You will have no problem buying lovely genuine jewelry in Singapore, but you are unlikely to save any money on it there. Bali has lovely silver work and gold work, but it is not known for gemstones.

Really, the place to buy gemstones, particularly sapphires and rubies, is Bangkok.

Beware of scams in Bangkok though.

Beware of scams everywhere. There are many reputable jewelers in Bangkok. I have one I've used for 20 years and have recommended her to many Fodorites. Bob also has a jeweler he has been using for a number of years. If you want to buy jewelry in Bangkok. ask for recommendations.

camps, When in Bali try to visit the John Hardy workshop and showroom (near Ubud). Not inexpensive but a good value (about 40% of US retail price) and excellent workmanship and design. Good for gold, silver and semi-precious stones.

http://www.johnhardy.com/visit.asp

Thanks so much for the tips - unfortunately we are not going to Bangkok - but i will look out for good silverware and try to get to the John Hardy workshop in Bali.

Two jewelers I can recommend in Singapore are:

Je T’Aime
Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
Tel 6734-2275

Larry Jewelry
Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
Tel: 6732-3222
http://www.larryjewelry.com/

Both of these are also listed on Fodors. Both have been in business for about 25 years and are quite reputable. Larry Jewelry has several outlets in Singapore, the one above is in the same shopping centre as Je T’Aime so might be useful for doing comparison shopping. Prices are less than the US (not sure where you live), but you do have to have done some comparison shopping at home to make sure you are getting a deal. Bargain quite aggressively. Singapore has a sales tax, but as a visitor you can get that refunded for amounts over S$100, so do ask about this esp. when buying expensive items like jewelry. (You generally need to have your passport with you when purchasing to start the refund process, see http://app.ica.gov.sg/travellers/exit/tourist_refund.asp)