Meet Amanda Stamboel | Jewelry Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Stamboel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what do you attribute your success to?
While the factors of unique product design and high-quality craftsmanship are essential for this brand, I believe that above all, effective communication with customers is the most crucial element: genuinely listening to their needs and desires and making every effort to meet their expectations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
-How did you get to where you are today professionally?

I graduated with a major in product design, which fueled my curiosity to explore and understand the creative process behind object making. While my interest in silver crafts has been present since childhood, particularly influenced by the intricate details of my mother’s jewelry, It was only in later years that I truly fell in love and committed to pursue silversmithing seriously: In 2016, accompanied by my sister, I went to Yogyakarta, Indonesia in order to search for local artisans who could teach me about silversmithing. We almost went back home to Jakarta empty handed until the last day I accidentally met the person who not just agreed to teach for a full week about the basics, but turned out to be my mentor who has been involved in most of AMSTAMB works until today. Ever since I came back from the short course, I felt that there is no turning back. With my limited tools and a computer desk dedicated as my working bench, I started immersing myself in doing a lot of practice and explorations in order to understand the material fully.

It felt so natural how later a brand that has been the roof for my silversmithing journey was finally born

– What do you want the world to know about your brand?

AMSTAMB explores a wide range of themes, expressing experiences, knowledge, and visions through diverse forms. The inspiration may come from the rawest elements like natural rock formations and wind waves to delicate elements like floating draperies or blown glass. The creative process is akin to a patchwork, weaving together all of those ideas to form our creations

Most of our works are handcrafted, combining traditional silversmithing techniques and innovative instinct throughout the process. This creates a unique balance in its own form, making each of them distinctive and truly special.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It is almost impossible to name all the interesting spots in Jakarta. There are too many!

But to name a few that involve jewelry, I would suggest a trip to a very unique market place to buy gemstones in the city, Jakarta Gem Center. It is a building with a huge colorful gemstones sculpture where they sell all kinds of gems. From the imitation ones to the real diamond that costs thousands of dollars. They also featured a small compound with dedicated workstations for stone setters where you can engage their services to set your natural stones and have them polished to perfection.

Next is the National Museum, where we can explore a special section dedicated to the exquisite craftsmanship of Indonesian jewelry heritage.

The next one is, Gedung Permata Cikini, a well known local market where people could sell and buy for gold, and jewelries.

The trip might take a whole day therefore I would suggest closing it by visiting Kedai Tjikini, a charming and cozy cafe located in the same area as the market. Here, you can take a moment to relax, sipping a cup of coffee and try some indonesian kudapan (light bites): yummy fried bananas and Kue Lupis, a triangle-shaped sticky rice dumpling with grated coconut on top and drizzled with palm sugar sauce. I think It’s the perfect way to end your exploration.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mentor, Hendro, has consistently been by my side, guiding me through every milestone I have achieved. He patiently taught me the basics and supported my learning process. On top of that, his skill is remarkable; he is a true master in his craft.

Website: amstamb.com

Instagram: amstamb

Image Credits
While working at the jewelry bench – a shot by Karfianda Suryoutoro