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Danai

Danai

4.9 (artist rating)

96 testimonials

"For the past 20 years or so, I have had good and bad times but I enjoyed it all. It is pretty much like black coffee – bitter, sweet and very nice."

"My name is Danai Leosawathiphong. I was born March 20, 1949 in northern Thailand. My grandfather was a Chinese immigrant from the Canton province. He emigrated to Thailand at the end of the 19th century when he was in his early twenties. He was a very hard working person trading goods all along the river and during that time he met my partner's grandfather.

"I studied business and left for England. Engineering interested me, and I graduated with an engineering degree from Leeds University. I met Ilkay, my wife there. She went to Brunel University where she graduated in polymer science.

"In 1976, Ilkay and I came back to Thailand. Originally my family and partner's family planned to get into mining. And in order to analyze the rocks, ores and minerals, we needed to set up a lab. Then my partner's father suggested that we could also use the lab to create something representative of the area, and we came up with the idea of covering natural products such as exotic flowers and plants with gold. Well, the easiest way was to experiment with copper.

"So we started electro-plating products. We got a small bathtub, filled it with an electrolytic solution and placed anodes in there. We placed flowers in as cathodes wired to a DC rectifier and went home. Of course, we could not wait to see the results, so we came back at 2 or 3 in the morning. Yes, the flower should be nice by now. We took them out and… Wow! Only the wires were left! We tried and tried until we had our first flower covered with metal, but it really looked like a shrimp. So this experimenting lasted about two years. We had to start working professionally, because our process is not electro-plating, but rather electro-forming. Basically with electro-forming the layer of plating is much thicker and the surface better leveled than with electro-plating.

"It was a very demanding and challenging time for Ilkay and me because there were so many details involved in trying to get our products off the ground, working on packaging and advertising, etc. We had to run this activity like a proper business and, with our scientific backgrounds, this was another challenge. It was just as we were launching our product on the market that my partner married. His wife is in charge of marketing and has helped us tremendously.

"This new venture gave flavor to my life. It has enabled me to provide employment to others in my community, and they can provide for their families. From the very beginning, one of our main objectives has been to employ women, as there were few job offers for women then. Another main objective has been the environment, because we have to deal with chemicals. We reprocess everything we use and do not throw anything away. All our boxes are made out of recycled paper as well.

"I think our creations have a lot of potential. I do not think they will go out of fashion, because people generally love flowers. It is so interesting when you work for yourself. For the past 20 years or so, I have had good and bad times but I enjoyed it all. It is pretty much like black coffee – bitter, sweet and very nice."

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184 items by Danai

Orchid FantasyGold Plated Natural Flower Pendant Necklace

Size: 16 to 18 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$38.99
Scarlet DancerGold Plated Natural Orchid Necklace from Thailand

Size: longer than 22 inches

5.0

$43.99
Midnight BlueNatural Flower Lariat Necklace

Size: 34.5" Inner Circ. x 0.1" W

5.0

$39.99
Chiang Mai BeautyNatural Flower Dangle Earrings

Length: 2" x 1" W

5.0

$27.99
Forest DuetArtisan Crafted Gold Plated Leaf Earrings

Length: 2.2" x 0.7" W x 0.2" D

5.0

$33.99
TwilightOrchid Petal Earrings

Length: 2" x 1" W

5.0

$24.19
Stunning Nature in JadeNatural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Jade from Thailand

Length: 2.2" x 0.8" W

5.0

$26.99
Autumn Red RoseGarnet and Gold Plated Natural Rose Petal Pendant Necklace

Size: 18 to 20 inches

2.0

$39.99
Petite Rose in GreenResin Dipped Green Real Miniature Rose Button Earrings

Length: 1" x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Orchid TreasureResin-Coated Pale Yellow and Purple Orchid Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.5"

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Timeless DancerGold plated natural orchid earrings

Length: 0.8" x 0.8" W

5.0

$40.99
Aqua PerfectionFair Trade Gold Plated Natural Orchid Pendant Necklace

Size: 16 to 18 inches

5.0

$44.99
Splendid Petals in VioletHandmade Natural Blue-Violet Gerbera Brooch from Thailand

Size: 0.4" H x 3.3" Diam.

