Matta

Matta handcrafted jewelry

"My name is Matta Nandrakwang, I was born and raised in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province in Thailand next to the border with Myanmar (Burma). I grew up appreciating this naturally beautiful area, home to rich and diverse cultures as well as many ancient ethnic tribes. Since the area is rich with gems and the main activity was their trade, I began to learn and develop a passion for the various gemstones.

"Ever since I was a young girl, I have been enamored with the hill tribe people's love of jewelry. I regularly saw people around me wearing jewelry. I recall seeing a hill tribe girl my age, seven at the time, wearing beautiful silver jewelry accessorizing her colorful costume. She had silver coins hanging around her face, more silver ornaments on her, as well as beautiful beads. I couldn't take my eyes off her! I don't remember exactly what I said to my father about her, but remember clearly that afterwards I got my first gold ring with a little blue star sapphire. I felt I was on top of the world.

"Years later, when living in Bangkok during my college years, and after working for four years in a public hospital after graduation, I realized that although I liked helping people, I could not see myself being a nurse for the rest of my life. I subsequently left Thailand to travel for two years, and came to the conclusion that what I really wanted to do, was to work with gems. Even then, in the West, people would ask, 'are you going to a party?' because I was always wearing jewelry. I love wearing nice things – I always have.

"My sister and I have always enjoyed visiting jewelry shops. We would buy what we could afford, and admire the higher price pieces. I realized I had much to learn about gems and jewelry, and decided to enroll in gemology school. There I learned all about gems and jewelry making. I learned on my own about bead-making. This passion is still with me after many years. I have opened my own studio now, and I derive great joy from sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge of gems and jewelry with my visitors."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Chiang Mai, Thailand

"Ever since I was a young girl, I have been enamored with the hill tribe people's love of jewelry. I regularly saw people around me wearing jewelry. I recall seeing a hill tribe girl my age, seven at the time, wearing beautiful silver jewelry accessorizing her colorful costume. She had silver coins hanging around her face, more silver ornaments on her, as well as beautiful beads. I couldn't take my eyes off her! I don't remember exactly what I said to my father about her, but remember clearly that afterwards I got my first gold ring with a little blue star sapphire. I felt I was on top of the world.

"Years later, when living in Bangkok during my college years, and after working for four years in a public hospital after graduation, I realized that although I liked helping people, I could not see myself being a nurse for the rest of my life. I subsequently left Thailand to travel for two years, and came to the conclusion that what I really wanted to do, was to work with gems. Even then, in the West, people would ask, 'are you going to a party?' because I was always wearing jewelry. I love wearing nice things – I always have.

"My sister and I have always enjoyed visiting jewelry shops. We would buy what we could afford, and admire the higher price pieces. I realized I had much to learn about gems and jewelry, and decided to enroll in gemology school. There I learned all about gems and jewelry making. I learned on my own about bead-making. This passion is still with me after many years. I have opened my own studio now, and I derive great joy from sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge of gems and jewelry with my visitors."

Thailand Artisan Empowerment 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 Enabling Education

Matta has provided an education for three children that she is not related to. Two have graduated and one is still at the university.

Maker Badge Empowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker Badge Microcredit Financing

Matta has received 5 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $2700 and the most recent for $2850. Proceeds were used to invest in a bulk purchase of materials for her handcrafted jewelry.

Maker Badge Profound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker Badge Covering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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Alternate image for Pearl and Peridot Drop Earrings Attraction

$89.99

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Pearl and Peridot Drop Earrings 'Attraction'

$89.99

(4)

Comments

Heidi I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much considering the price I paid, but these are beautiful, well made earrings. I had a very similar pair that were lost and these are the replacements, they are even better than the original ones and far better priced. Thank you!

3 more comments

Alternate image for Handcrafted Pearl Earrings Sweet Peach Glamour

$54.99

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Handcrafted Pearl Earrings 'Sweet Peach Glamour'

$54.99

(3)

Comments

Donna Very sweet, dainty and feminine....love them!

