What are the Techniques of Tibetan and Nepalese Jewelry making?

What are the Techniques of Tibetan and Nepalese Jewelry making?

Tibetan jewelry pieces are made with technique of repoussé and chasing on silver, brass and copper. Repoussé is a metalworking technique which is ornamented or shaped by hammering from the reverse side of metal sheet. While repoussé is used to work on the reverse of the metal to form a raised design on the front, chasing is used to refine the design on the front of the work by sinking the metal. The motifs and designs are created by hammering on the metal sheet after putting the resin and wax underneath. Chasing is the opposite technique to repoussé, and the two are used in conjunction to create a finished piece such as beads, pendants, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, animal pendants, etc.

This primitive technique of jewelry making has been used since 3rd century BC in the Himalayan region. The artisans are very skilled; their skill has been passed down from their forefathers. They use traditional techniques, working with few hand tools.

Tibet Nepal Bead Society

Introduction:

Tibet Nepal Bead Society is established to support artisans from Tibet and Nepal. These artisans use very old and primitive technique for bead and jewelry making which is known as repousse and chasing on a sheet of gold, silver, brass and copper. This outstanding craftsmanship skill was passed from grandfathers to fathers and fathers to their sons.

Artisans face a lot of challenges in producing their pieces such as buying expensive imported raw materials where often uncertain political strikes take place, more than 16 hours load shedding with no electricity, paid least wages by the local exporters. Most of the artisans agreed that bead and jewelry production can be continued if fair wages are paid in timely manner.

Our mission:
Most of the artisans live in one or two rented rooms with entire family members which are used for bedroom, kitchen and workshop. Their average monthly income is about $150 to $300 which is not enough for decent living in Nepal with education expenses for their kids. There is not medical health care, retirement, insurance system, etc.

Tibet Nepal Bead Society is raising fund to establish a proper work place (workshop) for the artisans in Kathmandu valley which will help them to generate regular income to improve their living standard. We also encourage individuals and business owners to support us in our fund raising Endeavour. We really appreciate if you can write to us with suggestions.

Our email address is tibetnepalbeadsociety@yahoo.com