Jeweller looking for shared jewellery workshop space

[WIT MYT]

I'm a contemporary jeweller and new to Chiang Mai. Does anyone know of a jewellery workshop that rents out workspace? The workshop would need to have rolling mills, bench, torch, etc. I'm looking to walk into an already set-up workspace with my hand tools.

Any info welcome!

[Suradit69]

Maybe you need to move south to Pattaya

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695913-silversmith/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=feed:%20thaivisa24%20(today#39;s best thaivisa topics)

[WIT MYT]

LOL, thanks Suradit69, I'm looking for worshop space though, not work. Also just signed a 12 month lease so not really wanting to move again ;-)

[FolkGuitar]

Maybe it would be a good idea to check Thai law...

It's illegal for a foreigner to engage in the jewelry biz. I'm not certain this applies to gold workers, but I'm certain about the prohibition against silver work. Tread lightly.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[iancnx]

Maybe it would be a good idea to check Thai law...It's illegal for a foreigner to engage in the jewelry biz. I'm not certain this applies to gold workers, but I'm certain about the prohibition against silver work. Tread lightly. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Very true. I should imagine the locals will divulge your working illegally just as soon as you become super successful. If you decide to leg it, I understand Bali has jewellers, and is a direct flight from CM. Burma has a wealth of cheap gems, so also could be an idea.

[iancnx]

Regarding the lease, just forfeit your deposit if you can afford too. I have met a couple of expats in the past who run large jewellery businesses in the area, but suspect business is fronted by Thai partners and all workers will be local. You are right up against it I am afraid.

[iancnx]

If you want to look at some of the local stuff check out the road leading away from Taipai Gate to the river. There use to be 2 or 3 good shops. Also in the same area there is a jeweller who offers 1 week courses / one on one instruction in simple stuff using silver for tourists to try their hand. I had the same idea as you a few years back and binned it as soon as I saw how difficult it would be to compete.

Of course, if you were married to a Thai girl and you have taught your wife how to make, then that is a different story. Try the Art faculty (if one exists?) in the local universities for ideas on that one.

[WIT MYT]

Thanks for the responses! It might help if I clarify that I only need workshop space. I'm a conceptual jewellery artist and focus on producing gallery work (not in Thailand) which means I don't make things to sell here so will not be competing in the Thai market.

I'm aware of Nova Art Lab that has classes for tourists but I haven't contacted them yet. Was just wondering if anyone knew of anything else before contacting them. Also just wanted to see if there are more creatives around but see now that I should've been a bit more specific (first forum post and all that).

Also, I'm a she and already married so the option of marrying a Thai girl won't work, in more ways than one ;-)

[iancnx]

Thanks for the responses! It might help if I clarify that I only need workshop space. I'm a conceptual jewellery artist and focus on producing gallery work (not in Thailand) which means I don't make things to sell here so will not be competing in the Thai market.

I'm aware of Nova Art Lab that has classes for tourists but I haven't contacted them yet. Was just wondering if anyone knew of anything else before contacting them. Also just wanted to see if there are more creatives around but see now that I should've been a bit more specific (first forum post and all that).

Also, I'm a she and already married so the option of marrying a Thai girl won't work, in more ways than one ;-)

Yeah, Nova Art Lab rings a bell. Might be right up your street then, if you are sure you can convince prying eyes that it is your hobby and will not be selling. Very best of luck to you.

[WIT MYT]

Thanks for the responses! It might help if I clarify that I only need workshop space. I'm a conceptual jewellery artist and focus on producing gallery work (not in Thailand) which means I don't make things to sell here so will not be competing in the Thai market.

I'm aware of Nova Art Lab that has classes for tourists but I haven't contacted them yet. Was just wondering if anyone knew of anything else before contacting them. Also just wanted to see if there are more creatives around but see now that I should've been a bit more specific (first forum post and all that).

Also, I'm a she and already married so the option of marrying a Thai girl won't work, in more ways than one ;-)

Yeah, Nova Art Lab rings a bell. Might be right up your street then, if you are sure you can convince prying eyes that it is your hobby and will not be selling. Very best of luck to you.

Thanks iancnx :-)