Purple Wood Beaded Strand Necklace from Thailand 'Island Allure in Purple' Item ID: 2671800919
$29.99This is your own listing item.
- 0.46 lb
- Shortest strand: 23.5 inches L,Longest strand: 30.5 inches L,3.1 inches L
- 0.12 lbs
- Shortest strand: 23.5 inches L
- Longest strand: 30.5 inches L
- 3.1 inches L
- Littleleaf boxwood
- polyester cord
- Avoid contact with water
- Toggle clasp
Made in Thailand
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"Sawasdee ka, I'm Sumalee from Isan, in northeastern Thailand, and I come from a family dedicated to gardening flowers. As a child I helped by storing and jasmines as well as fresh banana leaves to sell in at the ceremonies held throughout the year in my village.
"I remember sitting next to my grandmother when she was weaving silk. She planted mulberry trees and raised the silkworms herself. I would also help her as much as I could, by feeding the silkworms with mulberry leaves, boiled cocoons, etc.
"When I was 10 years old, I moved along with my mother to Lampan, where my aunt lived. She wove cotton tablecloths, bedspreads, pillowcases, etc. Every evening after school, I would help her tie tassels on the bedspreads fringe. When I graduated the sixth grade, I wasn't able to continue unto high school with my friends because my mother did not have enough funds.
"So, I worked at a Thai dessert store, starting as an apprentice until I could make several things. I was able to continue my studies and eventually got a vocational certificate in Accounting and I financed my studies by selling my aunt's products at the Night Bazaar.
"After I graduated I worked for a Christian organization for 17 years. Their mission was to help those less fortunate. I met many people, most of them were older people who were unemployed and had no one to look after them. So, I arranged for simple jobs for them that could generate revenue for them as well as recreational activities to reduce their stress.
"However, I became exhausted from work, so I decided to resign and I spent my savings investing in different things, such as a flower shop, a restaurant, a cafe, and a souvenir shop. However, since my only experience had been in non-profit organizations, I ended up losing most of my capital.
"One day, as I was walking on the street I noted some small wooden beads on a bag, and I thought that this was a material that is hardly used and yet was a good decorative accent. I decided to invest again, taking a risk with the money I had left.
"I started with half a kilo of wooden beads and I started threading necklaces by hand. I made a few necklaces with bright, noticeable colors and I began selling them on the streets. My necklaces caught the attention of tourists, who liked them because they were affordable, lightweight, and beautiful.
"And so my life revived! This time, I gradually added new designs, I was more careful with my money, and I promised myself that I would work as intended, and would not fail again.
"My necklaces have been incredibly accepted because even though they are made from small wooden beads that look very ordinary on their own, when I thread them together the necklace can make the wearer stand out a lot. I continue to help the older people from the foundation. They help me by binding and tying the cords calmly and beautifully, for which of course they are handsomely paid.
"Now I sell at Night Bazaar and a friend I made there has been very helpful with her timely advice. You may know her as another featured artisan, she is Chirada and she is very glad to know that I will join the family. Hope all of you will welcome and support my works. Thank you."
32 Reviews for
Sumalee Nawakul
January 31, 2020
T
Tina
I love the colors in this necklace, I usually am not a necklace type of person but I could not pass this one up. Enjoy wearing it. Thank you Sumalee.
Reviewed item
December 1, 2019
A
Alice
Love the colors of the beads in this fun necklace. Very light and comfortable. Great for warm weather.
Reviewed item
November 26, 2023
J
Joanna
Love this colorful, substantial necklace. I just adore turquoise, but it can be very heavy. This is lightweight and adds that lovely turquoise pop of color to your wardrobe! Very well made and a versatile addition to my wardrobe! Thank you Sumalee Nawakul!
Reviewed item
October 17, 2019
M
Moe
Sumalee has a great eye for mixing and matching colours in her eco-friendly jewelry range. This necklace is very versatile; it is light on the neck, and the mix of colours means you can pair it up or down, either with a cardigan or shawl in one of the primary colours of the necklace. I usually wear it against a darker-hued basic colour like black or navy. Received compliments every time I wear thi... read more
Reviewed item
October 13, 2019
C
Carol
This lightweight, colorful necklace brings a ray of sunshine to a dreary day! It also brings lots of compliments!
Reviewed item
October 8, 2019
A
Alexandra
I purchased this necklace a couple of years ago. A few months ago, I purchased a second one as a gift, after receiving several compliments from a dear friend. It is lovely, light, and bright!
Reviewed item
January 11, 2023
A
Anna
This is a thick necklace, a statement piece, I think, that is beautifully made. I had doubts about the clasp before buying, but it seems to hold pretty securely. I wouldn't necessarily wear it to work as a professional piece, but for casual wear it works great!
Reviewed item
July 7, 2019
D
Dorothy
I am very fond of the colour brown and this is such an unusual necklace in design. Very well made.
