How to Buy Gemstones in Bangkok, Thailand? [Video]

In the video tutorial, I tried to explain the method how to buy gemstones in Bangkok, Thailand.  If you prefer reading please continue with our post below.

Buying a color gemstone in Bangkok can be both a rewarding or horrifying experience. When one scans in travel forums or discussion boards, it will seem there is more horror “Thai Gem scams” story then the pleasant rewarding ones.

It has always been a fact that negative news is more popular.  Media likes focusing more on revolutions, accidents, natural disasters or murders.  Then reading about good experiences people have because of how it affects us.

The Thai Gem scams does exist.  But, this does not mean you should not consider buying gemstones in Thailand.

Like many countries around the world, they are always bad intentional people around. They will try to take advantage of foreign tourists’ ignorance so they can earn a quick buck.

You should of course be careful when you approach by these scam artists and to learn how to avoid them.  More information about these scams can read here – http://www.bangkokscams.com

Yet, the purpose of this article is not to inform you how to avoid blood-sucking vampires or gem scam artists.  But to explain to you what you should do when you want to buy a gemstone in Bangkok or Thailand?

First, let us get the facts straight.  Why you should consider buying gemstones in Bangkok or Thailand.

Why you should Buy Gemstones in Bangkok?

Largest Gemstone Market

Bangkok is one of the largest and major markets for trading all types of color gemstones. This includes but not restricted to: rubies, sapphires, tourmaline, garnets, peridot, spinel, topaz and jade.

Some stats – The Thai gems and jewelry industry in 2016 generated more than US$14 billion for the Thai economy. The industry is the third largest foreign income earner for the country.

Office Located Here

Almost all color gemstone traders, wholesalers and jewelry buyers have an office-based here. Or have a local partner because it is in fact cheaper to buy color gemstones here then anywhere else in the world.

Major Treatment and Manufacturing Hub

Almost all color gemstones rough from around the world come to Thailand. They get cut, treated and manufactured to jewelry because of their strong expertise.

Thai craftsmen are consider the best cutters in the world. They have learnt how to cut in pure precision due to their proximity to Burma. The major source for expensive color gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and jade.

Many gem source countries – like Burma, Africa, South America, or Sri Lanka – have local cutters. Yet, they lag years behind Thai cutters. Thai craftsmen are also considered experts in heat treatment. Especially for very expensive rubies and sapphire. This is a very difficult skill to get.

Major Gemstone Trading Source

Again, the most important fact is Thailand is the major source of trading color gemstones. From my experience, it is actually even cheaper to buy gemstones in Thailand. Than from source countries.

At first, this point might sound counter-intuitive. Why will it be cheaper to buy a gemstone in Thailand when it doesn’t source most of these stones?

A better way to understand this is by comparing another industry which we all know about very well like buying an Apple iPhone.  It is given fact that iPhone component’s come from around the world like silicon chips, memory chips, touch screen materials, etc., and are assembled either in Taiwan or China.

Therefore, it should be logical that it should be cheaper to buy the Apple iPhone either at the source of these components or at the assembling plants in China or Taiwan.

Yet, the fact is the cheapest most competitive market to buy an iPhone is in the United States of America (USA).  This is because of one sole reason that it is the major trading place and largest market for these devices.

Large demand combine with competition has always proven that the cheapest places to buy anything is where the item is traded the most. You can ask anyone in the color gemstone business about Thailand. They will agree to the fact that Thailand is one of the largest and major markets for color gemstones.

Negative: Treatment Hub

But, here are some things you do have to worry about and avoid when buying gemstones in Thailand. You should keep this in mind when you do decide to buy a gemstone from any wholesaler or retailer.

  • Thailand is consider the experts in all the new treatments in color stones including. – Heat treatment, synthetics, glass-filled rubies, diffused color treatment sapphires, irradiation topaz, dyeing, waxing and oiling emeralds, etc.

Negative: Not Diamond Trading Hub

Thailand does not have strong expertise in diamonds. Diamonds are traded at a premium price compared to larger and competitive markets. – like Antwerp, New York, Mumbai or Tel Aviv.

Now with all these facts in mind, how do you go about in buying a gemstone in Thailand?

In Bangkok –

A good starting point is to check the Thai Gems & Jewelry Trader Association (TGJTA) website.   On the site, you will get a list of gemstones dealers or traders. (https://www.thaigemjewelry.or.th/member).

This site is not completely updated and information is not 100% accurate. But it is better than having nothing in hand. But, the list is quite extensive and it can take you weeks to look at it. Of course, if you do have the time and do your homework it can be very rewarding.

