KAEW PONG KHAM OF BAN NA BAN RAI : FROM NATURAL CRYSTAL TO THE PATTERN OF JEWELRY

Abstract

     This academic paper concerns “Kaew Pong Kham” of Ban Na Ban Rai, Mae Thod Sub-district,
Thoen District, Lampang. This location is one of the famous places for manufacturing and selling
Kaew Pong Kham in Lampang and in Thailand. The research focuses on the context of Ban Na Ban Rai
community; the gemological and physical characteristics of Kaew Pong Kham; the superstitious
importance of Kaew Pong Kham to the community; the origin of Kaew Pong Kham; the names and the
types of Kaew Pong Kham that correspond with the beliefs of people; Kaew Pong Kham lapidary
occupation that has been passed down from generations to generations; the process of faceting Kaew
Pong Kham; and using Kaew Pong Kham as an ornament for jewelry of all kinds. Furthermore, this
paper concerns the sustainable development of Kaew Pong Kham. Kaew Pong Kham is a semi-precious
stone produced from a natural crystal called “Quartz”. It can also be called Kaew Hanuman Stone or “Pencil Stone” as these names are easier to remember according to its physical characteristics. This semi-precious stone called Kaew Pong Kham is not very familiar to regular people nor is it well-known due to its name or
characteristics that are not beautifully nor colorfully attractive. However, Kaew Pong Kham is attractive to those who want to possess it because they believe that the stone gives them luck and invulnerability. Maintaining the occupation of Kaew Pong Kham lapidary requires administrative personnel and authorities for sustainability.