized by floral motifs from the Hindu tradition, and our manual metal work is kept historically authentic. Here you will find filigree, silver-casting, miniature sculptures and handcrafted jewelry.

"I'm the second of two siblings. Apart from designing, my hobbies are singing and the culinary arts.

"My parents and grandparents also work with silver. They taught me about the processes and also brought me with them to the marketplaces. Because of this, I majored in metal art in the university. While studying, I also worked as a freelance designer until I graduated and decided to focus on creating my family's silver designs. I like this work very much because it gives me the chance to introduce my creativity and ideas to shoppers.

"Our designs are traditional but with a unique look all our own. Quality is extremely important to us. The design inspiration comes from local cultures, arts and global trends. In our workshop, some 23 artisans help us and they are all women who live nearby. Our materials are sterling silver and also copper. Most of my designs are crafted by hand using traditional tools such as scissors, tongs and nippers with the old techniques inherited from our ancestors."