You can get inexpensive replica Hill Tribe silver in Bangkok - take a look at the Lin (or is it Lim?) silver shops on New road, behind the Oriental Hotel. Virtually all of the "hill tribe silver" you find now days is replica.

I was also going to suggest New Road as that's where I look.

Happy Travels!

Oh, and if you want to look at some really gorgeous jewelry and designs, then drop by the boutique called January. It's inside of Oriental Place (tiny shopping mall) which is on the street directly behind the Oriental Hotel. I've been shopping at January Boutique for many years and have a lot of jewelry from there and have also bought a lot for a friend of mine. My friend saves up each year and when I get to BKK, asks me to select a necklace for her.

There is also a January boutique in River City Mall attached to the Royal Orchid Hotel. And there is/was one inside of Central World Plaza. But, my favorite one is in Oriental Place.

There's also a great jewelry boutique inside of River City Mall called Jaana and the owner is European, from Finland if I remember correctly. I've been window shopping at that boutique for so many years until I can't even remember when I was first there. Great designs for jewelry design ideas. I hope it's still in River City Mall as I'll be back in BKK next month.

http://www.jaanagallery.com/index.php

Happy Travels!

lim is also along oriental lane, the road that leads to the hotel from new road... for several blocks along new road there are many silver shops...

near soi 23, sukhumvit there is a woman who runs a small shop in her livingroom called gifted hands, i believe she sells beads too... google her..

Any suggestions for Chiang Mai? We will have more time there for shopping than Bangkok. Would love some suggestions.

Frankly, you will find not as good a selection in Chiang Mai and more expensive prices.

Hi Kathie,
Just a quick clarification as we are headed to Bangkok and Chiang Mai for the holidays. Are you saying the silver selection in Chiang Mai is ALSO replicas AND more expensive?

Also, anyone have input on semiprecious stones as nalemma had also asked about?
Thanks!

Yes, virtually all of the "hilltribe silver" is replicas. WHen you can find the real thing, it is quite expensive, and you need to know what you are buying. I'e found prices to be higher in Chinag Mai and the selection not as good.

Thanks everyone for your replies! While I was in Chiang Mai I found a wholesale Hill Tribe silver shop called Alah Hill Tribe Silver 25/3 Loi Kroh Road. They also have a stall at Jatujak in Section 26.
Nalemma

I assume this was all replica?

Hi Kathie,

Frankly, I've found the reputable online sources really good selections and more convenient.

In the US, you may try FMG or Artbeads or search "wholesale hill tribe silver com" to see more sellers from Thailand. Just keep asking about their silver and you can tell which one to get going.

If you happen to travel to Thailand and attracted by popular Sunday market, make sure you know how to identify the real hill tribe silver and nickel plated on brass/copper. A While back I bought a batch with very good price hill tribe silver from the Sunday market in Thailand. Later found that what I have purchased in Thailand is thick plated items nickel on copper!!!. When contacting seller, he is no longer at the market and out of business.

I just wanted to share this information to everyone visiting Thailand. Only purchase from known source and trusted online stores.

Happy beading!
Nancy

Hi Nancy, like I said earlier, virtually all "Hilltribe Silver" is replica, like you bought at the Sunday Market in CM. The same will be true of the internet sources. I actually bought a little genuine Hilltribe Silver back in the the late 1980s at the night market in CM, but those days are long gone.

Hi Kathie,

Thanks for getting back. I'm afraid we got the it from popular Sunday market in Bangkok, not CM.

I was still wondering why you mentioned that all sources will offer replica? Can you please advise?

Will major retailers offer such things?

Thank you

Only speciality retailers offer the real thing, and it is quite expensive.

I was confused about where you bought it as, the "Sunday Market" usually refers to the Sunday walking market in CM. The market in Bangkok is called the "weekend market" or "Chatuchak Market" or "JJ" Market.