By Cynthia Unninayar

Not only did the 58th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) have a new look this past September, but the nation’s biannual trade

show is now under new management.

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Beautiful multi-gemstone and diamond jewellery by Thai brand Blue River.

enerating more than $7.2 billion in revenue in 2015, Thailand’s gems and jewellery industry is the

country’s third largest export sector after automotive parts and electronics. And, it is expected to increase some 10% this year, according to Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat, deputy director-general of the nation’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the ministry of commerce. Given the importance of this industry, the DITP has taken over managing the show from the previous team. “We feel that we needed to make changes in the show,” explains Vivatrat, “and find our own niche in the global gems and jewellery trade show calendar.”

Part of the new look was a special exhibition featuring six themed areas with jewellery created by a new generation of designers: Viva for 60+, elegant gems for seniors; Pet Parade, delightful jewels for pets and pet lovers; Gemtlesmen, jewellery for men; The Moment, special event pieces including bridal; Culture Club, stimulating arts and crafts designs; and Spiritual Power, jewels representing auspicious beliefs, horoscopes and spirituality.

There were also changes in the show’s layout, which comprised 791 vendors

that presented their wares in 2,107 booths. Of these, 640 were domestic companies while 151 were from overseas. Among the foreign exhibitors were a number of companies from the ASEAN nations—mainly Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, all part of the recently created ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Thailand is at the heart of the growing ASEAN bloc, and is at a definite advantage with its decades of experience as a trading,

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Rough rubies from the Luc Yen mine in Vietnam.

Selection of 24-karat gold jewellery by Pranda, one of Thailand’s oldest and more prominent brands.

We feel that we needed to make changes in the show and find our own niche in the global gems and jewellery trade show calendar.”

Trade Fair

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manufacturing and gem-lab hub. (As a group, the AEC is the seventh largest economy in the world with a combined GDP of more than $2.5 trillion.)

The ASEAN exhibitors showcased a wide variety of spinel, along with zircon, peridot, jadeite, rubies, sapphires, amber, and other stones (except diamonds), both rough and polished. A few companies offered finished jewellery as well.

The other exhibitors, both domestic and foreign, featured loose gemstones (the largest single category) and jewellery made of silver, gold, diamonds and coloured gems at all price points, as well as machinery and packaging. Stones ranged from large rough samples to faceted coloured gems of all kinds.

Young designers and students were also featured at booths sponsored by the Gem & Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT)

A wide selection of spinel and other gems could be found at the Myanmar company Dana Hline.

and two universities. Serving as a sort of incubator for young talent, the BGJF places great importance on encouraging the next generation of Thai designers.

Beneficial tax treatmentsRecent efforts towards securing zero-duty status for the gems and jewellery industry, in order to bring it closer to the situation in Hong Kong, have borne fruit. In February 2016, the government approved several tax exemptions aimed at promoting the nation’s industry for importers or sellers who are registered as individual traders. It waived the value-added tax (VAT) on imports of unpolished diamonds, coloured stones, rubies, emeralds, topaz, garnet, opal, zircon, chrysoberyl, jade, pearl and gems. Individual importers are exempt from paying personal income tax on money

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Rough sample of kunzite from Zorab Creation.Selection of men’s jewellery in the Gemtlesmen exhibit by Thai company Thompson Brothers.

Paraiba tourmaline was one of the popular gemstones at the BGJF, with a very nice selection offered at the booth of Thai gem dealer Azizi, which featured this 79-carat Paraiba.

earned from selling unpolished gems and pearls, and will pay a 1% flat tax on income instead. Other exemptions include exclusions for import duties on machinery and tools that enhance manufacturing efficiency and essential materials such as polishing blades and diamond dust, silver chain coils and rolls, as well as gems and jewellery products during the BGJF (one-month grace period).

ReactionsWalking the halls, it was clear that visitor attendance was low—perhaps not unexpected since all the trade shows this year have been quiet. One reason, too, may have been the confusion about whether the show was to take place. Yet, I spoke with buyers from Italy, Australia and the US who stated that they were indeed buying.

Brendan McCreesh of Australia-based O’Neils Affiliated stated, “Coming to the BGJF has been quite a good opportunity for me. I found supplies that filled the gaps in my inventory that I was looking for. Even though the BGJF is not as big as some other shows, I found it to have a good selection.”

Noted Italian designer Alessio Boschi commented, “I spent three days at the show and found exactly what I needed for my creations—amazing spinel, unique natural melo melo pearls, special sliced diamonds in every cut, beautiful rubellite, aquamarine, Paraiba and unheated sapphires. Prices were better than at the Hong Kong show, so I did not see any need to go to Hong Kong. It is important for Thailand to have this show.”

The 59th BGJF will be held February 22 to 26, 2017. For more information on visiting or exhibiting, visit www.bkkgems.com. n

I spent three days at the show and found exactly what I needed for my creations – amazing spinel, unique natural melo melo pearls, special sliced diamonds in every cut, beautiful rubellite, aquamarine, Paraiba and unheated sapphires.”

Trade Fair