A Girl’s Best Friend

Thailand is blessed to have jewellery artisans following traditions that date back thousands of years and has worked hard to exploit its substantial gemstone resources.

Bangkok has become an international hub for some of the world’s finest gems and jewellery, diamonds, coloured stones and precious metals – they’re all flown in, then polished, cut, and set here in Thailand.

According to the Thailand Investment Review, the Kingdom is now the world’s Number One producer of silver jewellery, and the fifth largest centre of diamond cutting. It ranks in the Top Five as a polishing centre, and 12th worldwide for coloured stones.

All these statistics are impressive. The Royal Thai Government has taken note and support for the industry has grown in recent years, while the private sector has continued to take the initiative, raising awareness and driving business to reputable suppliers recognised as worldwide industry leaders.

In February, the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA)  hosted its second Thailand Gems & Jewellery Fair in Bangkok, following the success of the inaugural event in 2017.

The growing renown of this trade showcase is testament to the growing confidence of those interested in entering the industry to open new sales channels, as well as highlighting Thailand’s strength as a world-class hub for gems and jewellery.

TGJTA  is also pushing for industry dutyfree status involving exemption of valueadded tax (VAT) on imports of finished diamonds and gemstones for manufacturing; rough stones for manufacturing and sale; machinery, tools and materials.

But while this is all great great news for the industry, visitors to Thailand often have simpler aspirations.

They’re usually just looking for good deals on quality gems and jewellery, as gifts for loved ones or highly personal occasions. Few things in life are more romantic than shopping for wedding jewellery, then arranging a Thai-style wedding or themed engagement party in one of Thailand’s main wedding regions.

Like everywhere else in the world, there can sometimes be unscrupulous scams waiting for the unwary or gullible gems and jewellery seekers in Thailand.

But shoppers are rarely disappointed if they use common sense and follow the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) tips for buying gems and jewellery in Bangkok.

It advises tourists to stick to certified stores in Bangkok’s numerous and vibrant gems and jewellery areas. Each road or area usually specialises in an industry segment - be it gold, silver, diamonds or precious and semi-precious coloured stones.

Here are some of the main centres to visit:

BAN MO DIAMOND/ JEWELLERY SHOPPING

Ban Mo is lined with jewellery stores and was previously a pottery village, as the name Ban Mo  means. The shophouses were built later and transformed the area into the diamond and jewellery centre of today.

The pottery symbol representing the original activity of the area can still be seen on top of the podium at the entrance to the Old Market.

YAOWARAT GOLD SHOPPING

Thailand’s gold craft dates back to when early artisans were inspired by Hinduinfluenced gold pieces, and along the way obtained a knowledge of gold artistry that has been passed down for centuries. The goldsmiths in Yaowarat are guardians of that ancient tradition and continue to be hailed worldwide for their outstanding craftsmanship.

MAHEASAK’S GEMSTONES STREET

Thailand is a world leader in coloured stones – both precious and semi-precious coloured stones – and Maheasak is the city’s Gem Heart and Soul.

Well-known among foreign gem wholesalers, bulk buys are possible. Ready-made jewellery in coloured stones is also considered high quality.

SURAWONGSE ROAD - SILVER SHOPPING

While difficult to verify, there are up to 250 shops in this enclave to choose from, so Surawongse will satisfy the needs of visitors who want the best.

The area specialises in high-end pieces; the silver used here is said to be the purest, highest quality in Thailand.

SILOM ROAD - DIAMOND SHOPPING

If diamonds truly Are a Girl's Best Friend, then Silom Road in the capital’s busy business district is where shoppers need to be - it's hailed as Bangkok’s centre for diamond jewellery with reportedly more than 400 stores to choose from.

CHAROEN KRUNG - SILVER SHOPPING

This road’s name means Prosperous City  and it’s popular for unique accessories and silver jewellery designs.

Tailored to the high-end product and export market, visitors will find a mix of both wholesale and retail shops to browse and buy from.

Source: tourismthailand.org