(1888PressRelease)
May 07, 2006 - Travel the Thai countryside by train and you’ll get a first hand look at a kaleidoscope of craftsmen at work: paper-makers, engravers, wood-carvers, engravers, lacquerers, sculptors, and pottery makers. For centuries, these artisans have been creating objets d’ art that are a fusion of influences—all which reflect the finest traditions of Asia and are admired the around the world.
That rich tradition of Thai craftsmanship has been paired recently with European jewelry styling by CB Fine Jewelry Ltd., one of the country’s leading manufacturers of handcrafted fine jewelry. Since their founding in early 2003, the company has grown quickly from a small Bangkok studio to an internationally-recognized manufacturer, exporting its diamond jewelry to over 300 retailers world-wide—its vintage-inspired designs being featured in leading trade magazines in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Thailand’s artisans are famous for working their craft as seriously as their forefathers. Their ability to work with established forms using exceptional skill and incredible detail is what has defined their trade for centuries. Precision is of primary importance. Therefore, Thai craftsmen have passed down their talents from generation to generation with great discipline.
According to CB Fine Jewelry spokesman DA Blyler that disciplined commitment is essential in creating CB’s gold and platinum jewelry—which often features detailed hand-engraving, hand-milgraining, and filigree work. “It’s very demanding art,” says Blyler. “But our Thai craftsmen more than meet the challenge. It’s a tradition that they honor.”
Thailand’s fine craftsmanship and artistry is being nurtured today by its forward thinking government. In 2002, they established the One Tambon (Village) – One Product program to capitalize on the local knowledge and ingenuity of the different regions in Thailand, encouraging people to produce local products using their homegrown skills and expertise. More recently, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra launched the “Fashion City” project aimed at making Bangkok the fashion hub of the region. Many international observers have called the project a bold undertaking, but as the CB jewelry craftsmen have shown, Thailand has the skill and creativity to achieve it.
