Indonesia: Visiting Saraswati Temple & Forging My Own Silver Ring

Forging My Own Silver Ring in Bali: A Tribute to Saraswati and the Beauty of Balinese Craftsmanship

Cultural Experiences - By Mila Vasconcelos

My trip to Bali was filled with incredible cultural encounters, but one that stood out was the chance to forge my own silver ring at the Yan Yan Silver Shop, a tangible memory that I now carry with me every day. What made this experience even more special was the inspiration behind it: Saraswati, the Balinese goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and the arts.

Before heading to the silver workshop, I visited Pura Saraswati, a stunning temple dedicated to the goddess of water, learning, and creativity. Although the temple was small and visitors could not access its main sacred areas, the experience was no less enchanting. The golden and purple hues adorned the space, with the chance of wearing woven sarongs borrowed at the entrance to the seats placed at the far end of the temple, all of which created a serene and mystical atmosphere. These seats, beautifully designed, are reserved for worshippers and special ceremonies, adding to the temple’s sacred ambiance. The water lotus ponds surrounding the temple reflected the soft sunlight, making it feel as though the entire place was glowing with tranquility and wisdom.

Feeling deeply connected to the significance of Saraswati and the flowing energy of water, I decided that my silver ring would honor these themes. My design featured a large wave, symbolizing the movement of knowledge, the fluidity of creativity, and the ever-changing journey of life.

The Silver Forging Experience: Crafting a Memory

At the silver workshop, I was guided by skilled Balinese silversmiths, who walked me through the traditional process of jewelry-making. Here’s how it unfolded:

1. Choosing the Silver & Ring Size:

   The first step was selecting the right thickness and amount of silver based on my design. Since I saw on the sample board a bold wave-like pattern, I opted for a wider band to allow space for engraving and shaping.

   The silversmith measured my finger size, ensuring the ring would be comfortable and proportionate to my design.

   
   

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2. Shaping & Soldering the Ring

   The silver was heated and softened, making it simple to bend and mold into a circular shape. But it was not an easy task! I was scared to use the solder at first, but once I started to try, it reminded me so much of a sewing machine. It became my favorite part of the process.

   
   
   
   

   Using traditional tools, I carefully hammered the metal, smoothing the edges and ensuring the band was symmetrical.

   
   
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3. Carving the Design

   Once the base was ready, it was time to mold the wave shape. I used the metal sand and hammers to etch the flowing lines of the wave, drawing inspiration from the water surrounding Saraswati’s temple. The artisan also helped me to engrave my name, and at this time I was beyond happy, knowing that this was another layer of meaning in my piece.

   The precision and patience required for this step made me appreciate the incredible skill of Balinese artisans even more.

4. Polishing & Finishing

   The ring was then filed, polished, and refined to bring out the natural shine of the silver.

   As a final step, the silversmiths added an oxidized finish to highlight the engraved wave, making the design stand out beautifully.

   
   
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A Ring with Meaning

Holding the finished ring in my hands, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection—not just to Bali, but to the culture, traditions, and spirituality embedded in its craftsmanship. This is my symbol of the creative energy of Saraswati, the movement of life, and my personal journey as an artist and educator.

What I love about forging your own jewelry is that it becomes a story, a memory that you wear every day. And yes, since that day, I wear it every day!

This ring will forever remind me of Bali’s wisdom, its flowing waters, and the beauty of learning through experience. And just like the waves it represents, creativity and knowledge are meant to keep moving, evolving, and inspiring new journeys ahead!

Ms. Mila Vasconcelos