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Matta

Matta

Hand crafted jewelry in Thailand

"I love wearing nice things – I always have."

"My name is Matta Nandrakwang, I was born and raised in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province in Thailand next to the border with Myanmar (Burma). I grew up appreciating this naturally beautiful area, home to rich and diverse cultures as well as many ancient ethnic tribes. Since the area is rich with gems and the main activity was their trade, I began to learn and develop a passion for the various gemstones.

"Ever since I was a young girl, I have been enamored with the hill tribe people's love of jewelry. I regularly saw people around me wearing jewelry. I recall seeing a hill tribe girl my age, seven at the time, wearing beautiful silver jewelry accessorizing her colorful costume. She had silver coins hanging around her face, more silver ornaments on her, as well as beautiful beads. I couldn't take my eyes off her! I don't remember exactly what I said to my father about her, but remember clearly that afterwards I got my first gold ring with a little blue star sapphire. I felt I was on top of the world.

"Years later, when living in Bangkok during my college years, and after working for four years in a public hospital after graduation, I realized that although I liked helping people, I could not see myself being a nurse for the rest of my life. I subsequently left Thailand to travel for two years, and came to the conclusion that what I really wanted to do, was to work with gems. Even then, in the West, people would ask, 'are you going to a party?' because I was always wearing jewelry. I love wearing nice things – I always have.

"My sister and I have always enjoyed visiting jewelry shops. We would buy what we could afford, and admire the higher price pieces. I realized I had much to learn about gems and jewelry, and decided to enroll in gemology school. There I learned all about gems and jewelry making. I learned on my own about bead-making. This passion is still with me after many years. I have opened my own studio now, and I derive great joy from sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge of gems and jewelry with my visitors."

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305 items by Matta

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

312

Anita

Verified Reviewer

01/12/2021

"Great Gift!"

I purchase these earrings as a gift for my daughter. She absolutely loves them. They are beautiful and delicate. They earrings came with a lovely little pouch.

Purchased Item:

Luna in Pink, Rose Quartz Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

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Munay

From WI, US

Verified Reviewer

01/11/2021

"Excellent gift."

My mother was very happy to receive these earrings, they are lovely and well made.

Purchased Item:

Majestic Blue, Thai Sterling Silver and Lapis Lazuli Earrings

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Evie

From Harrisburg, Pa. USA

Verified Reviewer

12/11/2020

"A go to bracelet!"

This was for my niece for Christmas, but she opened it early. She loves it.

Best Uses

She has been wearing it everyday and I hope she continues

Purchased Item:

Dark Starfish Love, Black Cultured Pearl and Garnet Hill Tribe Starfish Bracelet

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Anne

Verified Reviewer

12/10/2020

"Simple and sophisticated"

Match perfectly with a pink pearl necklace I have had for many years. The colour is pink, but throws to apricot tones.

Purchased Item:

Romance in Peach, Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings Sterling Silver from Thailand

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Maral

Verified Reviewer

12/08/2020

"Stunning piece"

Absolutely gorgeous!! The necklace arrived in a beautiful box and I couldn t have love what was inside the box more!!! The pearls have a slight peach tone to them, are nice and big! The necklace makes a pretty big statement when you wear it and turns heads. Thank you so much fir this gorgeous piece you made. Will be one of my favorites forever.

Purchased Item:

Triple Halo, Thai Cultured Peach Pearl Triple Strand Necklace

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Bender

From Colorado

Verified Reviewer

11/30/2020

"A now Cherished Gift"

I bought this as a gift for someone very special. The quality was outstanding, especially for the price. The pearls were well matched and very lustrous.

Tags By Bender

Beautifully matched pearls

Best Uses

Special occasions or every day if you like!

Purchased Item:

Triple Halo, Thai Cultured Peach Pearl Triple Strand Necklace

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