Silver jewellery and boxes from Koh Chen
Koh Chen, near Phnom Penh, is known for its silversmiths and their decorative boxes and jewellery. Here's what to look for, how to check quality and how to visit.
In this guide
Cambodian silverwork has a long tradition, and the village of Koh Chen, on an island in the Mekong north of Phnom Penh, is famous for it. Silversmiths here make decorative boxes, bowls and jewellery using techniques passed down through families.
Traditional silverware
The most distinctive Cambodian silver items are small boxes shaped like animals, fruit or mythical creatures. Traditionally, they held betel nut and lime, chewed as a social custom. Today they're prized as decorative objects and gifts.
Other items include:
- bowls and trays for ceremonies and offerings
- jewellery, such as bracelets, earrings and pendants
- belts and decorative pieces
Techniques
Silversmiths shape and engrave silver by hand, using hammers, punches and chisels to create intricate designs. Many pieces feature patterns inspired by Angkorian art.
Checking quality
- Silver content: ask about purity. Many items are silver alloys or silver-plated.
- Weight: solid silver feels heavier than plated items.
- Detail: look at the fineness of engraving and finishing.
- Stamps: some pieces are marked with their silver content.
Visiting Koh Chen
Koh Chen can be visited on a day trip from Phnom Penh by road and ferry, often combined with Oudong or other sights. You can watch silversmiths at work and buy directly from workshops.
Where else to buy
- Markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
- Boutiques and social enterprises that work with silversmiths.
Tips
- Bargain politely in markets; prices in workshops are often fairer.
- Ask for a receipt for expensive items.
- Polish silver with a soft cloth to keep it shiny.
Frequently asked questions
Is the silver solid?
It varies. Some pieces are solid silver; many are silver alloy or plated. Ask about silver content and expect to pay more for higher purity.
What were the silver boxes used for?
Traditionally, they held betel nut, lime and leaves for chewing, a social custom once common across Southeast Asia. Today they're mainly decorative.
How do I get to Koh Chen?
It's reachable by road and a short ferry crossing from the Phnom Penh area. Many visitors combine it with Oudong in a day trip.