SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
Events & AwardsSep 09, 2016
U.S. Market, Tax Benefits Expected to Aid Thai Industry
The Thai government predicts that its gem and jewelry sector will grow 10 percent in export value in 2016, with the U.S. market playing a part.
The Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, held from Sept. 7 to 11, is being run solely by the country’s Department of International Trade Promotion now as Thailand aims to build its gemstone and jewelry sector.
Bangkok--The Thai government is aiming to turn around the performance of its gem and jewelry show in Bangkok, aiming to make it into one of the largest trade events while growing the sector overall.
The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association organized the last 34 editions of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, but the event is again being fully run by the country’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), in what the department says is an effort to bolster trade and production of gems and jewelry.
The show continues through Monday at the Impact Challenger event center, located in the Muang Thong Thani section of Bangkok.
Gems and jewelry are Thailand’s third largest export, after automobiles and electronics, and the category is expected to increase 10 percent in export values in 2016 to $7.9 billion, the DITP said, citing numbers from the Global Trade Atlas.
The U.S. market is expected to play a part in this as the region continues to grow and provide opportunity for the Thai gem and jewelry sector, Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat, deputy director-general of the DITP, Ministry of Commerce, said at the show.
As part of the ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) economic community now, Thailand also is able to offer a zero-VAT incentive for buyers, as the agreement provides for no import and export duty taxes on items traded among the countries involved, helping Thailand compete with other nearby markets and attract more international buyers.
The country also is counting on the rise of the “super-rich” consumer segment to contribute to its expected growth.
The Bangkok show, which seemed to get off to a slow start Wednesday but picked up in visitor attendance Thursday, is comprised of 791 companies, 640 of which are domestic, with the most registered attendees coming from India, followed by the United States, Australia, Myanmar and Japan.
As Thailand is known for its colored gemstones, colored gem exhibitors make up about a third of the show, followed by silver, which also is a strong performer for the country, and then gold, pearls and diamonds, officials said at the show.
Ultimately, DITP said it aims to make the event one of the world’s top three gem and jewelry events by 2018 and will continue to adapt the show based on buyer and exhibitor feedback and attract more international buyers and exhibitors.
But as the event faces competition
from other shows, it remains to be seen if and how it will pick up again.
The show takes place just before the Hong Kong gem and jewelry shows, so organizers said they will try separate their event through differentiated product, such as its craftsmanship and silver jewelry.
Organizers also are working to promote young and emerging talent. Recently, the Thailand Ministry of Commerce created a new program to debut pieces from 10 emerging designers to the U.S. market through an event called “Thailand Jewelry -- 10 Imaginers.”
The designers showcased their creations in one-on-one appointments in an effort to attract buyers from upscale stores in the U.S.
These emerging jewelry designers also have a presence at the Bangkok show, and organizers said they will aim to build up that section to bring forward more innovative product to highlight the branded side of the Thai jewelry sector.
The show takes place just before the Hong Kong gem and jewelry shows, so organizers said they will try separate their event through differentiated product, such as its craftsmanship and silver jewelry.
Organizers also are working to promote young and emerging talent. Recently, the Thailand Ministry of Commerce created a new program to debut pieces from 10 emerging designers to the U.S. market through an event called “Thailand Jewelry -- 10 Imaginers.”
The designers showcased their creations in one-on-one appointments in an effort to attract buyers from upscale stores in the U.S.
These emerging jewelry designers also have a presence at the Bangkok show, and organizers said they will aim to build up that section to bring forward more innovative product to highlight the branded side of the Thai jewelry sector.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
