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Phetcharee: Goldsmith collective builds on regal roots
In order to be able to produce quality gold ornaments and accessories, a goldsmith needs a good deal of experience, coupled with all the necessary refined skills and techniques.
Thai goldsmiths are of global renown due to their high level of craftsmanship. However, a recent strengthening in gold prices has seen people purchase gold for investment purposes rather than to adorn themselves, resulting in leaner times for goldsmiths. Many have been forced to switch job entirely, but despite such challenges, Phetcharee – a group of goldsmiths led by Sittiporn Noppakun – has felt no such ill effects due to the fact that they produce highly unique works, as carried out by Royal goldsmiths for hundreds of years.
Jaruves Noppakun, Sitthiporn’s son, deserves a good deal of the credit, having been trained in the ancient techniques at Kanjanapisek Witthayalai School, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The Ten Crafts
Sitthiporn says Jaruves grew a strong desire to become a goldsmith having developed a real love for the art, so he decided to apply to the school, which teaches the art of Chan Sip Mou (‘The Ten Crafts’). Having been raised in Phetchaburi, Jaruves chose to study the techniques native to his home province, Sitthiporn says.
“The patterns used by goldsmiths in this province are extremely delicate and have their own charm. It’s hard to find a goldsmith trained to work to these patterns these days since unfortunately many of the previous generations were unable to pass down their skills.”
Preservation underway
“We should preserve these patterns and techniques, which have been around since the Ayutthaya Period [1677-1767] Most of the techniques had been used in the palace, therefore the patterns are delicate, complicated and unique”, he says.
Phetcharee includes three experienced goldsmiths who have been taught by Jaruves. Sitthiporn says the candidates selected were young but active locals. A goldsmith using these techniques would typically spend between three to 10 days producing a single item. However, the time spent on each piece would vary considerably depending upon the difficulty of the work and detail of the pattern. The group pays each artisan at least 1,000 baht (US$29) for every item produced.
Trainees spend over two years learning all the necessary skills required before being sufficiently skilled to produce a gold accessory to the required standard. Some students go on to open their own workshops, while others remain with Phetcharee since establishing a gold workshop and store can require a huge investment.
Phetcharee currently supplies gold
ornaments to several gold stores, while also producing them to order
for retail customers, who often tend to hear of the group’s high
quality work through word of mouth. Although the group doesn’t have its
own outlet at present, it intends to in the near future. Sitthiporn
said most of the group’s capital had been spent on the purchase of raw
materials, while pointing out that customers need to pay about 50-70%
of the price of an article in advance in order to cover for any
unforeseen circumstances and guard against losses for the group.
Online sales channel planned
Sitthiporn says that Phetcharee recently applied for a loan from the
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank (SME Bank) in order to
establish its outlet. In future, the group also plans to export and
establish an online store.
Sitthiporn says most customers are immediately impressed with the work
produced by the group’s members since the goldsmiths pay close
attention to detail throughout the process. Since each bracelet and
necklace is hand crafted, customers can rest assured that every item
they purchase is unique. In the case of these kinds of ornaments and
accessories, the patterns used are so intricate and ornate that they
could not be mass-produced.
The group produces various kinds of jewelry items, such as bracelets,
earrings, necklaces and rings, including wedding rings. Prices depend
on the weight of the gold and the gemstones used. The prices also vary
depending on the level of input from artisans based upon the degree of
difficulty in producing each item, and this varies from 1,500 to 6,000
baht (US$42-171). - Translated into English and republished with the kind permission of ASTV Manager Online.
For further information about Phetcharee, contact Tel: +66 (0)89 895 3484.
Biz Spotlight 
Biz Spotlight
Thailand offers plenty of business and investment opportunities. Whether you’re an entrepreneurial individual, a growing small- and medium enterprise, or a cash-rich corporation looking to establish or expand your presence in the kingdom, Biz Spotlight provides up-to-date insights into the country’s business and financial sectors.
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