Beyond Backstreet

Silver Smith Jewellery Workshop

Located on the To Lich river bank in Hanoi’s Hoang Mai district, approximately 10km from Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Cong village has a long history of silver handicrafts. Throughout its history, the village has seen several drastic changes take place to its people, culture, tradition and crafts, but silversmithing in Dinh Cong is one of the few ancient crafts of Thang Long (old name of Hanoi) that still exists today.

Thin silver is a speciality of the village, completely different from other jewellery villages because it is entirely made by hand. From the ingots, the craftsmen must skilfully pull them together into tiny silver threads and then deftly bend them into various shapes and put the details on the frame to create a finished product. Silver engraving is available in many locations throughout the country, but thin silver only exists in Dinh Cong village.

On this trip, you will soak up the spirit of one of the most famous and unique jewellery craft villages in Vietnam, see the patience, intelligence and creation of silversmiths, and have the chance to learn how to make a silver product yourself. We will start by learning the village’s history and getting to know the local host who will teach you how to make silver products. Then, under the host’s guidance, you will learn how to make thin silver thread and arrange it to make a beautiful piece of silver. We have a collection of samples for you to choose what to make, either a ring, earrings or a bracelet.

Please note that the price includes a certain amount of silver to be used (enough for a simple ring), but if you want to add extra silver to make bigger things, then an extra fee applies, which we can discuss at the workshop.