Painted Turquoise and Fuchsia Beaded Three-Strand Necklace 'Fragments of Fantasy'

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.

Handcrafted in Thailand with little leaf wood, coconut shell, and waxed polyester cord. The necklace has a 32.5-inch inner circumference. It is a hand-crafted item, so color, size, and motif may vary slightly. Wood grain and color can also vary.

us117-24560

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