WAYAN ASMANA

If you love flawless, cerulean waters where you can view large varieties of marine-life or you love lush landscapes, then Indonesia’s Manado Dive Resort is the place for you. Indonesia is also home to featured jewelry designer Wayan Asmana.

For generations, Indonesia has been home to some of the world’s greatest silversmiths many of whom reside in the town of Kota Gede, the district of Celuk, or Bali’s highly regarded jewelry center, Sukawati.

Skilled at such techniques as casting, inlaid work, and filigree their exceptional craftsmanship has helped to make Indonesia the world’s 10th biggest exporter of sterling silver jewelry. Based in Sukawati, Asmana learned his craft from his father while in high school.

“I went away for college, and when I returned to my village, I set out to start my own jewelry workshop. Tourists were my main customers and the business flourished.”

The winds of change, however, would interrupt the designer’s success when global tensions, born largely from the terrorist attacks of 9-11, saw a decrease in tourism.  Additionally, Asmana also was once blindsided by a tourist who purchased $1,200 worth of his exquisite wares.


Unbeknownst to Asmana, a trip to the bank revealed the tourist gave him counterfeit money. Despite his difficulties, Asmana pushed forward ultimately distributing his beautiful, minimal array of silver pendants, gemstone necklaces and sterling silver cuff bracelets through Novica.com.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to join Novica. Now my jewelry is known in many different countries,” says the designer.

Asmana’s superlative artisanship blends traditional Balinese and modern aesthetics. The engravings, arabesque details, braided strands of silver, and filigree work is lovely.

The intricacies of the filigree work for the wings of his ethereal Dragonfly Summer Pendant Necklace are like an optical illusion. The gorgeous details seem life-like as if the insect will leap from the snake chain and buzz away.

For me, Asmana’s work evokes the fresh scents, vivid color, and delicate beauty of a garden; everything seems buoyant almost fanciful.

“I will continue to work harder and better. I feel uplifted to be able to do this.”
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Photo 1 (top right): Arang Wood and Sterling Silver Balance Pendant Necklace
Photo 2 (center): Sterling Silver Radiant Queen Carnelian Wristband
Photo 3 (bottom left): Sterling Silver Filigree White Dogwood Earrings