CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTake a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.
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
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella SophieThe California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins BonhamsAssimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.
Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet RingIt's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEOThe brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are … Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2MThe rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.
IndependentsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
MajorsJun 09, 2025
RDI Diamonds Partners With LavalierThe diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design AtelierDiscover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las VegasThe “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership TeamTwo existing executives have been given new roles.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship RecipientMeredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsIt will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 SessionsFrom design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.
