Buana

Buana handmade silver and gemstone jewelry

Update (May, 2019)

"My name is I Wayan Buana. I was born in Sukawati, Bali in 1974. My father was a civil servant while my mother was a food seller. I'm the oldest of four children. I remember my childhood was so happy. My parents really loved and took care of their children well. Because our family's economic condition was so limited, I worked after school so I could pay the school fees for my siblings, and also help my parents.

"I like sports like badminton, and I often exercise near my house. In Sukawati, most of the villagers are wood carvers, silversmiths and clothing sellers. It's also famous because of its rich culture and arts. For those who are looking for inspiration, you can find tons of ideas amid Bali's tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

"My enthusiasm for silver jewelry crafting started when I was still in the 6th grade. The father of well-known featured artisan Komang Wijayana was the one who taught me. Once I was around 15, I was finally able to create jewelry by myself and help out with orders from clients.

"I married a Balinese woman who had been in a relationship with me since junior high school, and now we've been blessed with two daughters and a son. The period shortly after we got married was our most difficult. The economy wasn't good at all. Many people took my silver jewelry on consignment but didn't pay, and I had to sell my work door to door.

"The breakthrough happened when I began working with you. By then, my first child was already eight years old. When I remember that time, I always give thanks to God for helping me through that moment. There is one thing that I maintain in this life — that God can give one everything, so just keep praying. One thing that I always pray for is a long life so I can continue crafting jewelry and provide for my family.

"I really love making silver jewelry, and I love all of my designs. Yet there is one that I feel is especially great, which is my 'Face of the Moon' ring. I designed it, and all of my work is based on my designs. Usually I sketch a design, then I give it to the artisans who collaborate with me. There are 18 of them who work brilliantly with silver. We use ordinary tools, such as silver plate tools, scissors, hard saws, and polishing machines.

"Another thing I love about making silver jewelry is that I can also preserve my ancestral culture. Most of my designs are influenced by Balinese traditions, and also the beauty of nature on the island.

"When I received an award as your best-selling artisan in Bali, that motivated me to make even better jewelry. Since joining you in 2006, a lot has changed in my life. I now own a house where my family and I live, and this has been completely life-changing. One thing I can do to repay this is to give you my very best work."

Original Artisan Story

Like most people who were born and live in Gianyar Regency, Buana has been surrounded by handicrafts since he was a child. Gianyar is a part of Bali known throughout the world for its beautiful landscapes and exceptional artistic legacy. Handicrafts like shadow puppets made of cowhide, woodcarving and silver jewelry are created there in towns like Tegalalang, Ubud, Sukawati and Celuk.

"In 1990, Buana decided to learn to craft silver jewelry from a friend in Celuk. He learned it all, from the very basic skills like sanding, polishing and making plates to very advanced techniques.

Supported by his family, Buana has continued his profession as a silversmith. "I am thankful to God for giving me such a great gift so I can make a living for my family. Not much, perhaps, but enough for our simple way of life," he says. "Hopefully through my sales I can offer a better future to my wife and two children."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace ID

Update (May, 2019)

"My name is I Wayan Buana. I was born in Sukawati, Bali in 1974. My father was a civil servant while my mother was a food seller. I'm the oldest of four children. I remember my childhood was so happy. My parents really loved and took care of their children well. Because our family's economic condition was so limited, I worked after school so I could pay the school fees for my siblings, and also help my parents.

"I like sports like badminton, and I often exercise near my house. In Sukawati, most of the villagers are wood carvers, silversmiths and clothing sellers. It's also famous because of its rich culture and arts. For those who are looking for inspiration, you can find tons of ideas amid Bali's tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

"My enthusiasm for silver jewelry crafting started when I was still in the 6th grade. The father of well-known featured artisan Komang Wijayana was the one who taught me. Once I was around 15, I was finally able to create jewelry by myself and help out with orders from clients.

"I married a Balinese woman who had been in a relationship with me since junior high school, and now we've been blessed with two daughters and a son. The period shortly after we got married was our most difficult. The economy wasn't good at all. Many people took my silver jewelry on consignment but didn't pay, and I had to sell my work door to door.

"The breakthrough happened when I began working with you. By then, my first child was already eight years old. When I remember that time, I always give thanks to God for helping me through that moment. There is one thing that I maintain in this life — that God can give one everything, so just keep praying. One thing that I always pray for is a long life so I can continue crafting jewelry and provide for my family.

"I really love making silver jewelry, and I love all of my designs. Yet there is one that I feel is especially great, which is my 'Face of the Moon' ring. I designed it, and all of my work is based on my designs. Usually I sketch a design, then I give it to the artisans who collaborate with me. There are 18 of them who work brilliantly with silver. We use ordinary tools, such as silver plate tools, scissors, hard saws, and polishing machines.

"Another thing I love about making silver jewelry is that I can also preserve my ancestral culture. Most of my designs are influenced by Balinese traditions, and also the beauty of nature on the island.

"When I received an award as your best-selling artisan in Bali, that motivated me to make even better jewelry. Since joining you in 2006, a lot has changed in my life. I now own a house where my family and I live, and this has been completely life-changing. One thing I can do to repay this is to give you my very best work."

Original Artisan Story

Like most people who were born and live in Gianyar Regency, Buana has been surrounded by handicrafts since he was a child. Gianyar is a part of Bali known throughout the world for its beautiful landscapes and exceptional artistic legacy. Handicrafts like shadow puppets made of cowhide, woodcarving and silver jewelry are created there in towns like Tegalalang, Ubud, Sukawati and Celuk.

"In 1990, Buana decided to learn to craft silver jewelry from a friend in Celuk. He learned it all, from the very basic skills like sanding, polishing and making plates to very advanced techniques.

Supported by his family, Buana has continued his profession as a silversmith. "I am thankful to God for giving me such a great gift so I can make a living for my family. Not much, perhaps, but enough for our simple way of life," he says. "Hopefully through my sales I can offer a better future to my wife and two children."

Bali and Java Artisan Empowerment Hub

Come with us on a journey to the magical Indonesian islands of Bali & Java, where artistry is a way of life, and soothing tropical vibes ease away all stress and tension. These lands are famous for intricate wood carvings, divine silversmith work, and Batik designs that transport you to another time.

Learn More

Maker BadgeCaring for Children

When Buana first began to work, he was fearful that he would be unable to care for his first child. Now he proudly cares for two.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

Buana provides for the education of his two children.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

"When I began to work with Novica I started with nothing, I could barely support my family. Today I have a growing workshop, and a number of silversmiths work with me."

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

Buana is a master silversmith. He designs and crafts his jewelry collection using a combination of traditional and modern jewelry making techniques. Buana and his silversmiths share their knowledge and train younger artisans that join the workshop.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Buana has received 14 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $2400 and the most recent for $7000. Proceeds were used to invest in a purchase of natural gemstones and silver for his jewelry.

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Sherry Beautifu,l quality, timeless

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Shirley I was blown away when I opened the package and saw this pendant. The design and workmanship are exquisite. It is the perfect gift for my lovely daughter-in-law; it can be worn for casual or dress-up occasions. I can't wait to give it to her.

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M.A. This necklace is beautiful and very well made. It is thicker than I thought it was going to be, so not really good for a picture, but perfect for holding other mementos.

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Kristen I wear these a lot. I also have at least three other pairs of earrings from Buana and I absolutely love all of them! They're interesting, but understated enough to go with everything.

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