The Opium Bud Studs in Silver is shaped with a flower front and bulb backing that together mimic the form of an opium bud.
Crafted with standard sterling silver stems, each pair is made from recycled silver, balancing material integrity with a reduced environmental footprint.
Artisan made by Karen women in Northern Thailand, the studs carry a sense of handcraft and cultural continuity.
From Conflict to Craft: Recycled Silver Jewelry Line by Karen Silversmiths Reimagines Opium-Era History Handcrafted in the mountainous village of Phra Bat Huai Tom in Northern Thailand, this unique jewelry line is created by female Karen silversmiths using recycled silver. Each piece reflects both the strength and artistry of its makers, whose skills have been passed down through generations.
The Opium War series draws inspiration from the complex legacy of the opium economy in the region, known as the Golden Triangle after WWII. This collection reimagines a turbulent past through vernacular design.
This line tells a layered story: of women reclaiming materials and meaning, of tradition thriving in the hands of a new generation of female Karen silversmiths, and pieces of art made from the remnants of conflict.