A quick disclaimer here: I am a jewellery designer with my own eco jewellery brand. Hence, it is harder than difficult to convince me to buy another brand’s jewellery. However, when I saw KanateeBla earrings, the only thing I could do was to decide which one I was NOT going to purchase. What drew me to them was its ceramic Chinoiserie patterns. I am a big fan of Chinoiserie style, which I believe turn traditional Chinese arts into tasteful, elegant and timeless expressions. Yet, I had never seen them in the form of a pair of earrings! I found out from the brand owner, Khun Kanatee, that these exquisite Thai earrings have been made out of polymer clay, which makes them very light to wear.
Designs Inspired by Traditional Thai Jewellery
Kanatee, owner and artist of the brand, shared the following with me when I asked her how she came up with such unique designs:
“I first started using tribal grass to make jewellery two years ago. These grasses grow in highlands and tribes traditionally use them to make Thai jewellery as part of their livelihood. I love making jewellery hence when I started, I went to this material to pay homage to my town and of course to support the local community. On the other hand, it is good for the environment to source everything locally and gives visitors the chance to have authentic, handmade souvenirs from Thailand.”
“Soon, the grass became in high demand. I didn’t have enough to produce my jewellery. Upon improvisation, I turned to my favourite colour combination of white and blue. The colours blue and white represent simplicity and joy which we hope each pair of earrings brings our customers beauty and joy. I have many ideas, bla-bla, that’s the sound in my head when inspirations strike me, hence the name of my brand!”
The collection was an instant hit. Kanatee recruited her aunt and sister to help her craft her earrings, while she focused on hand drawing artwork on every single piece of them. Overnight, Kanateebla became a family business that takes pride in designing handmade Thai earrings and jewellry.
The brand frequents craft fairs to be in direct communication with their customers, taking time to explain how every piece of Thai earrings they make is curated with care and love. They do not have a physical shop yet, so if you would like a pair you can message Khun Kanatee directly on Instagram @kanateebla.
Kanateebla earrings priced between 250 THB and 350 THB. (At time of writing, USD is trading at 1:34.67). Besides earrings, there are also necklaces, rings and bracelets. The most expensive piece of Thai jewellery that they currently produce is a steel bracelet, which features intricate artwork on tiny areas. If there’s a person in your life who loves handmade Thai earrings, Kanateebla makes some of the best souvenirs from thailand!
