Celuk Village, 5 km east of Denpasar, between the villages of Batubalan and Sukawati is the place to visit for anyone with a penchant for jewellery. Skillful craft families have been turning out beautiful pieces in sterling silver and good quality gold, based on traditional designs for decades. Many visitors to Bali will certainly not leave without a piece of well crafted jewellery priced so that anyone can afford them. In pure silver or gold with delicate filigree patterns, combined with abalone shells, amber, obsidian, turquoise, pearls, moonstones, amethysts, coral, black onyx and other stones the crafts people turn out a range of delicate ear drops, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, rings and brooches. Utensils such as forks, spoons, plates, cups and bowls used to place offerings in temples displaying distinct Balinese designs are also crafted here.
It is said that the Pande Clan in the village first started turning out silver jewellery in the 1930s and the craft gained prominence as more villagers turned craftsmen abandoning agriculture. Originally the jewellery was made for Bali’s royal families and for religious purposes. As times changed and demand for the jewellery increased in the 1970s, Celuk established itself as a village of silversmiths and its pieces of jewellery and crafts people were thrown into prominence. Today around 2,500 people turn out Celuk’s internationally known pieces of jewellery. Silver remains the metal of choice as it is easier and cheaper to obtain than gold. While most visitors generally head to the more prominent jewellery shops along the main road, smaller workshops selling similar pieces of jewellery can be found in the back lanes. Here it is possible to see how the jewellery is made and pieces can even be turned out according to individual designs. Prices are not fixed and bargaining may net a treasure for a reasonable price. Serious shoppers should know that all gold and silver is weighed and sold by the gram. The shops and workshops in Celuk are open every day of the week and offer a huge choice of wares.
The success of most holidays depends on the type of accommodation and facilities at one’s disposal. To have a truly wonderful holiday aided by some of the most elegant and contemporary accommodation, facilities and amenities stay at Anantara Seminyak Bali, the all suite Balinese resort. In addition to the spacious and stunning suites at this Bali resort, the many facilities to be enjoyed are romantic dining venues overlooking the Indian Ocean, a spa with a range of traditional Balinese wellness therapies and on site leisure facilities. As one of chic, upscale Bali resorts guests are offered many options that will make their holiday experience one of the best.