Bali Jewellery: A Journey Through Tradition and Modernity

Everyone agrees that everything in Bali never strays from cultural and historical contexts, including jewellery making. Jewellery was merely part of the ceremonial purpose. But in the 10^th century, goldsmiths and silversmiths created jewellery as an artistic and spiritual expression. The 16^th century saw jewellers perfecting the technique and introducing motifs inspired by Hinduism and Buddhism, which laid the foundation of jewellery-making in Bali today.

Gold and silver will always remain relevant as jewellery, even in Bali. However, artisans have started using other materials like recycled metals, resin, and gemstones. But how do the artisans in Bali create such intricate designs on jewellery? They combine these traditional techniques with modern technology to amplify precision and efficiency.

• Granulation. The characteristic of Balinese jewellery is applying tiny gold and silver beads to create intricate patterns.

• Filigree. Twisting thin metal into a delicate yet elaborate design. Often used to create floral or mythological motifs. 

• Repoussé and chasing. Hammering and pounding the metal from behind to create a raised design. The artisan then refines and polishes the design from the front.

• Oxidation. Highlighting the details by creating contrast between the darkened and polished areas.

Symbolism in Designs

We’d love to tell you everything about symbolism in Bali, but then we need more than a day to cover everything. While we can’t list every symbol and its meanings, these are the ones you may find when browsing for jewellery in Bali.

• Flowers. The Lotus flower symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening, while the frangipani represents dedication and eternal love.

• Animals. Elephants often indicate wisdom, while dragons offer protection. Garuda represents knowledge. Barong is always worn as a spiritual shield against evil and negativity.

• Deities and the Divine. In Hinduism, the Om motif represents the universe, while Shiva or Vishnu often offers protection.

• Nature. Waves, leaves, and vines represent Bali as an island with oceans and lush jungles.

Buying jewellery in Bali doesn’t require finding shops far from the main tourist center. Even when you go to malls in Bali, like Seminyak Village, you can browse different types of jewellery. One Love Jewelry specializes in making jewellery from recycled coins, creating pieces that are contemporary and minimalist, from earrings to bangles and brooches. Suardana Silver Bali hailed from Celuk, creating jewellery using traditional techniques, resulting in intricate pieces from rings to necklaces.

Feel free to check the silver and gold jewellery from Bali Artisan Essentials/Pandava, whose design leans toward minimalism. Aryuna is the place to go if you seek Balinese motifs and patterns because all their pieces are inspired by flora, fauna, and traditional patterns, whether you go for brooches, hair pins, or earrings.

Every artisan in Celuk breathes silver, meaning the village near Ubud is the holy grail of handmade silver jewellery in Bali. No matter where you buy your jewellery, chances are the artisan comes from Celuk, as they are the ones who mastered the traditional technique of jewellery-making in Bali. No one denies the detailed craftsmanship of Celuk artisans.

If you make a trip to Celuk, don’t just buy the jewellery. Experience and see the jewelry-making process, from melting and molding to shaping it into intricate motifs. Some stores and galleries also offer workshops to create jewelry you can take home. Prices here are much more affordable because you buy directly from the artisans.

Ubud Art Market is more than a place where you buy wooden masks or sculptures. Beyond the usual knick-knacks, you can also find shops selling jewellery. Besides the typical silver and gold, you will also see unique handcrafted jewellery made of gemstones and shells.

Though we prefer to shop for jewellery in the stores to ensure its authenticity, you can bargain at the Ubud Art Market. Imagine getting good quality silver jewellery for a fraction of the price you pay at the stores. The only thing you need to pay attention to when shopping for jewellery at Ubud Art Market is to always scrutinize the items before making a purchase.

Playful doesn’t always equal tacky. Jewel Rocks takes inspiration from nature — colors, materials, and shapes — and strings them together into jewellery you never want to take off. Think of ribbon fly earrings made of sterling silver, colorful cotton string bracelets with unicorn charms, and goldplate chain necklaces adorned with opal stone and shell pendants. Their ring collection is a combo of gold, silver, and gemstones that screams classic but is still fun to wear.

Timeless and sustainable? Say no more! Luna & Rose fills the gap in sustainable jewellery in Bali. When you buy the Guidance Necklace or Timeless Mini Pearl Bracelet, the sterling silver is crafted from recycled materials, from scrap metals to old computer parts. If you love the Goddess of Love necklace but prefer something shiny, they have the gold and the 9K solid gold options. Luna & Rose is proof that being eco-conscious has never looked this stylish.