Silom, Suriwong, and Bangrak

For most higher-end color gemstones – rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tourmaline, etc., – you should check the end of Silom area.  A good starting point will be Jewelry Trade Center, JTC.  (http://www.jewelrytradecenter.com/contact-us/).  This is fourth-largest building in Bangkok. So it is hard to miss.

How to buy gemstones in Bangkok? Image of JTC in 2012
JTC Entrance (old) – 2012 Image

In the building for example, it houses:
a) The TGJTA office
b) Asian Instituted of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) gem lab
c) GemResearch Swisslab (GRS) gem lab.
d) Many gemstone wholesalers and dealers.
Also on the ground floor of the building you will see “gem booths.” This is a good place to start practicing your art of negotiating skills.

Other places to visit are areas next to JTC, which is the end of Silom, Suriwong, and Bangrak.  This area stretches from JTC to the Chao Phyra river.

Their are lines of gemstone wholesales shops around here with over 1,000 dealers.  Most are concentrated in soi Mahesak Road (between Silom and Suriwong),

How to buy gemstones in Bangkok? Soi Mahesak in Silom Road

Warner Building in Mahesak, Executive House in Suriwong and Gem Tower in Bangrak.  Most dealers here will be honest and won’t sell you fake stones without their own knowledge.  But, you do have to be careful when negotiating price. And do double check with cheap local independent lab, if the stone you are buying is what stated. (More details provided below)

How to buy gemstones in Bangkok? This image is Gems Tower located at Charoen Krung Road
Gems Tower Building

WAT KOH

For “semi-precious” stones or synthetics. Includes garnets, citrine, amethyst, cubic zirconia, etc.,. The best place to buy these stones is near Chinatown a place nicked name “Wat Koh.”  The official name of the lane called Songwad Road, in Samphantawong.

The lane itself is quite crowded. But you will definitely get very good deals and most shop owners are quite reliable.

In Chanthaburi, Thailand –

Chanthaburi located 280 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. Considered the cutting, manufacturing and treatment center for color gemstones in Thailand. It started off in the 1960s till 1980s as the Thai gemstone source of corundum (sapphires and rubies).

But, these sources were quickly depleted. Because of the extensive use of modern equipment and major mining operations. The town however, adapted itself by learning in those 20 years about treatments. They are now experts in treating low-quality rubies or sapphires. Make low-quality gems look spectacular.

This is done by new treatments like:
a) chemically diffused
b) glass-filed
c) irradiation, etc.
This expertise has made it the source for low-quality ruby and sapphires.

You can buy gemstones here in the middle of town. Where you can rent tables or go to reliable dealers offices. The dealers’ offices help to call brokers to bring you the gemstones you need.

Place to buy gemstones in Chanthaburi. My GIA Class in a desk in Chanthaburi Market looking at gemstones
Memory lane – My GIA class renting a table in Chanthaburi Market

Chanthaburi is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Usually, most gemstone dealers from Bangkok go there.

The typical stones you will find here is usually of lower grade then in Bangkok. This is because the higher end usually go straight to dealers in Bangkok.

Also, dealers in Chanthaburi do come to Bangkok in the weekdays (Silom area again). So, you can see the same stones in Bangkok as well.

Buying Guidelines

Once you have decided where you want to buy.  Below are some guidelines on what you should do when you are at dealers, retailers or gem market:

Check Credentials

The credentials of the office and retailer is true and correct.  Again this does not mean bigger offices or retail shops are better.

Reliable wholesalers and retailers will have business licenses in a frame. Located at the front of their office. Also in front are large sign of their company name at the front door.

This is required by law in Thailand if you are operating a business. Also, most reliable dealers are registered in the TGJTA Directory.  Members and will also be listed on their website (link is provided above).

Neutral Light Setting

Make sure the place where you buying the gemstone has neutral light.  This means normal sunlight from the window.  Or quality artificial “daylight” lighting.   This is recommended by GIA when checking a color for gemstones.

This is important because in yellow light rubies will look redder.  While in “strong” unnatural white light makes darker emeralds or sapphires look lighter and better.

Ask Questions

Ask specific questions to dealers or salesperson about the gemstones.  Then see how they respond.

This is were some common sense and understanding people skills come in handy.  Some examples of pointed specific questions are:

Question One: Treatment

Has this gemstone been treated?
If no, can you show me how you know or do you have a certificate?
If yes, in what way has it been treated? Has it been heated, chemically diffused, irradiated, dyed, oiled, waxed or glass-filled?

Question Two: Experience

What experience do you have in dealing with gemstones?

How long have you been in the trade for?

Do you have any credentials like graduate gemologist degree from GIA. Or anyone in the office who does?

If not, how can you tell if a stone is natural or treated?

Question Three: Return Policy

Do you have a return policy if the gemstone you stated is not exactly what you sold?  If the answer is NO, just walk away right now.

