The Founder's Story
Tora Crafts was brought to life by Toby Strauss, a former pro snowboarder, photographer, and lifelong adventurer with a deep-rooted fascination for silver jewelry.
Wherever his travels took him - chasing waves, carving mountains, or immersing himself in vibrant cultures - silver pieces became a constant, a way to carry stories and memories from each adventure.
Yet, what he found - whether at local markets or from established brands - often failed to capture the raw, untamed qualities he admired.
Raised in the worlds of snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing - industries built on community, storytelling, and bold design - Toby felt inspired to create something different.
This realization sparked Tora Crafts: a brand that celebrates the raw beauty of silver, blending bold authenticity with refined sophistication. Each piece is designed to be as timeless and unique as the stories they hold.
The Birth of Tora Crafts
In 2023, Toby made a move to Bali, Indonesia. There, he could pursue his passion for surfing daily and draw inspiration from the vibrant and creative people who called the island home.
Bali’s electic mix of residents ignited something.“Living on this island opened my eyes to creativity in all its raw, unfiltered forms. It showed me there’s no blueprint for becoming who you’re meant to be,” he shares.
This led him to focus on his own creative journey, reigniting the idea of building a jewelry brand that spoke to the raw, untamed beauty of silver. In Bali, surrounded by a vibrant community of artisans, Toby collaborated with skilled local silversmiths to design his first collection - timeless pieces that shall reflect strength, grace, and authenticity.
As he refined his vision, Toby drew inspiration from Japanese art, culture, and craftsmanship, naming the brand Tora - the Japanese word for tiger. The tiger symbolized everything Tora Crafts would come to represent: strength, courage, and the raw power of nature.
In Asian cultures, the tiger is seen as a “guardian of noble things,” protecting what is precious. This powerful symbolism aligned perfectly with the vision for Tora Crafts, a brand that would combine the purity and strength of nature with the authenticity and craftsmanship of handmade silver jewelry.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bring the Tora ethos to the world. We are committed to creating timeless, high-quality, handcrafted silver jewelry that is accessible to everyone.
Our vision transcends borders, embracing humans who celebrate differences, accept others with compassion, and live courageously as their true selves.
Our jewelry embodies purity and authenticity, with designs that are sleek yet bold in their presence. We focus on the raw, natural beauty of silver, highlighting its essence and timeless appeal. Each piece is handcrafted to enhance your unique style with subtle, meaningful details. Wherever life takes you, silver’s raw elegance complements any look, empowering you to feel confident and strong every step of the way.
Handcrafted by skilled artisans and silversmiths in Bali - Indonesia, every piece is made from ethically sourced and recycled 925 sterling silver. For our silver alloy, we use only premium raw materials and adhere to strictly controlled production processes. Our silver is completely free from nickel, lead, cadmium, or other noxious elements. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do; our production process has minimal environmental impact, creating jewelry that cares for both you and the world we share.