In Reply to: silverware posted by blaggy on Monday, 6. November 2006 at 11:23 Bali Time:
Superior quality jewellery - Mayang Bali store is on an acute corner between Kuta markets and the ‘back' entrance to Matahari Department store.
* If you're really into internationally classy jewellery you must visit the Runa Museum and Gallery at Banjar Abiansemal, Lodtunduh, Ubud. Its not far off the main road into Ubud and a question or two by your driver if you give him this address will see you at the serene entrance to an eye-popping display of commissioned works and work for sale. Ph (62-361)980 710. E-mail runa@elga.net.id or runa_bali@hotmail.com. There's a Rp10,000 entry charge but if you buck at this then you're not really serious.
* Also Putu Artana, in the village of Anturan near Lovina in the north. He is a Master Craftsman who makes unique pieces and will make jewellery to your design in gold or silver.
* In '06 we found Solomon Silver II in Jl Werkudara in Legian, not far from the Flying Piano Restaurant and Yutz's place, either of which will feed you delightfully while you gloat over your purchases. Do not confuse the quality of the silver available here with that you can get more cheaply at street stalls. A little dearer but your girlfriend will know the difference in quality and workmanship.
* Also Bujangga Silver, Jl Tuban on way to airport, on right next to ANA restaurant.
* Purnama Silver Jewellery at Lodtundah Ubud. Visit www.purnama-sari.com.
* Made Murjani (fortuna@denpasar.wasantara.net.id) manufactures jewellery in a small factory and exports, mainly to the US. She will do custom work also. A display of the work can be seen at her home in Bedulu.
* There is a group of crafts people at the Bandem Community of Silversmiths in Singapadu, just north of the Bird and Reptile Parks. Look for the sign on the main road. They have jewellery and beads.
* Perama Dewata, Jl Padanggalk No 11/4, Denpasar (Ph 288 398) has recommendations as an honest jewellery sales and repair place with cheaper prices than 'Gold Street', Jl Hasanuddin.
* Putra Silver is in the village of Batubulan on the way to Ubud. A 2 story, white building on the right hand side. Good prices.
* U C Silver is a very large manufacturer in the village of Batu Bulan. Big exporters with many fine designs.
Jewellery repairs can be reliably done at many places including Mayang Bali (see above) where you can watch the jewellers at work and keep an eye on your stones. It is also done by jewellers in the gold shops near the markets in Hasanudin street in Denpasar. Also in the jewellery stores in the Balihai Resort building in Tuban at the end of Jl Wana Segara and in the Kuta Paradiso Hotel. An honest jeweller who is making something smaller to fit will give you the gold or whatever that he has taken out. It does not burn up when it's removed.
A jewellery making course is run at Studio Perak on Jl Hanoman in Ubud, about 100 paces down from Raya Ubud.