
I heard that Yogyakarta has a traditional craft of silverwork…



Yes, in a town in Yogyakarta called Kota Gede, silverwork using a technique called filigree is particularly famous.



I introduced it in detail in a previous article here.





This time, I will introduce a workshop where you can experience filigree making.
The workshop I visited this time also makes crowns for beauty pageants!


What is Filigree?
Filigree is a technique of twisting and weaving fine silver or gold wires into a rope-like form.


Some artisans leave the ropes and wires cylindrical, while others flatten them using a rolling mill after twisting.
The ropes, whether flattened or not, are twisted into desired shapes, such as coils or zigzags, using extremely fine tweezers, and are later used to fill the gaps in a prepared gold or silver frame. The piece is then soldered using a mixture of borax and very fine gold or silver powder.
Filigree is sometimes used in combination with granulation, a technique of creating very small spheres of silver or gold and soldering them onto jewelry. Granulation is popular for enhancing aesthetic value, but it is also strategically used to hide solder joints and connections.
Products like the following are also sold on Tokopedia.






Filigree Making Experience
This time, I experienced filigree making at “HS Silver,” a particularly large shop and workshop in the Kota Gede area of Yogyakarta.



This workshop also participates in INACRAFT, an exhibition of Indonesian handicrafts.






Location
It is located in the Kota Gede area in the southeastern part of Yogyakarta.
Duration
It took about 3 to 4 hours.
I booked the experience starting at 1:00 PM and finished around 4:30 PM.
Price
IDR 300,000 (Arjuna Course)


Experience Details
In this course, you can make a pendant or a ring.
You can choose your favorite shape from about 20 different outer frames.





I chose a leaf-shaped outer frame for a pendant.





There are samples of motifs, so you can copy them and fit them in.
This is what it looks like after filling it in.


The pattern at the top of the photo is the sample.
Here is the finished pendant. You will receive it in a batik box.





You also get a certificate of completion lol


By the way, this is what my wife’s creation looked like.









For a woman, a ring is a lovely choice.
Summary
What did you think of the introduction to the filigree silver accessory making experience in the Kotagede area of Yogyakarta?
I had a very wonderful experience myself and was able to get engrossed in the work and enjoy it.
I love the finished product and wear it regularly. It is also recommended as a souvenir!
This blog focuses on tourist information for Yogyakarta.
Please be sure to check out our other articles as well!
-
Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Yogyakarta: Complete Guide to Ching San Restaurant
-
Ratu Boko Sunset: Best Instagrammable Spot in Yogyakarta You Shouldn’t Miss
-
Kotagede Yogyakarta: 3 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit
-
Affordable Authentic Italian Food in Yogyakarta: Discover Nanamia Pizzeria
-
Must-Try in Yogyakarta: Enjoy Authentic Gelato at Tempo Gelato
-
Pottery Making Near Borobudur: Traditional Indonesian Craft Experience
-
Candi Mendut Temple Guide: Highlights, Tickets, and Travel Tips
-
Roro Jonggrang Show at Prambanan Temple: A Must-See Cultural Performance in Indonesia
-
Waroeng SS: Yogyakarta’s Famous Spicy Restaurant Loved Across Indonesia
-
What Is Kopi Jos? Discover Yogyakarta’s Most Unique Coffee Experience
-
Wagokoro: The Best Japanese Restaurant in Yogyakarta You Need to Try
-
Top Japanese Restaurants in Yogyakarta Recommended by Japanese Expats
References & Articles
Elegantly Crafted by Our Silversmiths since The Early 1950s.