Reviewed item
June 1, 2019
C
Cheryl
This necklace with its vivid tasteful colors make any outfit fun !It is very well constructed with good quality wood . I will enjoy this gem for years to come
Reviewed item
May 24, 2019
L
Lida
What a truly unique & eye catching necklace that is as beautiful in wearing as in the picture. The color is such that it can be worn with many outfits or attire. Simply gorgeous, a great buy and a great find for sure
Reviewed item
March 17, 2019
K
Kathy
Very colorful, light weight necklace. It goes well with everything. It does brighten everyone's day just to see the pretty colors. I will wear it frequently.
Reviewed item
February 20, 2019
M
Marie
Whenever I wear this, I receive compliments from strangers. I love its lightness - you hardly know you have it on - and the colours, which lift any outfit.
Reviewed item
November 13, 2018
J
Judith
This necklace will be getting a lot of wear. The simple design will work nicely to dress up or down a shirt, top or dress.
Reviewed item
June 23, 2018
E
Emily
Who doesn't love chocolate, and these brown beads look good enough to eat! This necklace can be worn with anything and I look forward to doing just that. Thank you for sharing your talents.
Reviewed item
April 4, 2018
F
Flo
I ordered this wooden bead necklace for myself but just before it arrived my daughter-in-law told me how much she likes the color orange so it was saved for her birthday. She was very happily surprised. They're eye-catching, each bead is smoothly made and they are long enough to wear with many things. really pretty on white in the summer.
Reviewed item
March 28, 2018
K
Kathleen
Great piece to wear with something that just needs a statement piece. . This piece makes you take another look. Well made, vibrant colors. Wear it with casual to dressy outfits.
Reviewed item
March 14, 2018
B
Barbara
Received wood torsade necklace, "Songkran Belle". It is very colorful and will look great in Spring & Summer. I love it!
Reviewed item
March 10, 2018
R
Rachael
This was more than I expected. Lightweight and easy to wear. Colors are stunning and will brighten up anything I wear.
Reviewed item
February 7, 2018
J
Jennifer
The necklace is a bright pop of color for certain. Also, it is nicely very light on the neck since it is made with wooden beads. Look forward to wearing it in summer.
Reviewed item
January 23, 2018
M
Mignonne
This necklace was even better than I expected. The wood beads make it light weight, and the colors will go with anything in your wardrobe! My day was truly made when I opened the package, saw the beautiful colors and tried it on. Perfect for a dull grey winter day!
Reviewed item
October 23, 2022
M
Maria
The Wood Bead Necklace in Dark Brown, "Dark Brown Dance" is absolutely gorgeous! It is long enough and comfortable to wear, not heavy at all. A fun style with a natural look that calls the eye. I had to get the bracelet after to complete the set. Highly recommended!
Reviewed item
April 7, 2017
N
Nancy
I received my orange torsade necklace and when I tried it on I was really excited. I liked that you can twist the multiple strands to shorten it, or untwist them to lengthen it. Made from the beads of the boxwood tree, it is lightweight, natural looking and has a lovely handwoven clasp I had never seen.
Reviewed item
May 2, 2022
J
June
Wonderful, I do believe I will have to order the other colours as well! This will look fabulous in the summer with a white top and tan.
Reviewed item
March 20, 2021
T
Thaneeya
This necklace is perfect! The colors are beautiful and the necklace is (surprisingly) very lightweight. I appreciate that it can be worn at two different lengths. It feels very well-made. Highly recommend!
Reviewed item
October 17, 2019
M
Moe
Sumalee has a great eye for mixing and matching colours in her eco-friendly jewelry range. This necklace is very versatile; it is light on the neck, and the mix of colours means you can pair it up or down, either with a cardigan or shawl in one of the primary colours of the necklace. I usually wear it against a darker-hued basic colour like black or navy. Received compliments every time I wear this necklace, and will be looking for other colour combinations from Sumalee's range!
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"Sawasdee ka, I'm Sumalee from Isan, in northeastern Thailand, and I come from a family dedicated to... read more
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Sumalee Nawakul handcrafted beaded jewelry
"Sawasdee ka, I'm Sumalee from Isan, in northeastern Thailand, and I come from a family dedicated to gardening flowers. As a child I helped by storing and jasmines as well as fresh banana leaves to sell in at the ceremonies held throughout the year in my village.
"I remember sitting next to my grandmother when she was weaving silk. She planted mulberry trees and raised the silkworms herself. I would also help her as much as I could, by feeding the silkworms with mulberry leaves, boiled cocoons, etc.
"When I was 10 years old, I moved along with my mother to Lampan, where my aunt lived. She wove cotton tablecloths, bedspreads, pillowcases, etc. Every evening after school, I would help her tie tassels on the bedspreads fringe. When I graduated the sixth grade, I wasn't able to continue unto high school with my friends because my mother did not have enough funds.
"So, I worked at a Thai dessert store, starting as an apprentice until I could make several things. I was able to continue my studies and eventually got a vocational certificate in Accounting and I financed my studies by selling my aunt's products at the Night Bazaar.
