What dragonfly is found around the world?

About Garnet
The fiery red gemstone of January, garnet actually describes a range of stones and colors. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all considered it the traveler's stone for the belief that it could protect the wearer from evil. Although some of the most striking examples are found in Africa, garnet from Bohemia was much in demand during the 18th century, when designs often featured many small stones set in clusters like pomegranate seeds. Today artisans in jewelry-making centers in India, Indonesia, Russia, and elsewhere use garnet—fiery red, earthen brown, and even a brilliant green favored by Tiffany and Faberge—to create vintage- and ethnically inspired new designs.

Zayd Makarim
Zayd Makarim was born in West Java on August 2, 1968. From the time he was a child, he liked art. "I did paintings and sculptures for fun," he recalls. "It started as an assignment for school but, by doing them, I discovered I liked art so much that it became one of my passions."

As an adult, Makarim's job took him to Bali. "I'd always had a dream to come to Bali, and also to travel," he says. "And my dream came true." In Bali he worked for a famous jewelry designer and that's where he learned about silver and design, and began making his own jewelry.

"It all started because of my wife's birthday. I wanted to create a gift for her, so I made a pair of earrings. When they were done, I could not believe my eyes because they were so beautiful... and she loved them!" he confides. "Many of her friends asked if I could make some for them. I started thinking about taking my passion seriously and I decided to create my own jewelry line."

"I like art and find inspiration in everything that surrounds me. I love architecture and I am eager to know and learn more about other nations' culture. In my pieces, I want to express myself as well as what surrounds me.

"My wife helps me a lot. Thanks to her I get really inspired because when I think of something beautiful, I think about her and what would be good for her. She means everything to me."

Wayan Asmana
"I am thankful that God gave me a chance to join with Novica. My jewelry is now known in many different countries, and my family and I feel so much this uplift in our economic life thanks to you. We hope this can last forever, and I will continue to work harder and better to please you, all my dear customers. Thank you so much!"

Wayan Asmana is a master silversmith from Sukawati, long regarded as Bali's most important jewelry center. Asmana learned his craft when he was in elementary school but only when he was in senior school did his father teach him how to make gold accessories. Wayan Asmana senior is unquestionably a renowned jewelry maker and designer.

When Asmana returned to his village after university, he married his beautiful bride, Wayan Asmariani. Then he set about starting his own jewelry workshop where he designed and crafted a variety of gold and silver accessories. Business began to flourish and tourists were his main customers. Unfortunately, events such as the World Trade Center attacks and the Legian-Kuta bombing have had a very bad impact on Bali's tourism trade, which in turn has affected Asmana's work.

Setting up on his own is difficult. Asmana tells of the time, three years ago, when a foreign tourist bought almost $1,200 worth of products. When Asmana went to the bank to change the dollars into into rupiah, he was told the money was counterfeit. There was nothing Asmana could do about it.

Withaya Cheunjit and wife Achara
"My name is Withaya Cheunjit and Achara, a Novica featured artist, is my loving wife. We have been working together for over 20 years. We use high purity silver, which is handmade by skilled silversmiths, especially by our good friends, the hill tribe people. We make most of our own designs, but we also integrate various designs of tribal origin. Achara's style concentrates on silver, whereas my style includes ornate silver beads and gemstones. I personally enjoy creating my own designs, especially when they become unique pieces.

"My love for design is what motivated me to graduate in architecture. I got interested in silver jewelry when I moved to Chiang Mai. I centered all of my efforts into learning how to design and create silver jewelries such as rings, bracelets, and bangles with my hands. Now I work more on new designs that incorporate charms, silver jewelry mixed with stones, and silver beads.

"I was born in Prachuapkhirikhan, but I fell in love with Chiang Mai, its charm, its traditions and the beauty of its nature. I spend my leisure time up in the mountains, biking and racing motorbikes. Besides the thrill, I also draw inspiration for my designs.

"I am so happy to be able to link my two favorite hobbies together. If I would have to summarize myself in one short sentence, I would say that I am at heart a jewelry designer who loves motorbike racing."

Ketut Suwitra
Ketut Suwitra was born into a family of rice farmers, their village bordering with a jungle in west Bali. The youngest of four children, he tended to errands with no opportunity for schooling beyond elementary grade level. Long walks through the jungle fostered in Suwitra a deep appreciation for nature, animals, color, and the beauty of the natural world.

Beckoned by the opportunity for employment, at 19, Suwitra, his brother and his sister transmigrated to Sulawesi Island. Yearning for his native Bali, he returned after a year to pursue an interest in the local Balinese arts and crafts.

The colorful fabric market of Denpasar gave him a new sense of design and marketing. His five years there also instilled newfound confidence, and he eagerly seized the opportunity to work and design for a foundation in Bali as their boutique manager.

The lure of the unknown called to him four years later, and he accepted a one year work and study program in the mountains of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He returned to his beloved Bali and soon got back to work. Suwitra designs and creates elegant wearable art through his unique ability to capture nature's beauty.

Suwitra masters batik and silk screening techniques as well as and hand-painted motifs, which he transforms into colorful sarongs, scarves, and stylish, comfortable, clothing.

Sainatee Phosai
"My name is Sainatee Phosai, or you can call me Daeng. I am the oldest of three children, with one sister and one brother. I'm a friendly person and everyone says it's fun to be around me. I've liked handicrafts ever since I was young.

"After graduating from the Sankamphaeng School in Nonformal Education Centre in 1987, I got a job in a cheese and butter company. I worked there for a while, then I quit to give all of my time to sewing and I've created many designs. Although I've been sewing since I was young, I've learned from the internet, and started to sew as a career in 2004. Doing the things I enjoy makes me feel free and I like to be my own boss.

"I try to live my life in a self-sufficient way but, at the same time, I like to help other people as much as I can.

"The riskiest thing in my life was starting a new family with my husband and child. That was challenging, but now I have a happy family. It is most impressive when we have a family reunion. I love everybody in my family, so I'm glad when we see each other again.

"In the future, I hope my work will be known by many people and I can develop my work to be better and better. I would like to tell people around the world to please keep your eye on my work. Thank you!"