Sumalee

Blue Green Torsade Necklace Wood Beaded Jewelry 'Chao Phraya Belle'

Regular price
$23.99
Sale price
$23.99
Regular price
Buy From Sumalee ❯
This 'Chao Phraya Belle' by Independent Artisans is a beautiful torsade necklace. Designed by Sumalee Nawakul, she crafts the necklace by hand with dyed wood beads of littleleaf boxwood, creating 10 hand-knotted strands that twist into a necklace that can fasten at two different lengths. The piece is a beautiful reflection of a livelihood that uplifts others while celebrating Thai craftsmanship.
Sumalee, from Isan in northeastern Thailand, grew up surrounded by flowers, silkworms, and textiles woven by her grandmother and aunt. After leaving school early due to financial hardship, she supported herself through jobs in Thai dessert shops and later with a Christian nonprofit, where she spent 17 years helping the elderly find small sources of income. Exhausted but determined, she pursued several ventures before discovering her path in jewelry. Inspired by simple wooden beads, she began threading colorful necklaces by hand and selling them on the streets. Tourists admired their lightweight beauty and affordability, and her work slowly gained recognition. Today, her designs transform humble beads into vibrant jewelry, crafted with the help of older community members who find both purpose and income through the work. For Sumalee, jewelry is not only a livelihood but also a way to uplift others while celebrating Thai craftsmanship.
This necklace is crafted from littleleaf boxwood and waxed polyester cord. It features a toggle clasp and measures between 18.5 and 19.3 inches long and 1 inch wide.
us117-21325

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