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Blooming Cosmos in PumpkinNatural Cosmos Flower Brooch in Pumpkin from Thailand

Length: 1.6" x 1.6" W x 0.6" D

4.9 (Danai)

$27.99
Blooming Cosmos in GoldenrodNatural Cosmos Flower Brooch in Goldenrod from Thailand

Length: 1.8" x 1.8" W x 0.6" D

4.9 (Danai)

$27.99
Chiang Mai KissOrchid Petal Dangle Earrings

Length: 2" x 0.9" W

5.0

$27.99
Let It Bloom in Cardinal RedNatural Aster Flower Brooch in Cardinal Red from Thailand

Length: 2" x 2" W x 0.4" D

5.0

$23.69
Let It Bloom in CharcoalNatural Aster Flower Brooch in Charcoal from Thailand

Length: 1.9" x 1.9" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$25.99
Rosy Mood in CeriseArtisan Crafted Natural Rose Brooch in Cerise from Thailand

Length: 3" x 3" W x 1.2" D

4.9 (Danai)

$34.99
Rosy Mood in PurpleArtisan Crafted Natural Rose Brooch in Purple from Thailand

Length: 3" x 3" W x 1.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$37.99
Garden Rose in RedGold and Genuine Red Rose Necklace from Thailand

Size: longer than 22 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Pink Rock OrchidResin Dipped 24K Gold Plated Purple Orchid Drop Earrings

Length: 1.4" x 0.8" W x 0.5" D

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Forever BlueNatural Orchid Gold Plated Stick Pin

Length: 2.8" x 1.8" W x 0.8" D

5.0

$39.99
Let It Bloom in Sky BlueNatural Aster Flower Brooch in Sky Blue from Thailand

Length: 1.8" x 2" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$27.99
Let It Bloom in TangerineNatural Aster Flower Brooch in Tangerine from Thailand

Length: 2.1" x 2" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$27.99
Red Rose of AutumnGarnet and Gold Plated Natural Rose Petal Dangle Earrings

Length: 2.2" x 1" W

4.5

$44.99
Splendid DayHandmade Natural Deep Pink Gerbera Brooch with Brass Pin

Length: 3.6" x 3.6" W x 0.6" D

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Rosy Mood in PeachArtisan Crafted Natural Rose Brooch in Peach from Thailand

Length: 3" x 3" W x 1.2" D

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Chiang Mai OrchidGold Plated Natural Orchid and Gold Plated Brass Stickpin

Size: 2.4" H x 1.7" W x 0.6" D

4.9 (Danai)

$54.99
World of PinkHand Made Thai Natural Flower Necklace

Size: 20 to 22 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$30.99
Chiang Mai GraceGold Plated Natural Orchid Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Size: longer than 22 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$54.99
Blush OrchidResin Dipped Real Pink Orchid and Leather Lariat Necklace

Size: longer than 22 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Purple PerfectionNatural Orchid Flower Necklace

Size: longer than 22 inches

5.0

$53.99
Starry OrchidGold Plated Orchid Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Size: 18 to 20 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Starry OrchidsGold Plated Orchid Flower Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Length: 1.4" x 0.7" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$54.99
Stunning Nature in StrawNatural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Straw from Thailand

Length: 2.2" x 0.8" W

4.9 (Danai)

$26.99
Stunning Nature in CrimsonNatural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Crimson from Thailand

Length: 2.2" x 0.8" W

4.9 (Danai)

$34.99
Heartfelt NatureGold Plated Natural Million Hearts Leaf Stud Earrings

Length: 0.4" x 0.4" W

4.9 (Danai)

$22.69
Shining FernGold Plated Natural Davallia Leaf Earrings from Thailand

Length: 0.9" x 0.5" W

5.0

$25.99
Natural NeedlesGold Plated Natural Cypress Leaf Button Earrings

Length: 0.9" x 0.6" W

4.9 (Danai)

$29.99
Shining FernSilver Plated Natural Davallia Leaf Earrings from Thailand

Length: 0.9" x 0.5" W

4.9 (Danai)

$29.99
Shining PetalsSilver Plated Natural Crown of Thorns Flower Button Earrings

Length: 0.5" x 0.6" W

4.9 (Danai)

$29.99
Floral Temptation in CeriseNatural Rose Dangle Earrings in Cerise from Thailand

Length: 1.5" x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Floral Temptation in PurpleNatural Rose Dangle Earrings in Purple from Thailand

Length: 1.5" x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$38.99
Floral Temptation in OrangeNatural Rose Dangle Earrings in Orange from Thailand

Length: 1.5" x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$38.99
Flowering Passion in OrangeNatural Rose Button Earrings in Orange from Thailand

Size: 1" H x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Flowering Passion in RedNatural Rose Button Earrings in Red from Thailand

Size: 1" H x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Zinnia Charm in Lemon22k Gold Plated Zinnia Flower Pendant from Thailand

Size: 18 to 20 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$29.99
Timeless GreenNatural rose flower earrings

Length: 1.2" x 0.8" W

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Morning SunshineGold plated natural coffee bean button earrings

Length: 0.4" x 0.3" W x 0.7" D

4.0

$34.99
Cypress HonorFine Silver Plated Leaf Brooch Pin

Length: 2.8" x 2.2" W x 0.4" D

5.0

$45.99
Exotic Tropical BloomBlue and Yellow Natural Thai Orchid Long Lariat Necklace

Size: longer than 22 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Natural Feeling in RubyAdjustable Natural Orchid Necklace in Ruby from Thailand

