Editors

5 Observations from the Bangkok Show

EditorsSep 12, 2016

5 Observations from the Bangkok Show

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator shares the insights gleaned from her trip to the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair.

20160909_Thailand-show-Article.jpg

Last week, I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair. I was excited not only to see a new city, but also because I knew that as the colored gemstone editor, this was an important market with which I should become familiar.

While the show seemed kind of quiet and a few exhibitors noted that it was a little slow this year, the opportunity to talk to people and see a new aspect of the market provided interesting insights and learning experiences.

Here are a few that are of interest.

1. There’s upside for the Thai market. The Department of International Trade Promotion made it very clear that the show, and the country’s gem and jewelry sector, are an important part of their future, and that they will work to grow it.

While I think the show faces an uphill battle, especially since it competes with the Hong Kong show that generally takes place right after it, I want to be optimistic about where this show is headed and the work that the department is doing to move it ahead.

If the department can find the right formula for attracting more international buyers, establishing more of a foothold with the U.S. market and differentiating itself, it could have a bright future.



Paraiba tourmalines in front (with morganite at rear) from Azizi Gems at the Bangkok show
2. High-end and high-quality stones continue to do well.
This isn’t really news, but talking to a number of exhibitors at the show confirmed the fact fine quality stones continue to sell well, with no signs of slowing. 

Sapphires and rubies were selling, and fine red and pink spinels were too. And according to one exhibitor, Paraiba tourmaline of all sizes are flying off the shelves, especially when it comes to the best colors.

3. The differences in which stones are prevalent and which are missing. What I didn’t see much of in Bangkok were opals, which differs from the U.S. shows I’ve been attending lately. I only saw a handful of booths selling the stones and they were mostly either the white or fire opals, with hardly any boulder or black opals. Whether that’s because they don’t sell as well with the buyers in the Thai market or because the show needs to work to get more opal dealers there, I’m not sure,
but there could be an opportunity for them at the Bangkok show.

On the other hand, it was interesting to take note of what was there in greater numbers than I’m used to seeing; namely, amber. It was everywhere and buyers seemed very interested in it.

On the shape/cutting end of things, it appeared that cabochon gemstones were big in the market. It seemed like I would only walk past a booth or two before seeing another one with a significant amount of cabochon gemstones, either loose or set in jewelry.

4. A trade show is a great way to serve as an incubator for young(er) talent. The U.S. shows could learn from the Bangkok show when it comes to providing a space for students. Two universities had booth space on the show floor, giving students studying jewelry design the chance to display their creations. On the last day of the show, I also saw the students walking around the show, getting the chance to talk to exhibitors and network with the trade.

I think if the U.S. industry wants to get younger talent interested, this could be a great way to do it.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok show could do with growing its space for emerging designers, especially as it tries to build the branded business and differentiate its products. Ten up-and-coming designers had a special space in the show floor, but it needs to continue to grow to have an impact and encourage others to enter the market.


Spinels of all colors (as well as a few zircon and peridot thrown in) from an exhibitor from Myanmar at the show
5. Spinel is unequivocally my favorite gemstone now. This is just a fun, random note to round out the blog, but it was one thing that kept popping up in my head over and over again.

The show had a section for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) exhibitors, and it was fun to walk through it and see the differences in jewelry design as well as the gems they had to offer.

The best part was talking to exhibitors at the Myanmar booths, where there was spinel after spinel in every color a gem hound like me could want, and I couldn’t get enough. I think that August’s new birthstone has a beautiful future ahead of it.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

GIA pearl report
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification System

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The late West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Jorge Adeler, Wendy Adeler, Valentina Adeler
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Bulgari Invisible Violet Necklace and Rainbow Flow Necklace
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ Collection

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Industry analyst Edahn Golan
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

Beyoncé bolo tie necklace
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter Tour

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Gem Legacy logo
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory Council

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Annie Doresca
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, President

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

QVC Group logo
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from Nasdaq

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through Change

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Luis Morais Miami Beach Flagship Interior
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 Years

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Exterior of Tanishq Santa Clara Storefront
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. Store

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

New Cartier store at Los Angeles airport
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Instappraise and NAJA logos
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

Day’s Jeweler’s Tuscan Village Location Painting
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth Location

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Gemfields emeralds, rubies, sapphires
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern World

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy