In the secluded Himalayas, many ancient traditions are still in practice. One of these is the art of the intricate silver work. About 100 miles southwest from Mount Everest in the mountain valley of Kathmandu lives a small family of silversmiths known to be the finest silver craftsmen in the country. We are fortunate to share some of this family's work with you.

Preferring the traditional time honored tools and techniques to our contemporary ones, they demonstrate that the "new and improved" ways are not always the best. There is no substitute for the skill of great craftsmen, good illustration is their use of a kerosene blow pipe rather than a modern torch for soldering. The blow pipe resembles an oil lamp with a hose attached for blowing oxygen into the flame. Using their lungs like a bellows, their breath stretches the flamer several inches while also increasing its heat. In order to provide a constant flame, the smiths have perfected a continuous breathing technique, simultaneously breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth in an uninterrupted stream of air. This is as difficult as it sounds! Extreme control and consistency are required to make such delicate jewelry work. They make everything from scratch, beginning with ingots of fine silver. They are masters.

The beauty and craft evident in these pieces are further enhanced by the over thirty year relationship between this Himalayan faily of silversmiths and an American certified gemologist. The caliber of gemstones featured in this jewelry is not commonly available to these craftsmanen. This is in part due to Kathmandu's remote location and to the more usual concern for cost over quality. During his travels around the world, the gemologist selects stones for their superior cut, color, and quality and personally delivers them to Kathmandu. Six months to a year later he picks up the finished work. Because these pieces are completely hand-fabricated each piece is custom made to fit the stone. No mass productions here; each one is unique.

The commitment to quality, the attention to detail, and the reverence for fine gems and silver have created these pieces of timeless beauty. Enjoy them for many years!

Size: 48" long