Thailand is known worldwide for precious gems, especially rubies and sapphires. Thailand imposes no import or export duty on raw or cut stones. Some of the most beautiful and rare stones are mined in Chantanburi and Mai Sot, Thailand. Next door in Burma, some of the most exquisite rubies are mined, and these also find their way into the Thai gem markets. Here is a guide for where to buy the best Gems in Bangkok.
The Gem Tower
The Gem Tower at Silom soi 36 is the anchor for the Bangkok gem market. It is just a short walk from the Surasek BTS Skytrain station. From here you'll also see the Silom Holiday Inn, which is a giant hotel you can use as a reference point. This is also a good place to stay, if you're coming to Bangkok for the main purpose of gem shopping. The Gem Tower's retail shopping is available on the first four floors.
Most of the gems sold here are loose stones you'll purchase either as an investment, or to have them mounted later into jewelry. Here you can also buy gem and jewelry supplies, such as a jewelers loupe (magnifying glass), digital scale, polariscope, and equipment to measure a gem's carat weight.
Mahasek Road - Silom Gem District
Mahasek is a short street, a block up from the Gem Tower. This street is lined with stores that sell all grades of rubies, and sapphires of every color. Emeralds, periodots, citrines and other semi-precious gemstones can also be found here. The prices will be good and fair. You won't need to worry about being cheated on a fake stone, as long as you buy from within an actual store. These stores have been here for more than a hundred years, some since 1854, and their reputation is important to them. They would never embarrass themselves by selling a fake gem. They know dealers from across the globe come here to buy and sell gems. Scams do abound in other locations, so don't buy off the street.
Now that you know the gems are real, buying a quality gem is up to you. I'm not an expert, so I buy what looks appealing to me. You can also bargain for a better price. Just because its a real gem, doesn't mean it can't be bought for a bargain.
Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair
Held each year in March and September is the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair at the Impact Challenger hall, Impact Area/Convention Center. About 80,000 square meters are filled with more than 3,000 vendors, who sell cut and uncut loose gemstones, as well as already set pieces of jewelry. The prices will be higher here, but you can bargain your way down. The fair lasts for 5 days each season, and also features small lectures on gem buying. The Impact Convention Center is about 30 minutes from the heart of Bangkok by taxi, which is the easiest way to go there. There is also a free shuttle bus service from many major hotels.
Bangkok's Chinatown
The Chinatown area of Bangkok is located near the Chao Phraya river, to the west side of the city. A 15 minute taxi ride will take you there, as no Skytrain runs that way. Chinatown is known primarily for its gold, but you can also find unique gems there. Set jewelry and carved gemstones are more prevalent in this area, and emeralds outnumber the rest.
The 4th floor of Major Malls
I have found that most of the other gem shops are located on the fourth floor of the major malls, such as the Mall Bangkapi, Central Lat Prao and Secon Square. These stores also sell many charms and Buddhist amulets. You will likely even see one or two fortune tellers here, and it's a matter taken seriously by the Thais. Here you can find some interesting carved gemstones. I've seen amazing figures carved from rubies and sapphires, including an extraordinary koi goldfish carved from a 22 karat kashmir blue sapphire. At $2000, I had to let it pass, but I later found it was likely worth twice that in Europe.
Asian Institute of Gemology
The Asian Institute of Gemology, or AIGS, is located in Bangkok's Silom gem district in the Jewelry Trade Center building, 48th floor. They offer full diplomas in gemology, but also several short courses in grading specific gems, such as the "Grading Rubies" one-day class for $45. Take a one-day workshop during your trip to Bangkok, or even one of their 3 to 7 day classes on more details aspects of gems. A full diploma requires years, but even the short courses will definitely help your buying skills. Give them a visit.
Note: On the streets and at tourist sites, you'll see touts trying to get you to take a tour of some unnamed gem museum. These are just tours to large stores in odd areas, and will not offer you any bargains. Avoid buying at these so-called tours. This used to be a problem near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, but lately the Thai government cleared most of these touts away, and made it illegal for them to solicit near a temple. Now finding real gems in Bangkok is a bit less complicated.
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