Where to buy the cheapest diamond in Bangkok, Thailand or anywhere in the world?

The title of this blog is a question which has been asked to me multiple times from my friends, family and my blog readers. Where can I buy the cheapest diamonds in Bangkok or anywhere in the world?

Is it cheaper to buy diamonds in Bangkok? Compared to Singapore, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Dubai, Sydney, London, New York? It does seem like a logical question to ask especially to someone like me who has been in the diamond trade for over 10 years.

Cheapest Diamond in Bangkok – Location

There must be a location where I can buy the cheapest wholesale diamond every time!
The honest truth is.  Diamonds are highly traded commodities today and almost all countries have similar prices.

This is true for any respectable diamond wholesalers, traders or retailers. The only difference usually is the tax code of a particular country. For example 7% VAT in Thailand or the options you have available in the particular market.

Certain countries prefer SI quality diamonds like the US. While countries in East Asia prefer cleaner diamonds (VVS or VS clarity).

The reason why the end consumer feels certain markets are cheaper than others because certain countries have ‘more’ companies or players who sell diamond jewelry.  And therefore accept lower margins.

While other countries are just ‘more transparent’ regarding the diamond prices as they openly publish the prices online.  This will make these countries seem cheaper than others.

Cheapest Diamond in Bangkok – Diamond Wholesale Business

However, as traders, we always get a weekly price list called the Rapaport Diamond price list. That lets us know how much a diamond should cost per carat based on the diamond’s 4Cs.

You can actually see this list ‘indirectly’ in our blog. Updated every 3 months by clicking here.  To let you know an “estimated amount” in how much a 0.50 carat, or 1 carat or 2 carats diamond should cost in wholesale.

These diamond prices are pretty standard to any trader around the world. And if they do overcharge. Other wholesalers, traders or companies will enter that market quickly. And reduce the diamond prices accordingly.

So, the question being asked. Regarding where you can get the cheapest diamond is actually incorrect.  It is not about where the diamond is located from that determines the prices. But from whom you know ‘inside’ the diamond trade, which can get you the correct wholesale price.

The Diamond Trading Process

Now let us think about this logically in how diamonds or diamond jewelry are usually traded.    There is a simple process what a diamond must go through.  Before reaching your beautiful fiancé’s/ girlfriend’s or wife’s hands.

Cheapest place to buy diamonds - image of open pit diamond mine in Zimbabwe
The Murowa “Open Pit” Diamond mine (Zimbabwe)  Image Courtesy Mining.com

THE TRADITIONAL FIVE STEPS

[Step One] First diamonds have to be dug from the ground. Either from open pit mines, found in alluvial sources or appear from sheer rubble!  Almost impossible in the modern day. These mines are controlled by ‘very’ large corporations or countries that make sure they have exclusive rights.  So they can control the rough diamond prices.  Corporations like De Beers or countries like Russia, Canada or Australia are now distributing all the rough diamonds.

[Step Two] The rough is sold directly to large companies through invitation only.  For example, De Beer’s rough is sold to companies who they have screened and ‘selected.’ These companies are called “siteholders.”  They have an option to buy the rough diamonds ten times during the year.  For a period of six days called ‘sight periods,’ the companies will bid for the highest price to get the diamond rough.

[Step Three] From there, diamonds are then cut to facets which we all recognize.  And certified either in-house or from reliable third-party certificate providers.  Like GIA, HRD, IGI, EGL, etc.,

[Step Four] These manufacturers will then either sell the cut diamonds to.
a) Other diamond traders
b) Wholesalers
c) Directly to some wholesale jewelry manufacturers.

[Step Five] The wholesale jewelry manufacturers finally sell their finished diamond jewelry to retailers.  This is where you will see your finished ring in that beautiful display at any big department store or boutique jewelry shop.

So, as you can see above. The usual process of acquiring a diamond ring.  Will need your diamond to go through 3 to 4 hands before reaching you.

This process is the same anywhere in the world in Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, London, etc.

You can imagine at each level the individual or company will need to make “a margin.” To sustain their business. Therefore, the more hands the diamonds has gone through the diamond distribution chain. The more you the consumer will have to pay.

Why Traditional Way of Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring or Jewelry not Relevant Today? 

Cheapest diamond in bangkok - image of traditional jewelry showcase display
Traditional jewelry display store

Consumers still like to buy their diamond engagement ring or jewelry. From famous brands. As they ‘believe’ they are more

  • Reliable
  • Trustworthy
  • Great return policies.

However, you have to remember the reason why these brands are famous is because they have spent a lot promoting their brand & products through ad campaigns or hired brand ambassadors.

