Re: Bali Silver -- What's the Deal?

Here's my take:

Bali silver is one of the most recent (though not the first) and most prevalent departures from traditional nice smooth silver beads. They have texture, ornament, etc. that's very different from most of the European and US stuff (mostly produced in the Rhode Island area, historically). In particular, it's the granulation and wire work that's most noticeable. There ARE other countries with specialties, like Javanese filigree and Nepali bezel settings, but Bali hit the market at the right time in the right quantities to really be noticed.

Much of what's coming out of Turkey or Israel is just as nice and just as well-made. About the only beads I look skeptically at are Indian, because the majority is cast from Bali beads and the textural definition gets blurred or lost. Sometimes that's desirable, and certainly the lower cost is appealing. I think it all boils down to a matter of taste in many ways. I'm rather fond of some of the Thai silver, which is more organic looking than the Bali silver...it's somehow softer, dunno how to explain it.

-- KarenK Desert Dreamer Designs

Hmmm. Good question. For me, it's the fact that it's handmade of good quality sterling silver, and it's just pretty to look at. It's heavy, dark and lovely. And the designs are gorgeous. Consequently, I like a lot of different silver things, not just Bali, but Bali is my favorite.

I, too, had the "What is the fuss about?" response at first, but after comparing 'true' Bali to some of the imitations, side by side, I have to admit to seeing a difference and valuing the real thing over the knock-offs. And I respect the fact that its creation represents an honored and honorable regional artisan tradition. It is skilled work done by people whose hearts seem to genuinely be in the process of creating something not only marketable, but of satisfyingly high quality.

But having said that, it is their 'knock-off-ness' that I object to in the lesser stuff. I'd rather see a more different in another style -- perhaps something unique to their region -- from the folks who do fake Bali. Like Thai Hilltribe silver, which has a very different gestalt, but is quite beautiful in its own right.

Having said that, I also admit to liking the satiny texture of pewter in some things, and find that quality of medium perfectly adequate to many purposes. And I like copper *a lot* because of its soft, warm overtones. I would take good, interestingly designed copper over some kinds of ho-hum Standard Brands Bali.

So -- that's just my perspective on handworked metal stuff.

Deirdre

actually I LOVE pewter and prefer it as a metal. Unfortunately, I can't always find designs I like, and people would rather pay for sterling when they are paying me. And I'm becoming very fond of gunmetal when I do wirework.

Jewitch

Thanks, Sooz, for all this information, and thanks to everyone else who posted.

And thanks for the informative links mentioned below (I'm including them in case someone is just stumbling across this thread).

Jewitch

-- KarenK Desert Dreamer Designs

Karen:

Let us know if you can make the transition to copper...it's my fave!!!

I'll line up to buy your stuff...really.

If you figure out either of those things, keep me posted. I would love to be your first customer, if you decide to sell any of your handiwork.

Deirdre

Have you seen the catalog for Quest Bead and Cast in NYC? They have wonderful charms and clasps in silvertone or goldtone silver - really nice color and texture. The catalog is $6.00, available on their website at

Oh, man!! Cool stuff!!!

Hi there. I just found this forum and think it's great! There are some very good Bali-style beads coming out of India now. There are a few things to be aware of, however. If the beads are being produced in Jaipur, there is a good chance that they are not sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure. Most likely, the content is under 85%, which is probably totally acceptable in most cases. Another big difference is antiquing. Most of the "Bali beads" coming out of India and also from Turkey are antiqued with a black die, whereas good Bali beads made in Bali (Indonesia) are oxidized with liver of sulfer and then polished. This is a very labor-intensive process, but it shows. Hope this was helpful. Devin

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from "mkahogan" :

]I do appreciate the information, however. One can never be too well ]informed about the industry.

there is that!

----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)