Length: 14.5"

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Rosy Chic in FuchsiaNatural Rose Pendant Necklace in Fuchsia from Thailand

Size: 16 to 18 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$27.99
Blue BlossomHand Crafted Flower Necklace

Size: longer than 22 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Splendid Petals in Moss GreenNatural Gerbera Flower Brooch in Moss Green from Thailand

Length: 3.6" x 3.7" W x 0.6" D

4.9 (Danai)

$25.99
Blooming Cosmos in CrimsonNatural Cosmos Flower Brooch in Crimson from Thailand

Length: 1.7" x 1.8" W x 0.6" D

4.9 (Danai)

$34.99
Stunning Nature in SunriseNatural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Sunrise from Thailand

Length: 2.2" x 0.8" W

4.9 (Danai)

$34.99
Shining PennywortGold Plated Natural Centella Leaf Earrings from Thailand

Length: 0.6" x 0.6" W

4.9 (Danai)

$29.99
Flowering Passion in CeriseNatural Rose Button Earrings in Cerise from Thailand

Size: 1" H x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$39.99
Zinnia Charm in Green22k Gold Plated Green Zinnia Flower Pendant from Thailand

Size: 18 to 20 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$29.99
Zinnia Charm in Scarlet22k Gold Plated Red Zinnia Flower Pendant from Thailand

Size: 18 to 20 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$29.99
Melon Leaf HarmonyThai Gold and Silver Plated Natural Melon Leaf Brooch

Length: 2.1" x 2" W

4.9 (Danai)

$67.99
SublimeArtisan Crafted Natural Flower Pendant Necklace

Size: 16 to 18 inches

4.0

$34.99
Cypress HonorSilver Plated Natural Leaf Earrings

Length: 1.6" x 0.6" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$34.99
Blossom into ScarletNatural Flower Brooch Pin

Size: 0.4" H x 3.5" Diam.

4.9 (Danai)

$34.99
Splendid Petals in BuffHandmade Buff Gerbera Brooch from Thailand

Length: 3.8" x 3.9" W x 0.6" D

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Chiang Mai SkyNatural Flower Button Earrings

Length: 1.5" x 1" W

5.0

$27.49
Forest SoloGold Plated Leaf Pendant Necklace

Size: 18 to 20 inches

4.0

$26.99
TropicanaNatural orchid flower necklace

Size: 18 to 20 inches

5.0

$29.99
Let It Bloom in PeachNatural Aster Flower Brooch in Peach from Thailand

Length: 2" x 2" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$27.99
Flowering PassionArtisan Crafted Natural Rose Button Earrings from Thailand

Size: 1" H x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$37.99
Flowering Passion in YellowNatural Rose Button Earrings in Yellow from Thailand

Size: 1" H x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$37.99
Zinnia Charm in Saffron22k Gold Plated Orange Zinnia Flower Pendant from Thailand

Size: 18 to 20 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$24.49
Rosy Mood in UmberArtisan Crafted Natural Rose Brooch in Umber from Thailand

Length: 3" x 3" W x 1.2" D

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Melon Leaf HarmonyThai Gold and Silver Plated Natural Melon Leaf Necklace

Size: longer than 22 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$67.99
Fern LoveHandcrafted silver Plated Leaf Choker

Size: 16 to 18 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$59.99
Let It Bloom in FuchsiaNatural Aster Flower Brooch in Fuchsia from Thailand

Length: 2" x 2.2" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$27.99
Stunning Nature in Sap GreenNatural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Sap Green from Thailand

Length: 2.2" x 0.8" W

5.0

$34.99
Rosy Mood in GreenArtisan Crafted Natural Rose Brooch in Green from Thailand

Length: 3" x 3" W x 1.2" D

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Rosy Mood in PinkArtisan Crafted Natural Rose Brooch in Pink from Thailand

Length: 3" x 3" W x 1.2" D

5.0

$39.99
Floral Temptation in PinkNatural Rose Dangle Earrings in Pink from Thailand

Length: 1.5" x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$44.99
Floral Temptation in AzureNatural Rose Dangle Earrings in Azure from Thailand

Length: 1.5" x 1" W x 0.4" D

4.9 (Danai)

$38.99
Garden Rose in MagentaGold and Fuchsia Rose Lariat Necklace from Thailand

Size: longer than 22 inches

4.9 (Danai)

$39.49

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96 Testimonials for Danai

Cindy

This was a gift for my daughter. She loved it> Thank you.

Youra

The product is so beautiful that I gave it to my Mom!

Ohio/USA

I purchase the first flower for my mother on mother's day. Such a hit! I have purchased several more since then. One is a pin, that I have attached to a solid color purse, and every one asks where I got the purse! These are beautiful as necklaces, pins, on scarfs, and clothing. I love the look and the exquisite flowers he preserves, from simple daisies to beautiful orchids!

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