Bangkok fair showcases array of colour gemstones and jewellery
By David Brough
BANGKOK, September 6, 2017 – The 60th edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair presented a wide selection of colour gemstones and predominantly silver jewellery, as well as state-of-the-art equipment for manufacturing.
The show, which runs from September 6-10, 2017, also hosted the World Ruby Forum to highlight the high quality of rubies manufactured in Thailand for the export market.
Thailand is a leading manufacturer and exporter of largely silver jewellery and colour gemstones, including rubies and sapphires, and benefits from tax incentives to encourage manufacturing and exports.
Turnout of visiting retailers from around the world was brisk on the opening day of the fair, with the presence of a prominent member of the royal family at the inauguration ceremony underlining the strategic importance of gems and jewellery for the Thai economy.
Much of the Thai jewellery manufacturing industry is non-branded. However, increasing efforts are being made to brand some Thai suppliers, such as Nara Joaillerie, a high diamond jeweller which is currently raising its profile in the Thai market and preparing to export its brand too.
The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair featured wholesalers selling gems, from blue topaz to citrines, and the latest jewellery manufacturing equipment.
Polished diamond supplies offered at the Bangkok fair were typically imported from India, where they had been cut and polished, for setting into jewellery in Thailand. However, Thailand does have a small domestic industry cutting and polishing diamonds, local jewellers said.
