Danai

Danai jewelry featuring natural flowers

"My name is Danai Leosawathiphong. I was born March 20, 1949 in northern Thailand. My grandfather was a Chinese immigrant from the Canton province. He emigrated to Thailand at the end of the 19th century when he was in his early twenties. He was a very hard working person trading goods all along the river and during that time he met my partner's grandfather.

"I studied business and left for England. Engineering interested me, and I graduated with an engineering degree from Leeds University. I met Ilkay, my wife there. She went to Brunel University where she graduated in polymer science.

"In 1976, Ilkay and I came back to Thailand. Originally my family and partner's family planned to get into mining. And in order to analyze the rocks, ores and minerals, we needed to set up a lab. Then my partner's father suggested that we could also use the lab to create something representative of the area, and we came up with the idea of covering natural products such as exotic flowers and plants with gold. Well, the easiest way was to experiment with copper.

"So we started electro-plating products. We got a small bathtub, filled it with an electrolytic solution and placed anodes in there. We placed flowers in as cathodes wired to a DC rectifier and went home. Of course, we could not wait to see the results, so we came back at 2 or 3 in the morning. Yes, the flower should be nice by now. We took them out and… Wow! Only the wires were left! We tried and tried until we had our first flower covered with metal, but it really looked like a shrimp. So this experimenting lasted about two years. We had to start working professionally, because our process is not electro-plating, but rather electro-forming. Basically with electro-forming the layer of plating is much thicker and the surface better leveled than with electro-plating.

"It was a very demanding and challenging time for Ilkay and me because there were so many details involved in trying to get our products off the ground, working on packaging and advertising, etc. We had to run this activity like a proper business and, with our scientific backgrounds, this was another challenge. It was just as we were launching our product on the market that my partner married. His wife is in charge of marketing and has helped us tremendously.

"This new venture gave flavor to my life. It has enabled me to provide employment to others in my community, and they can provide for their families. From the very beginning, one of our main objectives has been to employ women, as there were few job offers for women then. Another main objective has been the environment, because we have to deal with chemicals. We reprocess everything we use and do not throw anything away. All our boxes are made out of recycled paper as well.

"I think our creations have a lot of potential. I do not think they will go out of fashion, because people generally love flowers. It is so interesting when you work for yourself. For the past 20 years or so, I have had good and bad times but I enjoyed it all. It is pretty much like black coffee – bitter, sweet and very nice."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Chiang Mai, Thailand

"I studied business and left for England. Engineering interested me, and I graduated with an engineering degree from Leeds University. I met Ilkay, my wife there. She went to Brunel University where she graduated in polymer science.

"In 1976, Ilkay and I came back to Thailand. Originally my family and partner's family planned to get into mining. And in order to analyze the rocks, ores and minerals, we needed to set up a lab. Then my partner's father suggested that we could also use the lab to create something representative of the area, and we came up with the idea of covering natural products such as exotic flowers and plants with gold. Well, the easiest way was to experiment with copper.

"So we started electro-plating products. We got a small bathtub, filled it with an electrolytic solution and placed anodes in there. We placed flowers in as cathodes wired to a DC rectifier and went home. Of course, we could not wait to see the results, so we came back at 2 or 3 in the morning. Yes, the flower should be nice by now. We took them out and… Wow! Only the wires were left! We tried and tried until we had our first flower covered with metal, but it really looked like a shrimp. So this experimenting lasted about two years. We had to start working professionally, because our process is not electro-plating, but rather electro-forming. Basically with electro-forming the layer of plating is much thicker and the surface better leveled than with electro-plating.

"It was a very demanding and challenging time for Ilkay and me because there were so many details involved in trying to get our products off the ground, working on packaging and advertising, etc. We had to run this activity like a proper business and, with our scientific backgrounds, this was another challenge. It was just as we were launching our product on the market that my partner married. His wife is in charge of marketing and has helped us tremendously.

"This new venture gave flavor to my life. It has enabled me to provide employment to others in my community, and they can provide for their families. From the very beginning, one of our main objectives has been to employ women, as there were few job offers for women then. Another main objective has been the environment, because we have to deal with chemicals. We reprocess everything we use and do not throw anything away. All our boxes are made out of recycled paper as well.

"I think our creations have a lot of potential. I do not think they will go out of fashion, because people generally love flowers. It is so interesting when you work for yourself. For the past 20 years or so, I have had good and bad times but I enjoyed it all. It is pretty much like black coffee – bitter, sweet and very nice."

Thailand Fulfillment Hub

In Thailand, artistic skills and traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. As you explore our Thailand Collection you will discover handwoven silks and hand embroidered textiles, celadon and benjarong pottery, teak carvings, lacquerware and exquisite jewelry. All are handcrafted in traditional and contemporary designs by talented Thai artisans.

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Maker Badge Working with Disabilities

Danai believes in opportunity, especially for anyone interested in the arts. Since he first began to explore his unique art form, he has given work to those who might experience difficulties with finding work elsewhere, among them, the profoundly deaf and those with limited sight. He has also nurtured the interest of very young students, providing them with the opportunity to observe his process and eventually employing them while they studied at the university.

Maker Badge Job Creator

Danai has created natural flower jewelry for 30 years. Some of his original workers are still with him. Today, he provides work for people who range in age from 20 to over 60.

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Alternate image for White and Purple Orchid 22k Gold-Accented Dangle Earrings Magical Petal

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White and Purple Orchid 22k Gold-Accented Dangle Earrings 'Magical Petal'

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Alternate image for Natural orchid gold-plated flower earrings Aqua Perfection

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Natural orchid gold-plated flower earrings 'Aqua Perfection'

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Alternate image for Gold plated natural orchid earrings Timeless Dancer

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Gold plated natural orchid earrings 'Timeless Dancer'

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Karol Moja zona by?a zachwycona, Dobrze wykonana, dok?adnie jak na zdj?ciu.

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Alternate image for Natural Flower Button Earrings Chiang Mai Sky

$39.99

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Natural Flower Button Earrings 'Chiang Mai Sky'

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Kathryn Love these. Have them in purple too.

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Alternate image for Orchid Petal Dangle Earrings Chiang Mai Kiss

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Orchid Petal Dangle Earrings 'Chiang Mai Kiss'

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Karen Beautiful earrings

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Alternate image for Fair Trade Gold Plated Natural Orchid Pendant Necklace Aqua Perfection

$49.99

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Fair Trade Gold Plated Natural Orchid Pendant Necklace 'Aqua Perfection'

$49.99

(5)

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Sheilashese What i really like is this necklace is adjustable and very well made.would recommend with no hesitation. Everything i order has come well packaged.

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