Dragon-Themed Multi-Gemstone Cuff Bracelet from Bali, "Dragon Empire"

Update (May, 2019)

"My name is I Wayan Buana. I was born in Sukawati, Bali in 1974. My father was a civil servant while my mother was a food seller. I'm the oldest child of 4 siblings. I remember my childhood was so happy; my parents really loved and took care of their children well. Because our family’s economic condition was so limited, I worked after school so I could pay the school fees of my siblings, and also help my parents.

"I like sports like badminton, and I often exercise in Sukawati near my house. In Sukawati, most of the villagers are wood carvers, silversmiths and clothing sellers. It's also famous because of its rich culture and arts. For those who are looking for inspiration, you can find tons of ideas among Bali's tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

"My enthusiasm in learning about silver jewelry crafting started when I was still in the 6th grade. The father of Novica featured artisan Komang Wijayana was the one who taught me. Once I was around 15, I was finally able to create products by myself and help out with orders from clients.

"I married a Balinese woman who was in a relationship with me since junior high school, and now we have been blessed with 2 daughters and 1 son. The time shortly after we got married was the most difficult time. The economy was not good at all; many people took my silver jewelry but did not pay, and I had to sell my products door to door. The breakthrough happened when I joined with Novica. At that time my first child was already 8 years old. When I remember that time, I always give thanks to God for helping me through that moment. There is one thing that I maintain in this life: that God can give one everything, so just keep praying. One thing that I always pray for is that I can have a long life so I can continue to be in this business and provide for my family.

“I really love making silver jewelry, and I love all of my products, yet there is one product that I feel is especially great, # 139361(the 'Face of the Moon' ring). I am the one that designed it, and all of my products are based on my designs. Usually I draw and design a product, and then I give it to my workers. There are 18 workers that work brilliantly with silver. I am also the one who organizes all of them, based on their skills. We use ordinary tools to produce silver jewelry, such as silver plate tools, scissors, hard saws, and polishing machines.

“Another thing that makes me love making silver jewelry is because I can also preserve my ancestral culture. Most of my silver jewelry is influenced by Balinese traditional culture, and also the nature in Bali. When I got an award from Novica as the best selling artisan in Novica Bali, that motivated me to make better products every time. After 13 years since joining Novica, a lot has changed in my life. My production is now faster, because I have added more tools and that makes all things easier. I own a house which my family and I live in. And that has happened because my income increased significantly when I joined Novica. Joining Novica was a life-changing step that I made. One thing I can do to repay that is to give Novica customers my best products.”

Original Artisan Story

Like most people who were born and live in Gianyar Regency, Buana has been surrounded by handicrafts since he was a child. Gianyar is a part of Bali known throughout the world for its beautiful landscapes and exceptional artistic legacy. Handicrafts like shadow puppets made of cowhide, woodcarving and silver jewelry are created there in towns like Tegalalang, Ubud, Sukawati and Celuk.

In 1990, Buana decided to learn to craft silver jewelry from a friend in Celuk. He learned it all, from the very basic skills like sanding, polishing and making plates to very advanced techniques. Supported by his family, Buana has continued his profession as a silversmith. "I am thankful to God for giving me such a great gift so I can make a living for my family. Not much, perhaps, but enough for our simple way of life," he says. "Hopefully through Novica I can offer a better future to my wife and two children."