This large Hill Tribe silver puffed bead is an ideal necklace component. You may even want to use this bead as the focal point in your designs. With an oval shape and brushed surface, this puffed oval bead is sure to please even the pickiest of pallets. Try mixing this fun bead with colorful Gemstone Beads for a more natural look. Hill Tribe Silver from Thailand is being featured in the current bead magazines. These items are made by the Karen Hill Tribe in northern Thailand using traditional tribal methods passed down from generation to generation. Purchasing these silver items helps sustain a traditional craft and provides the Karen people with a reliable source of income. The silver content in our Hill Tribes silver beads and pendants is typically 95-99%, even higher than sterling (92.5%). This higher silver content is softer and therefore easier to shape into all the unique and wonderful styles. On close inspection you will notice that no two pieces are exactly alike, attesting to the handmade nature of these beautiful pieces.