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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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276 items by Matta

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

286

Cindy

Verified Reviewer

08/13/2020

"Lovely earrings"

I got these as a gift for my housemate for Christmas and she loved them!

Tags By Cindy

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Purchased Item:

Proud Beauty in Blue, Gold Plated Brass Earrings in Blue and Navy from Thailand

Ed

From New York

Verified Reviewer

08/06/2020

"Bracelet"

This is a really beautiful bracelet.

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Purchased Item:

White Starfish Love, Cultured Pearl Garnet Hill Tribe Silver Starfish Bracelet

Ed

From New York

Verified Reviewer

08/06/2020

"Bracelet"

Absolutely gorgeous! Nicely made.

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Purchased Item:

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

Mercedes

Verified Reviewer

07/21/2020

"Color of the Sea!"

Not that violet as appear in the photo!, but it is beautiful..

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Purchased Item:

Violet Sea Breath, Pearl and Peridot Necklace

Melanie

Verified Reviewer

07/20/2020

"Awesome for everyday!"

Beautiful and comfortable!

Best Uses

everyday use!

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Purchased Item:

Rotations, Amethyst Pendant Necklace

Lori

Verified Reviewer

07/17/2020

"Highly recommend this artist and this necklace"

I love it! So nice alone or layered with other necklaces. Simple, but beautiful!

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Purchased Item:

Modern Mood, Lapis Lazuli Modern Pendant Necklace from Thailand

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