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Alternate image for Handmade Hematite and Cultured Pearl Pendant Necklace Beach Vacation

$59.99

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Handmade Hematite and Cultured Pearl Pendant Necklace 'Beach Vacation'

$59.99

(1)

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D Dale I love the look of this necklace! Sits beautifully. Perfect length, perfect width The beautiful pearl surrounded by tiny, shiny disks of hematite make a very tasteful midpoint. And the colorful reconstituted turquoise beads do make one feel ready for a day at the beach on a Pacific island. Note: Length can be adjusted by about an inch.

Alternate image for Handmade Apatite and Cultured Pearl Link Bracelet Morning Blue

$37.99

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Handmade Apatite and Cultured Pearl Link Bracelet 'Morning Blue'

$37.99

(4)

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Kitty This bracelet is delicate looking, but is sturdy and well crafted. I think it would stand up to a lot of use, even being worn daily. It could be worn on its own or stacked with other bracelets. The design combination of apatite, pearls and silver is lovely.

3 more comments

Alternate image for Handmade Jade Dangle Earrings Spirit of Bamboo

$54.95

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Handmade Jade Dangle Earrings 'Spirit of Bamboo'

$54.95

(12)

Comments

William Beautiful and with character.Wears them often!

11 more comments

Alternate image for Amethyst Pendant Necklace Rotations

$37.99

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Amethyst Pendant Necklace 'Rotations'

$37.99

(3)

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Joanne I love the simplicity of this necklace and the faceted amethyst bead is stunning.

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Alternate image for Handmade Sterling Silver Plated and Brass Dangle Earrings Gold and Silver Coin

$29.99

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Handmade Sterling Silver Plated and Brass Dangle Earrings 'Gold and Silver Coin'

$29.99

(3)

Comments

Andrea These earrings are very pretty. The contrast between silver and gold gives them a unique look. They are simply lovely.

2 more comments

Alternate image for Brass and Reconstituted Turquoise Dangle Earrings Sea Gold

$49.99

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Brass and Reconstituted Turquoise Dangle Earrings 'Sea Gold'

$49.99

(8)

Comments

Cynthia If you need that extra pop of color, this is the piece for you.

7 more comments

Alternate image for Handcrafted Bridal Pearl Strand Necklace Pink Sea Breath

$89.99

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Handcrafted Bridal Pearl Strand Necklace 'Pink Sea Breath'

$89.99

(2)

Comments

Holly Lovely pearl necklace. I hope my mother-in-law loves it

1 more comment

Alternate image for White Gold Plated Cultured Pearl Ring Budding Beauty

$67.99

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White Gold Plated Cultured Pearl Ring 'Budding Beauty'

$67.99

(18)

Comments

Jennifer I lost my wedding ring, which was devastating. I’ve been trying to find something meaningful to replace it. I found this gorgeous pearl ring and thought it would be perfect and it is! Wonderful craftsmanship and so unique.

17 more comments

Alternate image for Cultured Pearl and Tourmaline Beaded Necklace from Thailand Colorful Palace

$74.99

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Cultured Pearl and Tourmaline Beaded Necklace from Thailand 'Colorful Palace'

$74.99

(2)

Comments

Julia Brilliant and beautiful. Charming and sharp! Elegant and simple. Absolute perfection! Love it.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Round Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings from Thailand Round Charm

$29.99

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Round Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings from Thailand 'Round Charm'

$29.99

(2)

Comments

Pamela These earrings are just stunning. Can't believe the beauty and size of these gems. As this is my birthstone, I certainly will cherish these.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Handcrafted Pearl and Jade Necklace Touch of Life

$79.99

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Handcrafted Pearl and Jade Necklace 'Touch of Life'

$79.99

(5)

Comments

Kim Matta has an exquisite collection of pearl and jade jewelry. I bought myself and my best friend some jade pieces for our birthdays. I am now shopping her pearl collection for my daughter on her wedding day. Thank you!

4 more comments

Alternate image for Hand Made Tourmaline and Rose Quartz Beaded Necklace Precious Orb in Rose

$89.99

Item Detail

Hand Made Tourmaline and Rose Quartz Beaded Necklace 'Precious Orb in Rose'

$89.99

(3)

Comments

Christiana I like the length of this necklace very much and the stones are lovely. My only concern, hence the 4 stars, is that the clasp is only a toggle around a stone, no clasp. I'm afraid I'll lose the necklace when i wear it. I have to figure out how to make sure it can't get off my neck.

2 more comments