A Gem of a Deal?
When I lived in Canada, I recall fondly watching the "Thai Gem Showcase," every once in awhile on The Shopping Channel. If you don't know already, Thailand is renowned as one of the world's leading gems and jewellery exporters and well known for the skill and experience of Thai craftsman in keeping up with international designs and standards. Rubies and even diamonds have been mined in Thailand. West of Bangkok, Thailand in Kanchanaburi province, there are vast deposits of blue sapphires.
There are areas in Thailand where deals can be had and others well, where you're going to pay the piper, so to speak. For deals many suggest you check out The Chanthaburi Market located in Chanthaburi on the south eastern seaboard district. It hosts an open marketplace where gem traders converge from all over the world to buy and sell their wares. You can also plan a trip to the gem markets in the Thai/Burma border towns of Mae Sot and Mae Sai. With all of these suggestions, proceed with caution as there are some salesman selling synthetics and imitations - even if they come up with a rather official looking "Certification of Guarantee."
Also, as with other countries, be careful where and how you use your credit card. My husband's bank just contacted him suggesting he apply for a new credit card as there's some sort of credit card abuse/scam going on in Thailand at the moment. I'm not sure how widespread it is or what it all entails.
Watch out for this particular scam in Thailand. It's called the "Thai Gem Scam." It goes a little something like this:
A tourist meets a friendly Thai - sometimes Taxi Drivers a.k.a. Tuk tuk drivers - who offers to take them to a "government" gem stone shop where the tourist is told about how they can sell Thai gems back home and make a 100% profit. It is all lies and unbenounced to the tourist he or she ends up with a lot of overpriced gems.
Look for established shops. According to the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, "Thailand is home to a self-policing trade association, which allows members in good standing to display the association logo in shop windows and on promotional literature. The TGJTA is the only organization endorsing manufacturers and dealers in Thailand, with approximately 1,063 participants." Their elite "Jewel Fest Club" was established by the TGJTA in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and has less than 100 members. It is a select group of jewellery retailers who have been endorsed by the association for their integrity and genuine good value they offer the retail buyer.
That said, that about does it for me for my Thailand coverage. Until next time, happy and safe shopping.
