nan_49

On my way back from Burma I'll be stopping in Singapore. Any chance that this is a destination where I can get good quality gems at a lower price than in the US? If so, where? I know Thailand is probably the best place, but I won't be going there on this trip.

Kathie

I've purchased some jewelry in Singapore in the past, but haven't done so for many years now beacuse the prices are now about the same as in the US. Save your money for your trip to Bangkok! That's where you can get real bargains.

Singapore_Gal

Kathie is right. If you want good quality gems at lower prices, Thailand's the best place. I got some great buys in Thailand that I could never get in Singapore. But if you want to take a look, one place that is pretty central is Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road. Only thing is that some of the salesmen can be rather aggressive and they assume that you a serious buyer when you ask for the price. Rather silly so make it very clear at the start that you are only looking around first. Another place is a small shop at Golden Landmark at Arab Street. But their selection is much smaller.

hibikki

hey - i will be in bangkok & phuket in 6 weeks and may be interested in buying some gems?? what kind , what kind of pricing and where do you suggest??

rhkkmk

saphires are the best buy in thailand, but also rubbies....semi-precious stones are very inexpensive as well....shops all around town...buy in a decent shop, not on the street or in a market...

Kathie

As Bob says, sapphires are the best deal, followed by rubies. My rule of thumb is that you should be able to buy for one-fourth the US retail or less (real retail prices, not marked-up to be marked down mall jewelers prices). That said, you still need to know what you are buying. Do your research at home first.

If you do a search on this board for Bangkok jewelry you'll find many posts about this and all the contact info for my jeweler, SJ International. Buying is Bangkok will get you a better deal and better selection than buying in Phuket.

pthang

I have seen a lot of beautiful selection in Bangkok but the price is not that cheap. You can get a much better deal in Cambodia (either in Pnom Penh or Siem Reap).

BillT

For pearls nobody beats Manila

Kathie

pthang, my experience is that Cambodia does not have either the selection or the quality of Bangkok for gemstones. Prices on some items may be lower, but the quality is not comparable.

laurieco

I think pthang is somethng of a troll. All his or her posts are very recent and are all negative. Best to ignore them.

upul

Sri Lanka is having Lot of Natural Precious Gemstones such as Sapphire, Ruby also Special Sri Lankan varities such as Padparadsha Sapphire. There are lot of people asking for Srilankan Natural Gems in Singapore, as we have Import Business of other commodities with S'pore. One S'pore friend bought Yellow colour Padparadsha Sapphire from us for a ring. I also gave the Certificate as my brother is a Gemlogist. Ceritficate indicates the details of stone. The value also depending on clarity, size, colour, availability etc