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Matta

Matta

Hand crafted jewelry in Thailand

"I love wearing nice things – I always have."

"My name is Matta Nandrakwang, I was born and raised in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province in Thailand next to the border with Myanmar (Burma). I grew up appreciating this naturally beautiful area, home to rich and diverse cultures as well as many ancient ethnic tribes. Since the area is rich with gems and the main activity was their trade, I began to learn and develop a passion for the various gemstones.

"Ever since I was a young girl, I have been enamored with the hill tribe people's love of jewelry. I regularly saw people around me wearing jewelry. I recall seeing a hill tribe girl my age, seven at the time, wearing beautiful silver jewelry accessorizing her colorful costume. She had silver coins hanging around her face, more silver ornaments on her, as well as beautiful beads. I couldn't take my eyes off her! I don't remember exactly what I said to my father about her, but remember clearly that afterwards I got my first gold ring with a little blue star sapphire. I felt I was on top of the world.

"Years later, when living in Bangkok during my college years, and after working for four years in a public hospital after graduation, I realized that although I liked helping people, I could not see myself being a nurse for the rest of my life. I subsequently left Thailand to travel for two years, and came to the conclusion that what I really wanted to do, was to work with gems. Even then, in the West, people would ask, 'are you going to a party?' because I was always wearing jewelry. I love wearing nice things – I always have.

"My sister and I have always enjoyed visiting jewelry shops. We would buy what we could afford, and admire the higher price pieces. I realized I had much to learn about gems and jewelry, and decided to enroll in gemology school. There I learned all about gems and jewelry making. I learned on my own about bead-making. This passion is still with me after many years. I have opened my own studio now, and I derive great joy from sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge of gems and jewelry with my visitors."

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271 items by Matta

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

279

RDS

From Maryland, USA

Verified Reviewer

07/05/2020

"Perfect Match"

Perfect match to the accompanying necklace .

Best Uses

Casual

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Purchased Item:

Touch of Jade, Jade Bead and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Susan

Verified Reviewer

07/02/2020

"So Beautiful! Novicas Customer Service is TOPS!"

Ordered this after losing a bracelet that I loved that I had for years. Novice shipped it using FedEx, and its too much to go into how FedEx messed it up. Thought for a while FedEx had lost it. So, Novica had checked in with me, to see whether I wanted a replacement or refund- they reached out to me when they saw that FedEx had yet to deliver. They shipped a replacement, this time using USPS. I received both of the bracelets on the same day! Fed Ex=5 weeks, USPS 10days from when each order was placed. So I asked Novice to charge me for both because I thought it was so lovely! So times I wear one, but there are times I wear both, and have received many compliments.

Tags By Susan

Beautiful bracelet for everyday any occasion

Best Uses

A
Any time
Any time, casual or dressy- perfect!

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Purchased Item:

Morning Blue, Handmade Apatite and Cultured Pearl Link Bracelet

Julie

Verified Reviewer

07/01/2020

"Casual enough to dress up a cotton shirt"

I love this necklace! You barely know its there. Its a great length for me...borders choker territory but does hang just a bit. So many colors that it goes with many items, and doesnt look out of place with just a simple t-shirt, but YOU look lots better with it dressing it up! Good clasp, but not adjustable. Great price for the product.

Best Uses

making your casual look a little more put-together

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Purchased Item:

Ivory Chrysanthemum, Beaded Tourmaline and Pearl Necklace

Kathleen

From Nassau, NY, USA

Verified Reviewer

06/01/2020

"Beautiful color!"

Sweet, delicate necklace. Perfect for summer wear.

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Purchased Item:

Trajectory, Minimalist Jade Pendant Necklace on Stainless Steel

Gloria

Verified Reviewer

05/29/2020

"Beautiful gift for a bride to be"

This was given to one half of a couple to match a pair of pearl cufflinks. Its absolutely stunning and great for every day wear or formal wear.

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Purchased Item:

White Orb of Energy, Thai Sterling Silver and Cultured Pearl Pendant Necklace

Meg

Verified Reviewer

05/29/2020

"Perfect"

These are great earrings. Perfect size and the rose gold adds a wonderful color.

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Purchased Item:

Morning Rose, Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings with 18k Rose Gold Plate

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