Nyoman Nartawan

Nyoman Nartawan handcrafted gold and sterling silver jewelry

"I was born in Bali, the third of five children. My parents were farmers. When I was a boy, times were tough because my parents' income had to stretch for all of us. We could eat rice only on special occasions, such as religious holidays. We couldn't eat rice any other days, and we ate whatever we had just to survive.

"After graduating from junior high school, I couldn't continue my studies due to financial problems. My parents couldn't support my studies anymore, so I needed to find a job. Since I lived in a town where most people work as silversmiths, I was interested in learning the art. From the time was 11 or 12, I'd help my brother, who also worked in silver.

"Like most people, I also have hobbies aside from working with silver. I like fishing, sometimes I play volleyball and, when I was a boy, I also used to help my parents in the rice field. As an ordinary person living in a small town, I never thought I would marry a foreigner. But I did — I married a Japanese girl. The first time we met was when she learned how to work with silver in my place. Today, we have a daughter. Being a parent is amazing for me and it has changed me a lot.

"My parents used to tell me to help my brother in his silver work, even when I was still in junior high school. By the time I graduated, I had gotten used to it. I remember what my teacher told me — 'You have to practice working with silver frequently because, no matter how dull a knife is, it will be sharp if it is sharpened every day.' Through frequent practice, I obtained my skills.

"I now work with five people to create my own jewelry designs. I have three employees who help me, and the other two are my relatives. They work based on the designs that I create. To look for inspiration, I often read magazines to get ideas. My jewelry uses mostly combinations of silver, gold, copper, and brass. I get all the materials from local shops, and it's quite easy to find them in Bali. Of all of the materials I use, the most challenging to combine are silver and gold. Unlike many other silversmiths, my work has its own characteristics. I hope you can help me introduce my art to the world."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Ubud, Indonesia

"After graduating from junior high school, I couldn't continue my studies due to financial problems. My parents couldn't support my studies anymore, so I needed to find a job. Since I lived in a town where most people work as silversmiths, I was interested in learning the art. From the time was 11 or 12, I'd help my brother, who also worked in silver.

"Like most people, I also have hobbies aside from working with silver. I like fishing, sometimes I play volleyball and, when I was a boy, I also used to help my parents in the rice field. As an ordinary person living in a small town, I never thought I would marry a foreigner. But I did — I married a Japanese girl. The first time we met was when she learned how to work with silver in my place. Today, we have a daughter. Being a parent is amazing for me and it has changed me a lot.

"My parents used to tell me to help my brother in his silver work, even when I was still in junior high school. By the time I graduated, I had gotten used to it. I remember what my teacher told me — 'You have to practice working with silver frequently because, no matter how dull a knife is, it will be sharp if it is sharpened every day.' Through frequent practice, I obtained my skills.

"I now work with five people to create my own jewelry designs. I have three employees who help me, and the other two are my relatives. They work based on the designs that I create. To look for inspiration, I often read magazines to get ideas. My jewelry uses mostly combinations of silver, gold, copper, and brass. I get all the materials from local shops, and it's quite easy to find them in Bali. Of all of the materials I use, the most challenging to combine are silver and gold. Unlike many other silversmiths, my work has its own characteristics. I hope you can help me introduce my art to the world."

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.

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Alternate image for 18k Rose Gold Plated Copper and Sterling Silver Earrings Caretaker of Beauty

$49.99

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18k Rose Gold Plated Copper and Sterling Silver Earrings 'Caretaker of Beauty'

$49.99

(4)

Comments

Shirley Beautifully compliments a watch and bracelet that I received as a gift. Will be looking forward to more from this artisan. !!!!!

3 more comments

Alternate image for Gold Accent Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet from Bali Metallic Rainbow

$89.99

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Gold Accent Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet from Bali 'Metallic Rainbow'

$89.99

(5)

Comments

Mary E. The bracelet is quite attractive, but I am a bit disappointed that the metal bands can be easily bent out of shape.

4 more comments

Alternate image for Geometric 18k Rose Gold-Accented Dangle Earrings from Bali Dreamy Reflections

$39.99

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Geometric 18k Rose Gold-Accented Dangle Earrings from Bali 'Dreamy Reflections'

$39.99

Alternate image for Semicircle Sterling Silver and Copper Dangle Earrings Modern Sunset

$47.99

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Semicircle Sterling Silver and Copper Dangle Earrings 'Modern Sunset'

$47.99

Alternate image for Gold Accent Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Earrings from Bali Metallic Rainbow

$74.99

Item Detail

Gold Accent Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Earrings from Bali 'Metallic Rainbow'

$74.99

Alternate image for Hammered Sterling Silver and Copper Dangle Earrings Summer Glisten

$39.99

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Hammered Sterling Silver and Copper Dangle Earrings 'Summer Glisten'

$39.99

(5)

Comments

Ellen These earrings are so different! They are large, light, and comfortable and boy do they SHINE! Love them!

