Bangkok has earned a global reputation as a hub for colored gemstones. Its markets overflow with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds of exceptional quality, set into stunning jewelry or sold loose by the carat. Skilled Thai craftsmen cut, and polish beautiful gemstones sourced both locally and from neighboring countries.
With such variety and value on offer, it's no wonder Bangkok draws buyers from around the world. However, the dazzling array of stones can also confuse first-time buyers. By understanding the unique qualities of each gemstone, sticking to reputable sellers, and knowing what to look for in authenticating certificates, you can shop with confidence. This guide will prepare you to find the perfect gem without getting scammed.
Why Bangkok?
The rise of Bangkok as a gemstone capital stems from its proximity to vital sources. The city provides a trading hub for rubies from Myanmar, sapphires from Cambodia and Laos, and more. Generations of specialist Thai craftsmen have honed jewelry techniques still practiced today. Bangkok also offers incredibly competitive prices compared to other global markets.
The key district for gem shopping in Bangkok is Silom, the tourist heart of Bangkok, filled with markets, malls and street vendors selling stones.
Types of Gemstones Available
Let’s take a quick look at the different types of gemstones available out there in Bangkok. It will provide a proper direction for you to go ahead and buy what you want.
Tips for Buying Gemstones in Bangkok
Whether buying rubies or any other gemstone, it is important to be extra careful in Bangkok. Here are some of the valuable tips that you can follow for it.
Research and Knowledge
There is no substitute for understanding gemstone traits, grading methods and quality factors. Consult reputable gem guides to grasp the criteria of each stone beforehand. Familiarity with fair pricing ranges helps detect good deals.
Choosing Reputable Sellers
Bangkok hosts everything from street hawkers to world-class gem empires. Seek out trusted retailers like family-run Raja Gems Trading, or Veerasak Gems. Well-established companies invest in their reputation and adhere to fair business codes. Ask hotel staff or the Tourism Authority of Thailand for up-to-date recommendations.
Certifications and Authenticity
Reputable Bangkok gem sellers provide internationally recognized grading reports from labs like GIA, AGL or GRS. Check documents to match the stone and identify any treatments. Such reports prove vital should questions arise when exporting purchases home.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
Bangkok's notorious gemstone scam is a sophisticated and well-organized con that preys on first-time visitors to Thailand. The scam typically begins at major tourist attractions such as Wat Phra Kaew, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho, where friendly strangers approach tourists with misleading information. They claim that these sites are temporarily closed for various reasons, such as holidays or repairs, and suggest alternative destinations. These strangers often come across as very convincing, exploiting the friendly reputation of the Thai people to gain the tourists' trust.
Once the tourists are lured to an out-of-the-way temple, they encounter another accomplice who speaks excellent English and poses as a knowledgeable local. This person will probably introduce you to a ‘special deal’ on gemstones, trying to sell the idea of buying gems at low prices in Thailand to resell at a profit abroad. The entire setup then leads the tourists to a gem shop where they receive high-pressure sales pitches. Swayed by the elaborate lies and the false sense of opportunity, many have ended up purchasing worthless gems for exorbitant prices.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, you just have to follow a few simple guidelines. First and foremost, always be skeptical of unsolicited advice from strangers near tourist attractions. If someone tells you that a site is closed or tries to redirect you, verify the information independently.
Where to Buy: Recommended Places
Silom
Silom is an excellent starting point if you're seeking higher-end gemstones. This area is renowned as the main trading center for premium gems such as rubies, tourmaline, emeralds, and sapphires. Silom’s gem dealers are well-regarded for their quality and authenticity, making it a reliable place for serious gem buyers looking for valuable and exquisite stones.
Additional Resources
We also recommend reading these articles before deciding to invest in gemstones in Bangkok: https://www.into-asia.com/bangkok/gemscam
https://www.veerasakgems.com/blog/buying-rubies-what-you-should-know/