Question Four: Third Party Certification

I am interested in buying this stone but it is currently not certified.

Can you get it certify for me at the local lab here? Examples are:
a) Gemological Consultancy
b) Tokyo Gem Laboratory
Or another reliable third party lab?

If the dealer answer is NO, you should walk away as it only costs US$10 to do it. (more details are provided in the next point)

Get Third Party Certificate

If the stone is not certified. It is a good idea to get it certified in smaller local labs in Bangkok or Chanthaburi. This will provide you with a quick but reliable idea of what type of stone you are acquiring.

These labs are usually 95% accurate. They also have a lot of experience in dealing with new treatment stones. Both labs which I listed below have used by me many times and cost only US$10 (Thai Baht 300). Both are at the end of Silom road where almost all the dealers are located:

a) Name: Tokyo Gem Laboratory (Thailand) Co., Ltd.  Address: 987 Rama Jewelry Bldg., 3 Fl., Silom Rd., Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 – Telephone: +662-635-2030-2

b) Name:  Gemological Consultancy International.  Address: JTC,  341 A/A, 3RD Floor, Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 – Telephone: +662 630 0699, +66 83 916 7158

c) Other reliable list can be seen in this blog post:  https://www.buygemstone.info/what-lab-or-certification-is-the-best-for-checking-your-expensive-ruby-sapphire-or-emerald/

Example of local certificate in Bangkok. Tokyo Lab Certificate Sample Back
Tokyo Lab Certificate Sample Back
Example of local certificate in Bangkok. Tokyo Lab Certificate Sample Front
Tokyo Lab Certificate Sample Front

Trust, No Pressure!

If a dealer or salesperson is trying to sweet talk, pressure or push you to buy the stone, just walk away.

Until you are satisfied and trust a dealer you should never buy a gem stone from them

Negotiate

Finally, negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. It is always important to try to negotiate the price with dealers.

A good starting point is 50% below their asking price and see how they react.

Again, this skill takes time and practice.  And sometimes their are good deals without negotiating. However, you have nothing to lose in asking for a better price.

_______________________
Contact us today to get all your wholesale gemstones, diamonds and jewelry needs.  We can Source, Search and Supply anything you require.

What will you get if you contact us

  • Start a conversation with us at FB.com/ThaiNativeGems/
  • Get wholesale and highly competitive prices of gemstones & diamonds from anywhere through our extensive network of contacts around the world
  • All stones sold by us is verified in house by our GIA Graduate Gemologist or certified
  • We provide personalized service and NOT the same old “One Size Fits All” Approach

You can learn more by clicking here or image below

31 thoughts on “How to Buy Gemstones in Bangkok, Thailand? [Video]”

  1. Greg Arostegui

    Gem stones are great for jewelries, i personally love JADE and Emerald. they are actually luxurious and very

  2. Gerhardt kariseb

    I love gemstone cutting policing and general knowledge about gemstones i need to learned get updated information about it…

  3. ram galachar

    hello sir i need black diamond loose round cut 1/3 ct i am inters tad how mace price help ? ? ?

  4. Hakan Sall

    Hello !
    I want to order rings from you i will sale
    to tourist. At least 200 rings.
    Please give me acess to your ordersite.
    Yours sincerely
    Hakan Sall

  5. ringsforme

    This is a well described article. Thank you..

  6. Firmansyah

    Dear sir Please give me your email i want to buy gemstone from africa

  7. Tony

    I would like a good cutting services company any recommendation? Resourceful writeup

  8. moussa sacko

    it is so helpful for my thesis thank you very much

  9. assouman boubakar

    assouman boubakar .i want to learn how to raw.caboch.
    faceted .and polish the stone

  10. James

    Hello…can you suggest where i might purchase a nice quality Australian milk opal in BKK…thanks

  11. tony wong

    what should I do, if I want to report scam gemstone, big store near sky train station… give me suggest pleast

    1. Aamir Ali

      Hello sir I have some emerald stones so l want to sell them in the market of Bangkok or chantaburi , Thiland. These are some of Panjshir and some are of Sawat and gilgit. Some pieces are transparent and made different shapes . Some are in fast green in color , some have black hair in green emeralds and they looking very precious and beautiful by its naturally looking. If u help me give me a way I shall thank ful to u.

    2. Am bought but yet to collect from this stall you mentioned.
      why did you say is a scam? Price or gems not real?
      Pls share precisely & why no police report?
      How a scam company can continue to cheat for years.

  12. Sonu

    hi there i am planning to buy a 5 layer multistring beads necklace in ruby, jade, sapphire beads. Do suggest some good shops and also do let me know the price point around the same
    I plan for a short trip to thailand and plan to pick this up. Do let me know.

