ZAYD MAKARIM

We visit Indonesia today gearing up for a journey to view several of the many, centuries-old temples. Our first stop will be the lake of Bratan where the Ulun Danu temple sets.

Next is the sea temple Tanah Lot, and finally we visit the 1,000-year-old Besakih Temple, which is often referred to as the "Mother Temple of Bali". Indonesia is also the home of featured jewelry designer Zayd Makarim.

Like Mexico, Thailand, Mali, and the United States' Arizona, Indonesia has a rich history of ornamental jewelry crafted by highly skilled silversmiths.

Balinese jewelry, in particular, is renowned for its moving symbolic interpretations of love, gods, mystical creatures, and nature motifs.

The artistry of the traditional textured, coiling spirals and tendrils evoke strength and regalia. The beautiful rendering of hard metal into intricate, arabesque details is stunning.

A native of West Java, Makarim moved to Bali to work for a well-known jeweler. As a youth, he explored such creative outlets as sculpture and painting. "While I was in school, I discovered I liked art and it quickly became one of my passions," he says.

Makarim's decision to start his own jewelry business began innocently enough, and he was caught off guard by the power of his handiwork.

"I made a pair of earrings for my wife's birthday, and when they were finished I could not believe how beautiful they were," he recalls.

"Her friends started asking if I could make jewelry for them so I started thinking more seriously about creating my own jewelry line."

Makarim incorporates the time-honored Balinese ringlets into his modernized items, like his sleek Prayer Earrings.

The implementation of translucent gemstones like garnets and blue agate are gorgeous contrasts, but the focus is the metal's lovely curves of interlaced patterns.
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Photo 1 (top right): Sterling Silver and Blue Agate Blue Honeysuckle Earrings
Photo 2 (bottom left): Sterling Silver Coins of the Kingdom Necklace