Chiang Mai, 
"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."
Grey Cultured Freshwater Pearl Choker Necklace 'Mermaid Gem in Grey'
$64.99
(1)
Comments
Creator Review Studio - From our community Versatile necklace, great for layering. Love it!
Pearl and Peridot Drop Earrings 'Attraction'
$97.99
(4)
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H
3 more 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!
Handmade Apatite and Cultured Pearl Link Bracelet 'Morning Blue'
$37.99
(4)
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K
3 more comments
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.
Amethyst Pendant Necklace 'Rotations'
$37.99
(3)
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2 more comments
Joanne I love the simplicity of this necklace and the faceted amethyst bead is stunning.
Handmade Sterling Silver Plated and Brass Dangle Earrings 'Gold and Silver Coin'
$29.99
(3)
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A
2 more comments
Andrea These earrings are very pretty. The contrast between silver and gold gives them a unique look. They are simply lovely.
White Gold Plated Cultured Pearl Ring 'Budding Beauty'
$67.99
(18)
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J
17 more 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.
Cultured Pearl and Tourmaline Beaded Necklace from Thailand 'Colorful Palace'
$77.99
(2)
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J
1 more comment
Julia Brilliant and beautiful. Charming and sharp! Elegant and simple. Absolute perfection! Love it.
Round Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings from Thailand 'Round Charm'
$29.99
(2)
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1 more comment
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.
Handcrafted Pearl and Jade Necklace 'Touch of Life'
$79.99
(5)
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K
4 more 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!
Hand Made Tourmaline and Rose Quartz Beaded Necklace 'Precious Orb in Rose'
$94.99
(3)
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2 more 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.
The shelves are empty for now. Every piece Matta makes is one of a kind, and they've all found homes. Follow to be first to see the next collection. Follow Matta.
