Silver Jewelry from Celuk
The village of Celuk, 10 km south of Ubud, is Bali's silver-smithing center — specializing for generations in intricate silver and gold work. The main street (Jl. Raya Celuk) is lined with workshops and showrooms where you can watch the smiths at work.
The Celuk silverwork is characterized by extreme fineness: delicate silver wire weaving techniques (granulation and filigree) that create patterns of breathtaking complexity. Traditional motifs include flowers, butterflies, dragons, and the Balinese protective masks Barong and Rangda.
Prices: A simple silver ring from 50,000 IDR (3€), intricate earrings from 100,000 IDR, elaborate necklaces from 300,000 IDR. Look for the 925 stamp (Sterling Silver) — inferior alloys are common. Buy directly in the workshops, not in the tourist showrooms by the roadside, which are 2-3 times more expensive.
Many workshops offer silversmithing courses: In 2-4 hours, you can create your own ring or pendant under guidance. Cost: from 250,000 IDR including materials. A wonderful, personal souvenir.
💡 Tipp
Don't go to the first shops on the main street (tourist prices), but turn into the side streets where the family workshops are. Here the prices are fair, and you buy directly from the manufacturer.