Handmade Sterling Jewelry

Hill Tribe Silver

Posted by Alicia E. Staz on August 30th, 2006 — Posted in Jewelry Materials

Even though I use Bali beads in my designs at Beaded Royalty, I have always wondered what Hill Tribe silver beads were. What makes them different from Bali silver beads? Here is what I found…

During the last decade, artisans from the several of the Hill Tribes in Thailand have gained a wonderful reputation for their unique silver beads. The term ‘Hill Tribe’ refers to ethnic minorities who live in the mountain regions of northern Thailand. Their origin dates back nearly 2000 years, when most migrated to Thailand from Tibet, Burma, China and Laos. There are 6 main Hill Tribes: the Mien (also known as Yao), Karen (Thai Gariang), Akha (Thai Egaw), Lahu (Thai Musay) Hmong (Thai Meo) and Lisu (Thai Lisaw).

Each tribe has their own characteristic dress, customs and styles of ornamentation, but all of the tribes do silversmithing. They employ traditional tribal methods that have been passed down from generation to generation. Hill Tribe silver beads are amazing works of art, each made by hand, with little or no machinery. No two pieces are exactly alike. Some beads are hammered and etched, while others are literally sculpted. Hill Tribe silver beads come in an endless array of shapes and sizes, often emulating objects in nature such as: ladybugs, butterflies, fish, shells, leaves, and flowers.

The silver content in Hill Tribe silver beads is 95-99% rather than the 92.5% of Bali beads (sterling silver). The higher silver content is softer and is therefore easier to shape into the countless designs that are available. Many Hill Tribe silver beads are made from Indian and Burmese silver coins that have been melted down. After the silver is melted with torches and poured into moulds, very small pieces are shaped by a long process of tapping. The process is very similar to that of the Bali artisans, but the style is uniquely Thai.