Nestled among the bustling gold shops of Hang Bac Street - where modern jewelry glitters under bright yellow lights in expansive glass displays - there sits a tiny jewelry workshop that is strangely modest.
Without a flashy sign or dazzling lights, the Hong Chau jewelry shop, owned by Nguyen Chi Thanh, remains a place where the steady, rhythmic clink-clink of the hammer can still be heard daily. It is a humble space that stands in stark contrast to the frantic pace of the city streets outside.
The humble handcrafted jewelry workshop of artisan Nguyen Chi Thanh in the heart of the capital.
Hang Bac Street is home to many jewelry shops, but few still work the traditional way - using anvils, hammers, and manual filing like Thanh.
Many young people choose to have their jewelry repaired here, drawn by the integrity and lifelong dedication of Thanh's family.
Foreign tourists are often intrigued to find such a modest, handcrafted workshop - steeped in the cultural identity of old Hanoi - amidst so many bustling commercial stores.
A miniature cyclos model crafted by Thanh, evoking memories and nostalgia for the ancient beauty of old Hanoi.
The look of pure passion on Thanh's face as he sits at his workbench.
Every detail in each stage of production is meticulously inspected by Thanh.
Shimmering handcrafted jewelry pieces created by the veteran goldsmith.
Hand-crafted jewelry products by Thanh's family on display at the shop.
A proud smile representing the continuation and preservation of the "craftsman's fire" between Thanh and his son.
Nguyen Duc, the son who continues his father’s legacy of handcrafted jewelry.
- By Khanh Long/VNP Translated by Hong Hanh