Making jewelry in Bali: visit a Silver class

Would you like to take something other than a standard magnet or pendant with you as a souvenir of your trip? In Bali it's possible! You can make your own jewelry here. Around Ubud there are many Silver classes or silver workshops where you can make your own ring or bracelet. How cool is it to be able to wear something as a souvenir, which you also made yourself (with a little help)? We tell you everything you need to know about making your own jewelry in Bali!

Where can you make silver jewelry in Bali?

Most tourists make their own jewelry in Ubud. Ubud is known for this. You can find dozens of silver workshops in the Ubud area. However, many of the silversmiths also come from Sidemen. You can also follow very nice silver workshops in Sidemen. As it is an increasingly popular activity, it is also expanding on the island. Nowadays you can also go to Canggu or, for example Uluwatu make your own jewelry. 

TIP: We have been to Ubud once and Sidemen once. After both silver workshops we had a very beautiful ring. Personally, we found the experience in Sidemen at Agung Silver more enjoyable and better. This was because the workshop lasted longer, you received more explanation and the environment added more atmosphere to the entire process. So consider in advance how much you value the actual experience and environment and then choose the silver class that best suits your preferences.

How to make your own jewelry in Bali?

During the silver workshop you make your own ring from start to finish. You really help with every step of the process. The silver for the jewelry itself does not come from Bali. They often get this silver from other Indonesian islands such as Borneo and it consists of 99.9% silver. You start by choosing a design. They have a number of examples to choose from, but you can also suggest your own design. So if you want something special, you can probably look it up or think of it in advance. Usually it is also possible to make this design, unless it is too complicated and does not fit within the time frame. There are also a number of 'simple' bracelet options to choose from.

After choosing the design, it is time to weigh the silver needed to make your ring. The silver balls are then melted into one piece and poured into a mold in the shape of a bar. After this, it is time to flatten the silver bar with a hammer. On a large tree trunk, hold the rod with one hand with pliers and use the other hand to hit it with the hammer. When it is flat enough from hitting, the rod goes through a large press that you have to turn by hand. Do this a number of times until the silver has acquired the correct thickness. If you have chosen a ring with a round design, you will also have to pull it through a mold several times.

Then it's time to actually design your ring. You will work with a silversmith to create your design. This could mean anything, depending on what you chose. You may have to bend it into a certain shape, give it a hammered effect or, for example, engrave something in it. After this, it is important to measure the correct size of your finger. This way the silversmith knows what size the ring should be made. After trying on the ring, it is time for the final step: sanding and polishing the ring so that it becomes beautifully silver and shiny. Then your special and homemade souvenir of your trip through Bali is ready!

Would you like to discover more fun activities in Bali? Check out our Google Maps map with almost 300 locations in Bali!

How much does it cost to make your own jewelry in Bali?

The average price for the workshop and the actual ring together is IDR 450,000. Almost every workshop includes 5 grams of silver. If your design has more silver, or if you, for example, make a bracelet or want a stone in it, you pay extra for this. The price is often around IDR 50,000 for each additional gram of silver or stone you want to add. At the end of the workshop, the rings are weighed and you will be told exactly how much your ring costs.

TIP: Make an appointment in advance via Whatsapp or socials. If you choose a popular Silver class, there is a chance that it will be completely full for that day. It is certainly smart to do this if you are only in the Ubud or Sidemen area for a few days.