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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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284 items by Matta

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

301

JENNIFER

From TRACY, CALIFORNIA, USA

Verified Reviewer

10/21/2020

"Unique"

The free-moving pearl is exquisite.

Purchased Item:

Unity Is Power, Fair Trade Pearl and Silver Ring

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Dedrick

Verified Reviewer

10/19/2020

"Very nice!"

I bought for a lady friend who was really happy with it since shes a doctor and Chinese medicine. I thought it would be a little bigger as a set but it still fit perfectly on a womans face and profile.

Purchased Item:

Spirit of Bamboo, Handmade Jade Dangle Earrings

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SHRUTHI

Verified Reviewer

10/13/2020

"very pretty"

Great for everyday use. Perfect size for adults to wear not too big. Only problem is they come off ear accidentally.

Purchased Item:

Beautiful Orbs, Round Rose Quartz Drop Earrings from Thailand

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Stacy

Verified Reviewer

10/13/2020

"Perfect simple necklace"

I absolutely love this necklace. Beautifully handcrafted and just perfect

Purchased Item:

Ivory Chrysanthemum, Beaded Tourmaline and Pearl Necklace

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Jennifer

Verified Reviewer

10/10/2020

"Love this ring!"

I lost my wedding ring, which was devastating. I ve been trying to find something meaningful to replace it. I found this gorgeous pearl ring and thought it would be perfect and it is! Wonderful craftsmanship and so unique.

Purchased Item:

Budding Beauty, Sterling Silver and Pearl Ring

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Karen

Verified Reviewer

09/25/2020

"Exquisite addition to my earring collection"

These earrings beautifully combine style and superior craftsmanship. I am enchanted with them.

Best Uses

Dressy to casual

Purchased Item:

Sea Gold, Brass and Reconstituted Turquoise Dangle Earrings

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