4 more comments

Alternate image for 22k Gold Plated Dangle Earrings from Bali Modern Fall

$64.99

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22k Gold Plated Dangle Earrings from Bali 'Modern Fall'

$64.99

(2)

Comments

Kamila I bought these for a wedding. I wanted something unique. They are classy enough for work too. I'm happy with the purchase.

1 more comment

25 Reviews for

October 21, 2023

E Ellen

These earrings are so different! They are large, light, and comfortable and boy do they SHINE! Love them!

Reviewed item

June 21, 2023

S Shirley

Beautifully compliments a watch and bracelet that I received as a gift. Will be looking forward to more from this artisan. !!!!!

Reviewed item

November 30, 2022

M Mary E.

The bracelet is quite attractive, but I am a bit disappointed that the metal bands can be easily bent out of shape.

Reviewed item

October 4, 2022

M Michelle

I love these earrings! They’re so beautiful and fun.

Reviewed item

September 4, 2022

R Rochelle

It's a lovely bracelet! It seems fragile, and it easily bends to fit my wrist. I'd hate to lose it.

Reviewed item

September 4, 2022

K Kamila

I bought these for a wedding. I wanted something unique. They are classy enough for work too. I'm happy with the purchase.

Reviewed item

January 14, 2022

M Mary

I enjoy wearing copper jewelry and it can be hard to find. These are showy and shiny and just what I wanted!

Reviewed item

December 26, 2021

B Beth

These were a hit with my sister on her birthday. Esra tile, quality, lightweight!

Reviewed item

July 13, 2021

P Patricia

These earrings are classic! And of course they go with everything- I can wear them with jeans and capris but they also go with the basic black dress. I have rose gold and silver bangle bracelets and the earrings team perfectly with them. They are also surprisingly comfortable!

Reviewed item

July 13, 2021

L Lisa

Beautiful craftsmanship - I love how they shine and get so many compliments on them.

Reviewed item

June 23, 2021

R Renee

I bought these earrings for myself as a birthday present. When they arrived I discovered I had two left earrings (the earrings are only hammered on one side.) Customer service responded and sent out replacements right away and I love them. I gave them 4 stars because if they were hammered on both sides, then it wouldn't matter which ear they were for.

Reviewed item

January 3, 2021

H Hannah

These are very versatile and stylish hoops. The hammered rose gold/copper finish is really unique and pretty. I wear them all the time and they go with pretty much any outfit. The silver and gold plated parts are very polished. Low-key bling. The clasp mechanism works well. No issue so far (and I've had them for 6+ months). I hope I never lose these!

Reviewed item

December 29, 2020

A Aegina

The combination of metals makes these earrings versatile, and I love how they catch the light.

Reviewed item

September 28, 2020

J Jill

Love these earrings. Very light.

Reviewed item

June 9, 2020

E Elizabeth

I had a pair of copper earrings that was handmade by a friend of mine in high school. I lost one, and ever since I'd been searching for the perfect pair of earrings that incorporated copper, but I wanted it to be a replacement that had meaning for me.I chose these with my gift certificate because I knew that the proceeds would help the artist make a better life for them and their community, and t... read more

Reviewed item

May 15, 2020

J Jitka

These earrings are beautifully made, substantial without being heavy, and just lovely to wear.

Reviewed item

April 28, 2020

N Nancy

Love these earrings and have the name of the artist just adds to this.

Reviewed item

April 28, 2020

N Nancy

Gorgeous! Knowing the name of the artist makes it even more special.

Reviewed item

April 3, 2020

M M. C.

I love the gold/silver combination of these earrings and was pleasantly surprised to find that the leaf portion swings freely from the silver shape above it. I'm going to get a lot of use out of this pair of earrings.

Reviewed item

March 8, 2020

B Brenda

Simple and elegant- love it,

Reviewed item

January 30, 2020

R Rebecca

The three colors in the braclet allow me to wear it with anything. It is lightweight and very comfortable to wear. It is both casual and dressy.

Reviewed item

January 29, 2020

C Caren

Very pretty. My sister already tried to steal them

Reviewed item

December 18, 2019

H Heidi

These earrings are beautiful. A little shinier in the person than on the photo. Unfortunately, I wore them one time and they got lost. They didn't come with the rubber backs and I assumed they would stay in my ears, but they didn't and I have no idea when and where I lost them :(

Reviewed item

December 7, 2019

R Ruey

I love the quality and unique combination of metal. Very versatile.

Reviewed item

December 5, 2019

J Joyce

I purchased this and the matching earrings and both are fabulous! The cuff goes on smooth and does not pinch. It feels silky and is comfortable. I will not hesitate to purchase from this company in the future.

Reviewed item

June 9, 2020

E Elizabeth

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Nyoman Nartawan

Nyoman Nartawan

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