Also to serve their clients and ‘keep their image.’  They need to hire professional sale staffs. Have excellent jewelry displays. Or are located in premium areas. So they can provide excellent services.

All this costs money
a) Marketing expense
b) Rental expense
c) Staff salaries
d) Inventory expenses, etc.

So, if you are still a traditionalist and prefer buying from “big brands.” Due to brand loyalty or convenience. You will have to pay more as nothing is free.

Traditional vs New Age Way of Buying Diamond Jewelry

The above method of buying jewelry from traditional storefronts. Made sense 20 years ago. When we didn’t have the power of the internet and information wasn’t as available.

But, as we are now in the 21st century. The power of the web has transformed the way we can buy our diamonds or custom diamond jewelry.

If enough research is made. You can now get your diamond or custom diamond engagement ring. One or two steps above the traditional retail level. That means you are buying diamond jewelry a lot cheaper or like a wholesaler!

The image below summarizes what I mean when I say we can ‘skip’ 1 or 2 steps above.

Cheapest diamond in Bangkok - a diagram explaining difference between traditional retailer vs new age retailer

Example of United State of America (USA)

An example where this is already occurring in the United States. Consumers have started changing their buying habits. By purchasing their diamond engagement ring online instead of traditional retail stores.

Large online diamond sellers like Blue Nile or James Allen. Are now taking market share from traditionalists like Tiffany or Cartier. As they can provide better deals by exclusively selling online with ‘smaller’ overheads.

That is why most consumers and traders do agree. That one of the most competitive markets for the end-user to buy a diamond ring is the US.

This, however, does not mean that the United States is the cheapest place. I or any respectable diamond wholesaler can beat these prices (being modest of course!).

Buyer tip: When buying a diamond do please check these two websites. To see how much you are paying for your ‘center diamond.’ If your contact is selling the diamond more expensive than these sites. Then most probably you are overpaying. You can read more about how to check if you getting a good deal.  From this blog post:  Step by Step Comprehensive Guide: How to get the best deal for your diamond engagement ring

Yet, other countries including
a) The ones who are actually sourcing the diamonds
b) Cutting the diamonds
c) Or making the finished rings
Are still depended on the “old traditional retail model.” And that is why the consumer feels they are a lot more expensive to purchase their diamond ring.

Cheapest Diamond in Bangkok – Check Who You are Getting Your Diamond From 

As you can see above the cheapest way to buy your diamond is by getting as close to the diamond manufacturers as possible.  In most countries,  you can get there by looking for exclusive online sellers or knowing someone who is actually an ‘insider’ in the diamond trade.

Most people in the diamond wholesale business source their diamonds from diamond manufacturers or are manufacturers themselves.  But, it really does depend on how much margin they want to “extract from you” knowing that you are not in the trade.

Therefore, please remember it is not where you buy the diamond.  But from whom you buy it which matters to get the cheapest and fairest diamond price out there!

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Thai Native Gems Diamond Search & Custom Engagement Ring service (Cheapest way to buy diamonds in Bangkok):

If you are in the market looking for the best diamond and custom hand made engagement ring.  Contact Us.  Let us know what your budget is and what you are looking for.

From this initial information, we will swiftly find and email you 4 to 5 center diamond options.  Unlike other traditional or online dealers, I am not looking to sell you anything. But will provide you honest, frank and objective opinion in what we think is best in the budget you offer.

This service is free, and there absolutely no commitment to buy any of our suggestions. The only thing you have to do is not respond to our email and you won’t hear from us again! So, you truly have nothing to lose!

How do we compile this diamond list?  Our search process is provided below:

1) We first will contact our local diamond supply network and check if there are any stones that fit your requirement in Bangkok. We have over 50 contacts in Bangkok and will check ALL to make sure we can provide you the best deal.

2) If not satisfied, we will then check online through our extensive global network sifting through over 900,000+ diamonds. and will find you the best diamond. The only setback when choosing the diamond from this global list is, it can take one to two weeks to arrive to Bangkok.

What type engagement rings can you make and how are they made?

1) We usually set our engagement rings in 18k yellow or white gold or 950 platinum settings.  Our rings are all hand-crafted and made by highly skilled Thai craftsmen.

Examples in some of the rings we made you can see on our YouTube channel and shown below:

YouTube Channel PLAY LIST

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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

5 thoughts on “Where to buy the cheapest diamond in Bangkok, Thailand or anywhere in the world?”

  1. maurice V Fawcett Oam JP

    Pl advise your em address and Thai location i want a to visit you to see the diamonds you have pl advise kind regards Maurice Fawcett OAM JP

  2. Scott Gayer

    Looking for a 1.0 I sI2 ideal cut with cert preferred GIA

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