Thai/Khmer

These beads were handmade using a traditional fabrication process that is slowly dying out as younger generations choose to pursue less time-consuming methods of production. In this process, which has been used for hundreds of years, the outer layer of the beads consist of very thin strips of silver which is hammered and etched with various patterns, then formed into the desired bead shape. The heart of the bead is filled with tree resin giving the bead its strength and stability. The silver is then oxidized to bring out the beautiful surface patterning.