Editors

6 Cool Thai Brands to Check Out

EditorsMar 06, 2018

6 Cool Thai Brands to Check Out

Our senior editor spotted them at the recent Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair.

20180306_Porana.jpg

While Thailand is known by many in the trade to be a hub for large-scale manufacturing, it was very apparent when I was attending the recent Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair that the country’s Department of International Trade Promotion is putting more focus on emerging designers and their talent.

The show had new categories like “The New Faces,” a platform for small- and mid-sized manufacturers that haven’t exhibited at the show before; the “Innovation and Design Zone;” and “The Jewellers,” to help put Thai designers front and center.

While I was walking around perusing these areas, here are a few great brands I stumbled upon.



Sarran
The Bangkok fair always opens with a fashion show, and I love it. The clothing is, not surprisingly, rarely what I’m used to seeing here and when you’re in Thailand, you know the gems can’t be beat.

“The Siamese Ambassador” was the theme of this year’s show, pairing beautiful clothes with accessories from brands that also were exhibiting. While there were some exceptional colored gems, my favorite part was the headpieces the models donned from a brand called Sarran by Sarran Youkongdee, which was founded in 2008 and pairs Thai heritage with the surrounding Asian cultures in its designs.

The headpieces added such a great touch to the show, providing the perfect mix of tradition with a modern, updated look.




Tara Ebony Jewelry
This brand was exhibiting at the show for the first time, located in the “New Faces” section.

What stopped me while I was strolling was its sleek pieces that were both edgy and classic. The deep, rich carved wood combined with precious stones was such a perfect combination. It was definitely a brand that I could see exhibiting at any of the U.S. shows.




Porana
Here was a brand I also thought was totally saleable in the U.S. This fairly new brand—it’s only two years old—features pieces that were minimal but elegant and included dainty stacking rings in mixed metals.

One collection, “Joint,” featured rings meant for couples that interlocked. My favorite was “Weave,” pictured above, inspired by Thai woven basketry and featuring beautiful baguette and princess-cut diamonds set in 14-karat gold. The collection is amazingly priced at a sweet spot between $280 and $550. The brand is present in the U.S. through Etsy and its website.




Lanna Silver
Silver is one of the biggest categories for Thailand, where designs using the

metal are intricate, detailed and beautifully made. One of my favorite places to see that was at Lanna Silver, so named because it’s located up north in Chiang Mai and celebrates the Lanna heritage of silver-making.

The company just showed in Tucson, where it said many of its beads sold well, but it had a vast array of products on display in Bangkok, some of which you can see pictured in my wrap-up blog. But the top item I saw at Lanna wasn’t a piece of silver jewelry but the clutch/wallet pictured here, made of silver that was hammered out and woven by hand. Just stunning.




Goldlip Jewelry
This Thailand-based brand hit the nail on the head with its organic, earthy designs. They were wearable, well-made and featured a variety of gemstones, from trendy like rough apatite, as seen above, to unique like a crescent-shaped abalone, to classic like amethyst and rose quartz. Since they are made in silver, the price points couldn’t be beat. Managing Director Tal Levran said they aren’t present in the U.S. yet but would be open to it.




Haus of Jewelry
This brand isn’t fine, but I still loved its look. There are two lines under this company name—Haus of Jewelry, which features every day, wearable pieces, and Yolwaree, which featured more sophisticated design and a slightly higher price point, though both are silver plated.

There was one collection in particular from the Yolwaree line that I liked, “Arun,” which was inspired by Wat Arun, or The Temple of Dawn, in Bangkok. A choker from the collection, featuring rose gold-plated silver and CZ, is pictured here.
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 handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56K

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

Alex Brown
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee Group

Founder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Jewelry industry author, speaker, and sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?

If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.

Selection of jewelry from Sotheby’s New York High Jewelry sale
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale

The top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.

Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America’s SVP of corporate affairs
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JA

Gizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.

Kering CEO Luca de Meo
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEO

Luca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.

Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las Vegas

Following visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.

Greenwich Street Jewelers Your Love Has the Perfect Ring Campaign
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ Couples

The “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.

Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.

The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.

New York Liberty Nyara Sabally Catbird campaign
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand Ambassador

The New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.

Robinson Pelham Fruits of Love Pear Earrings
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear Earrings

Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

Three diamonds with diagrams
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education Conference

The one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.

Ella Sophie
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella Sophie

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

A pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 2499
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.

Gabriel Love Foundation Logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias Gabriel

The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

Celine Assimon
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins Bonhams

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

De Beers CEO Al Cook speaking at JCK Las Vegas 2025
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and Tariffs

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

Pandora Las Vegas ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American Flagship

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Tiffany Stevens
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board Leader

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

Lee Min Seo and Ianyan Jewelry
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused Award

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

De Beers desert diamonds
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.

×

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