Sterling silver snake earring in “S” design, 3 cm long.
The Shakya family has been creating beautiful jewelry throughout Nepal, India and Tibet for generations. Now all sons live and work in their ancestral home in the Kathmandu Valley. As with previous generations, the father taught his sons traditional jewelry making skills. Recognizing that producing jewelry only for retailers provided limited economic opportunities, he also trained one son in business. In 1977 the sons opened their own shop. At this time, they produced all the jewelry themselves. However, as the business grew, they invited other Buddhist Newari families to work with them. Fourteen families now have a consistent income as a result of their involvement.