  13. Ali

    Hi how can i see or by color stone you’r shoop

  14. Opalo

    Thank you for this detailed article,
    I am a jeweler and stone dealer but do not trade precious, faceted stones. I will certainly check out the point you mentioned near china town, but am wondering if the chanburatri market is pretty much only precious gem stones, or if i will also find a nice selection of semi precious cabochons. Before coming to thailand a jeweler friend of mine said i must look for some beautiful garden quartz which happens to be a stone i love very much and is supposedly sourced near the boarder with myanmar, do you know if it might be worth it to check out chanburattri considering my interests? Thanks anyways for the info, and if i get a reply inwill be oh so happy!!

    1. Hi Opalo,
      Chanthaburi is always worth a visit if you are interested in buying or searching for both precious or ‘semi-precious’ gemstones.
      However, I do recommend to go offices which have ‘internal laboratory services’ to make sure what you are buying is the actual gemstone and not some synthetic, plastic or glass. They do charge a small fee for buying through their offices, though the cost is minimal compare to the risk in buying the wrong item.
      Tarun Gupta, Graduate Gemologist (GIA)

  15. Manish

    I want to parchess gems stone to sell

  16. Dr. k .shivarama chary

    You informed me in a nice.way how to deal with gem dealers before buing gems for new entrants like me i am in need of gem rough please suggest me to how to get gem rough for my collectible purpose.please provide me relevant informatoin in getting all type of gem rough.

  17. CH.RAMBABU

    I WANT TO BUY ORIGINAL CORAL 6.5 CARET

  18. bhupinder singh

    i have start new bussiness in precious stone in india i like to bye glassfilled blue yelow ruby sappire i like to know the prices

  19. Galal Basahl

    I have top quality rough gemstones for sale. Please advice where to go to sell the gem in BKK and what to do first when I get BKK.
    Ruby
    Sapphire
    Rare Spinel
    Serendibite
    Jade Jadeite

  20. Ddembe Austin

    Hello ineed an amethysts gemstone ,how much is 5kg

  21. Jerry

    Where is it possible to buy uncut gemstones in Thailand? Is there somewhere I can find out the value of uncut stones?

  22. Gemhunter

    I agree with most of what you said but you have some bias towards Thailand probably because of business/financial interest. To say that stones in Thailamd are cheaper than anywhere else is not true. Sri Lanka is closer to Africa and many stones are cheaper there than in Thailand. There are many dealers who travel to Africa. Secondly stones are not cheaper in Thailand than at the source. That is a ridiculous statement. If you have the connections to buy rough in Mozambique or Madagascar and cut the stones somehwere of course it will be cheaper than Thailand. Third, cutters in Sri Lanka can’t cut? Lol. You have no idea what you are talking about. It’s way cheaper than Thailand and there are absolutely brilliant cutters in Sri Lanka. Maybe you meant India. Also I have friends with offices in Bangkok and when I tell them the prices I buy Madagascar sapphire from Sri Lanka they are begging me to take them there. So yeah. Thailand is a giant in the gem trade but not everything is cheaper there.

    1. thainativegems

      Thanks for sharing your experience and comment. I can tell you have been in the trade for a long time.

      But, you are seeing the price based on the ‘dealers’ perspective and NOT the end-consumer.
      As dealers, you can always get a better deal for any gemstones anywhere as you know what you are buying.

      But, end-users still do have to go to retail stores or trustworthy dealers to get the correct price.
      Now which market has more dealers and is more transparent? The source countries or gem trading centers (which includes Bangkok)?

      Can the end-user get gemstones at source countries easily?

      I have seen a lot of end-users go-to source countries thinking they will get a good deal and instead got scam or got synthetics.

      Now is Sri Lanka also one of the gem trade centers in the world? Yes, they are growing and upcoming. I am not saying Bangkok is an exclusive center.

      You also agree with me that Bangkok is a giant in the trade and you will find here African, Indian, Sri Lankan, Israeli, American, etc., dealers at one place. Now price it just depends on who you deal with.

      Because I have choices I can choose who to buy the stones from and do not require to leave here. So from my perspective, I get more negotiation power here in Bangkok than I have at any source country where I depend on one source and/or dealers of that particular country.

      This is my experience but can be different with different people, which of course can be correct as well.

      Your comment also proves Bangkok dealers are talking to you and want to deal with you as you have the correct prices? Are they leaving Bangkok to see you or are you flying in Bangkok to see them and sell to them? Are they getting good prices from you or have to pay a premium because they are located in Bangkok?

      Also, my next question will be, if you want to get cash or a quicker deal, is it easier in Bangkok or Sri Lanka?

      Best Regards,

      Tarun Gupta, GIA GG

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