"After I graduated I worked for a Christian organization for 17 years. Their mission was to help those less fortunate. I met many people, most of them were older people who were unemployed and had no one to look after them. So, I arranged for simple jobs for them that could generate revenue for them as well as recreational activities to reduce their stress.
"However, I became exhausted from work, so I decided to resign and I spent my savings investing in different things, such as a flower shop, a restaurant, a cafe, and a souvenir shop. However, since my only experience had been in non-profit organizations, I ended up losing most of my capital.
"One day, as I was walking on the street I noted some small wooden beads on a bag, and I thought that this was a material that is hardly used and yet was a good decorative accent. I decided to invest again, taking a risk with the money I had left.
"I started with half a kilo of wooden beads and I started threading necklaces by hand. I made a few necklaces with bright, noticeable colors and I began selling them on the streets. My necklaces caught the attention of tourists, who liked them because they were affordable, lightweight, and beautiful.
"And so my life revived! This time, I gradually added new designs, I was more careful with my money, and I promised myself that I would work as intended, and would not fail again.
"My necklaces have been incredibly accepted because even though they are made from small wooden beads that look very ordinary on their own, when I thread them together the necklace can make the wearer stand out a lot. I continue to help the older people from the foundation. They help me by binding and tying the cords calmly and beautifully, for which of course they are handsomely paid.
"Now I sell at Night Bazaar and a friend I made there has been very helpful with her timely advice. You may know her as another featured artisan, she is Chirada and she is very glad to know that I will join the family. Hope all of you will welcome and support my works. Thank you."
"I remember sitting next to my grandmother when she was weaving silk. She planted mulberry trees and raised the silkworms herself. I would also help her as much as I could, by feeding the silkworms with mulberry leaves, boiled cocoons, etc.
"When I was 10 years old, I moved along with my mother to Lampan, where my aunt lived. She wove cotton tablecloths, bedspreads, pillowcases, etc. Every evening after school, I would help her tie tassels on the bedspreads fringe. When I graduated the sixth grade, I wasn't able to continue unto high school with my friends because my mother did not have enough funds.
"So, I worked at a Thai dessert store, starting as an apprentice until I could make several things. I was able to continue my studies and eventually got a vocational certificate in Accounting and I financed my studies by selling my aunt's products at the Night Bazaar.
"After I graduated I worked for a Christian organization for 17 years. Their mission was to help those less fortunate. I met many people, most of them were older people who were unemployed and had no one to look after them. So, I arranged for simple jobs for them that could generate revenue for them as well as recreational activities to reduce their stress.
"However, I became exhausted from work, so I decided to resign and I spent my savings investing in different things, such as a flower shop, a restaurant, a cafe, and a souvenir shop. However, since my only experience had been in non-profit organizations, I ended up losing most of my capital.
"One day, as I was walking on the street I noted some small wooden beads on a bag, and I thought that this was a material that is hardly used and yet was a good decorative accent. I decided to invest again, taking a risk with the money I had left.
"I started with half a kilo of wooden beads and I started threading necklaces by hand. I made a few necklaces with bright, noticeable colors and I began selling them on the streets. My necklaces caught the attention of tourists, who liked them because they were affordable, lightweight, and beautiful.
"And so my life revived! This time, I gradually added new designs, I was more careful with my money, and I promised myself that I would work as intended, and would not fail again.
"My necklaces have been incredibly accepted because even though they are made from small wooden beads that look very ordinary on their own, when I thread them together the necklace can make the wearer stand out a lot. I continue to help the older people from the foundation. They help me by binding and tying the cords calmly and beautifully, for which of course they are handsomely paid.
"Now I sell at Night Bazaar and a friend I made there has been very helpful with her timely advice. You may know her as another featured artisan, she is Chirada and she is very glad to know that I will join the family. Hope all of you will welcome and support my works. Thank you."
Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Chiang Mai, Thailand
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.
Maker Badge
Enabling Education
Sumalee does not have any children but she loves being an aunt. She helps her younger sister with the cost of her niece's education.
Maker Badge
Job Creator
Sumalee helps to support her mother in a unique way. She hires her mother and other older workers to help with the hand-finishing of her statement jewelry created from wooden beads.
Maker Badge
Preserving Traditions
As a child, Sumalee learned sewing, embroidery and weaving from her mother. She still practices these arts today and often teaches them to younger artisans.
Maker Badge
Profound Impact
Sumalee has struggled for many years. She has a small shop in a local market but the sales are erratic, tied to tourism, and do not provide enough income to meet her expenses. Her Novica sales are essential to her survival and the survival of those who depend on her. She is working very hard to increase her sales.
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
Sumalee Nawakul has received 3 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1300 and the most recent for $1400.
Maker Badge
Caring for Children
This artist supports children under the age of 18.
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Purple Wood Beaded Strand Necklace from Thailand 'Island Allure in Purple'
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