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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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273 items by Matta

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

273

Larisa

Verified Reviewer

05/18/2020

"Beautiful"

magnificent pieces of jewelry, made by professionals with a lot of love, thank you very much, I really liked them !!

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Purchased Item:

Cloud Serenade, Bridal Pearl Button Earrings

Janet

From USA -Missouri

Verified Reviewer

05/18/2020

"Perfect"

So this choker is perfect to wear anytime you wear a bit of black ( which is a lot). I chose it for the combination of amethyst & onyx for its grounding, protective and healing properties. The violet amethyst is saturated with color! Simple & beautiful.

Best Uses

Anytime

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Purchased Item:

Brilliant Amethyst, Unique Beaded Amethyst and Onyx Necklace

Susan

From Wildwood, Missouri USA

Verified Reviewer

05/15/2020

"Beautiful!"

I gave these as a graduation gift - classic, beautiful pearls!

Best Uses

Graduation present

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Purchased Item:

Triple Halo, Thai Cultured Peach Pearl Triple Strand Necklace

Kathleen

Verified Reviewer

05/15/2020

"Lovely, delicate ring"

This ring is very pretty with the design around the pearl, which is a lovely stone.

Best Uses

everyday and dressup wear

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Purchased Item:

Budding Beauty, Sterling Silver and Pearl Ring

Booboo

From Louisiana

Verified Reviewer

05/14/2020

"Not great"

the pearl fell out of this ring...

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Purchased Item:

Budding Beauty, Sterling Silver and Pearl Ring

Katheryn

Verified Reviewer

05/14/2020

"Lovely work"

I have had so many compliments on these earrings. The color is lovely and they are very well made. The metal is strong and perfectly fitted to the stone. I have no fear of anything coming loose. I recommend this set

Tags By Katheryn

Beautiful color exceptional workmanship

Best Uses

Casual, to work or to dress up

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Purchased Item:

Majestic Blue, Thai Sterling Silver and Lapis Lazuli Earrings

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