Made Kencana

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My name is Made Kencana but people call me Gading. I was born in a Balinese town that is known for its silver work, so I began learning about silver crafting when I was a boy. My neighbor, who is a family member, taught me after school. At that time, the tools for making jewelry were still very traditional.

I first learned to hammer silver by hand to make a flat silver plate. Sometimes I'd miss the silver and hit my hand, but even so, I always wanted to learn more. When I was learning to place tiny silver granules, called jawan, I'd fall asleep. But I was eventually able to craft earrings by myself. Then I learned to design my own items – rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings, brooches and more.

"In 1991, I got married. My wife helps me with our jewelry, which we craft at home. We sell our designs to shops near our house, but my dream is to see my jewelry worn by people around the world.

"My wife and I have two children, a son in junior high and a daughter in high school. I live happily with my family."