Traditional motifs become fresh and modern in the hands of Tulola Designs. Taking inspiration from Indonesia’s heritage, each piece, from the Canang Ring to the Janger Double Brooch, is imbued with designs and techniques from the archipelago’s history. Tulola Designs also has a subeng collection, a distinctive form of Balinese earrings. It will give you a fabulous look with their hairpiece collection to add a splash of ethnic aesthetic to your outfit ensemble.

Island Soul Jewellery brings together the best combo in jewellery: silver and gemstones. Yes, they have the gold collection, but the Infinity Bracelet with Black Onyx and Sphere Ring with different gemstones (citrine, moonstone, rose quartz… you name it) steals our hearts. Bringing classic designs into each jewellery piece, you will never look out of place wearing the Paradise Lotus earrings and Bali Island pendant when having a quick brunch.

When you think of Kapal-Laut, you think of silver jewellery. Having multiple stores across Bali, Kapal-Laut has become your go-to store if shopping for silver jewellery is high on your list. Pure silver makes the Oval Hoops earrings, and Cherry Twin bracelets will add timelessness to your look, just like the collection's name. But Kapal-Laut also plays with colorful gemstones, like cat eye, aquamarine, turquoise, and even freshwater pearl, if you prefer something classy and everlasting.

Spirituality is the keyword at Shivaloka. Every piece of jewellery brings back the old purpose of wearing jewellery, the way the ancient Balinese did. Shivaloka is not where to buy gold or silver jewellery in Bali. Shivaloka is about power beads or mala. You can also shop depending on your intention. If you’re focusing on health and healing, then getting the Healing Bracelet Bhisajya sounds appropriate. The Heart Energy Priya Mala will fit you if you seek love, while the Ganesh Bracelet will protect you from negative energy.

John Hardy has been stamping its mark on the jewellery scene in Bali since 1975. From the get-go, John Hardy implemented traditional Balinese techniques with modern design, resulting in their signature design, Icon. Using 100% recycled silver and gold, the Spear Flex Cuff, Surf Y necklace, or Gold Love Knot Rings have the iconic twisted style this brand is known for. John Hardy defines the epitome of luxury, history, and sustainability as merged into one.

For four decades, Prapen has evolved from a small family business to one of the most respected jewellery brands in Bali. The design at Prapen is inspired by Balinese nature, from lotus flowers to butterflies. Each piece of the jewellery, whether it’s the Bracelet Cuff Bridge, Dragon Baroque Pendant, or Ring Rolling Jawan, uses the traditional Balinese technique. Prapen’s craftsmanship goes beyond the silver, as they also use leather, gemstones like ruby and turquoise, and also pearls.

Get your hands dirty at Studio Perak in Ubud. While you can browse the jewellery at the store, Studio Perak offers you first-hand experience to create your silver ring, pendant, or earrings! The three-hour workshops cost around US$30, including 5 grams of silver; you can buy an additional gram for 25K (around US$ 1.5). You can bring your design or gemstones, and the staff will guide you every step of the way. Always book in advance to secure the spot!

Recognizing Genuine Materials

We understand your worries about getting gold and silver jewellery in Bali. But don’t worry! We have tips you can use when considering buying jewellery on your Bali trip.

• Bring a small magnet. Pure gold and silver are not magnetic. If you hold jewellery and it sticks, then you know it contains other metals.

• Weight test. Pure gold and silver feel heavy and dense. If the jewellery is light, then chances are it’s plated.

• Smell. Gold and silver have no smell or odor. If you can smell the metal, the base is probably metal.

• Discoloration. Real gold has a consistent color, while silver has a bright and metallic sheen. If it's gold-plated, then you will see discoloration.

Understanding Pricing and Bargaining

Unless you buy in an art market like Ubud, the price of jewellery is often fixed. You may get a small discount, but you cannot lower the price. That’s why it’s crucial to check prices between shops before purchasing. Remember, if you want to bargain, the #1 rule is to always go half the asking price. Walk away if they insist, and before your tenth step, they will probably call you back.

But with jewellery, you also need to consider craftsmanship. The jewellery in Bali goes beyond the karat of gold/silver, but also involves complicated techniques. The more intricate the techniques and motifs, we think it’s fair if you pay more.

Supporting Local Artisans

The jewellery you see in the big shopping malls is often (though exceptions exist) mass-produced. We’re not saying they’re not real gold/silver, but you don’t get the Bali characters from them.

Even if you can’t go to Celuk to buy directly from the artisans, stores sell authentic Balinese jewellery in tourist-centered destinations. Remember the distinctive features of Balinese-styled jewellery, and you will know how to distinguish them easily.