The making of Fish Silver - Creating One of a Kind Sterling Statement Jewellery
Fish Silver had humble beginnings back in 2006 in a small rented shop space on the world famous Railay Beach in the stunning province of Krabi, Southern Thailand. Railay Beach is a popular tourist destination for people from all around the world and was an excellent place to sell our silver jewellery. Pon hand makes original one of a kind pieces of silver jewellery. Pons design and Fish Silvers Style tends towards bold statement pieces with an ethnic feel. Over the years Pon and I (Meg) saw more tourists come to Railay Beach and an interest in Pons jewellery grow, with many customers returning each year. Fish Silver has had some ups and downs with floods in Thailand, Political unrest and a quiet spell every year during the monsoon season. These quiet spells prompted us to look elsewhere for sales. A friend told us about Etsy, so we took our first plunge into online selling.
Pons interest in silver began about 33 years ago on the now infamous Khao San Rd in Bangkok. Living in Bangkok, he made money selling leather and beaded jewellery to the foreigners passing through. At the time Pon was living with an old friend who had a silver jewellery business. Pon seized the moment to learn some new skills before moving south to Railay in Krabi. Railay quickly developed a reputation as a world class rock climbing spot which became a passion of Pons over the next 10 years. Pon worked as a climbing guide on Railay for many years and competed professionally in 2 Asian X Games, and a Singapore Open. All the while Pon was making and selling jewellery on the side, perfecting his craft and honing his skills.
In 2002 I arrived in Krabi and in 2005 Pon and I decided to open our first little silver shop in Krabi Town. The following year saw new opportunities and a chance to move the business to Railay Beach. With the move came the new name "Fish Silver". and this was the beginning of our little silver jewellery business.
At Fish Silver we sell the wonderful bespoke pieces created by Pon, and the wonderful ethnic silver jewellery created by the Karin Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand. Our shop is a ten minute drive and a ten minute longtail boat ride away. Our working and creative space is somewhere amongst the clutter that is three kids and life in the monsoons.
Pon loves working with turquoise (his favourite stone) and creates wonderful, unique one of a kind pieces inspired by the colour and shape of the stones He uses a high content silver (95-97%) which is softer to work with allowing him to create wonderful detail and definition to his pieces.
14 years ago Pon lost his left leg in a car accident. A huge change had to be made in the day to day running of Fish. It has been a tough few years for Pon and I but despite everything Fish Silver continues to go from strength to strength. Pon being able to continue making silver, keep busy, and support his family was psychologically a big boost to him during such a difficult period, and as a result his skills and craft have gone from strength to strength
Pon is inspired by the natural shape and colour of the stones and fossils he works with. Often he will shape the silver to fit the stone rather than shape the stone to fit the silver. This means many pieces are truly unique, one of a kind creations with a lovely handmade feel to them.
Fish Silver is definitely a journey that has been going from strength to strength and both Pon and Meg are looking forward to many more years of living the dream and loving the life.
