Buying Jewellery In Thailand

[stumck219]

Hi all

Does anyone have any experience in buying jewellery in thailand.

I have seen many jewellery shops in pattaya and they seem to have nice jewellery

They seem to have nice gold and diamond jewellery but i am no expert, what are the chances that what you get

is actually what they say it is ?

They all seem to say they will give a gaurantee of authenticity but does that really mean its authentic

any thoughts or experiences please

[stoneman]

I can not understand why someone who flies half way around the world to enjoy a vacation would even think about making a major jewelry purchase from a shop that he knows nothing about. Where is the logic in this? I assume you all heard the stories about people buying gems here and returning home and selling them for huge profits and paying for their vacation and think you will do the same thing.

Two weeks ago, I helped a British couple get a 370,000 baht refund for jewelry they had just purchased from a shop here in BKK...The value of what they bought was less than 50,000 baht.

Come to Thailand...have a great vacation...enjoy the sites...buy souvenirs and then return home to your local jeweler to but expensive items.

[lazeeboy]

I can not understand why someone who flies half way around the world to enjoy a vacation would even think about making a major jewelry purchase from a shop that he knows nothing about. Where is the logic in this? I assume you all heard the stories about people buying gems here and returning home and selling them for huge profits and paying for their vacation and think you will do the same thing.

Two weeks ago, I helped a British couple get a 370,000 baht refund for jewelry they had just purchased from a shop here in BKK...The value of what they bought was less than 50,000 baht.

Come to Thailand...have a great vacation...enjoy the sites...buy souvenirs and then return home to your local jeweler to but expensive items.

stay away from western gold and gems ,unless you know what your doing ,buy thai gold ,its much safer and goes up in price not down ,and is easy to sell ,bought a 10 baht necklace in 1997 for 38000b ,in 2005 sold it for 101000b ,only time i've made money on gold.

[peter991]

I second that. Go into a gold shop - they are everywhere in Thailand - you can't miss the bright red and gold shop-fronts. The price of gold in Thailand is adjusted daily and displayed inside the shop. In Thailand, gold (weight) is measured in baht (the same name as the currency). What you are paying for in a gold shop is the gold - which is generally 23 karat. You are not paying for the craftsmanship.

Peter

[LPCustom69]

There are some great deals to be had on gemstones in Thailand. If you see something you like, at a reasonable price, buy it for yourself or your girlfriend. Do not plan on paying for your trip with profits from the resale. There are some good companies that give tours etc, use them to get an idea. I think that their prices are on the high side, but the stones are good quality. Also, if it's set in thai gold, all the better.

Hi all

Does anyone have any experience in buying jewellery in thailand.

I have seen many jewellery shops in pattaya and they seem to have nice jewellery

They seem to have nice gold and diamond jewellery but i am no expert, what are the chances that what you get

is actually what they say it is ?

They all seem to say they will give a gaurantee of authenticity but does that really mean its authentic

any thoughts or experiences please

[stumck219]

thanks for the information guys

I am not looking to make money i am just simply looking to buy a gift for somebody in thailand and do not want to get ripped off.

[Naam]

What you are paying for in a gold shop is the gold - which is generally 23 karat. You are not paying for the craftsmanship.

we all have our wet dreams

[A_Traveller]

In most cases there are a range of, say 1baht {weight} items with varying levels of workmanship or decoration. As an example the simple unadorned chain will be gold price +x and a chain with elaborate finishing will be gold price +x2. It illustrative what Thai's often choose for themselves, simple links with therefore a minimum 'goldsmith premium'.

As the saying goes nothing comes for free.

Regards