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Treasured Purchased in Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Treasured Purchased in Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Old Oct 11th, 2003, 11:43 AM
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Treasured Purchased in Bangkok and Chiang Mai

All, please share your most precious purchases for all while you were in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
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Old Oct 11th, 2003, 12:48 PM
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Let's see, in Bangkok, I've bought lots of beautiful jewelry. I often buy unset stones, so the favorites are probably a pair of Burmese rubies and a Ceylon sapphire. I also purchased a lovely hand painted and gilded book page that was made in the early part of the 20th century. I bought a small antique Buddha as well (you must have the right papers to be able to export an antique Buddha). (These are purchases I've made in Bangkok over the last 20 years or so)

In Chaing Mai, I bought a wooden Burmese puppet that has real hair pigtails, and a lovely antique wall hanging. I also purchased some nice silver bowls. My first neice was an infant when I was first in Chaing mai, and I bought her a pair of silver anklets with bells like you see on some of the small children in the north. Those are much treasured by my neice who is now in her teens.
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Old Oct 11th, 2003, 02:26 PM
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A watch - - copy of a very expensive Bulgari. Sent $35. When I went to have the battery changed here in NYC, last month, the jeweler thought it was the real thing.

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Old Oct 11th, 2003, 02:38 PM
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Jim Thompson silk handbags, accessory bags and wallets! They are gorgeous! I hope my son will pick up another one or two for me when he goes back over to BKK in a couple of weeks. Very high quality, nice styles, I get compliments all the time.

I have also purchased lovely jewelry. I especially like my elephant pin with Burmese rubies and sapphires in gold.

The fake handbags are quite good, as are the copy watches. You can hardly tell them from the real thing!
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Old Oct 11th, 2003, 07:57 PM
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jewerly of course....mostly custom made, 18 K with or without stones....clothing for men and women especially silk items for women, from hed to toe...patchwork jackets for evening wear...
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Old Oct 11th, 2003, 09:16 PM
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Several of you have mentioned your jewelry purchases. Could you recommend jewelry store(s) in Bangkok to find good quality stones and gold at reasonable prices? Thanks.
Joyce
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Old Oct 12th, 2003, 03:27 AM
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Didn't buy a lot of jewelry but did buy awesomely detailed lacquerware and beautiful painted fans and umbrellas in Chiang Mai.
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Old Oct 12th, 2003, 04:35 AM
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My objective was for Jade and dolls - I collect from around the world and I have this habit of "buying flat" easier to pack.

While in BKK my friend did find two dainty rings one of sapphire/diamonds, the other rubies/diamonds.

Then in Chiang Mai at Orchid Jade down the hill from Doi Suthep Temple we found the Jade we were looking for - I purchased a pendant, bracelet and earrings for self, and earrings for sister and sister-in-law - my friend, likewise a pendant, bracelet and later she found a lovely silver necklace.

Finding the right dolls was difficult. There were small soft-stuffed ones which I bought for my nieces. Thought I would have to go home empty-handed for dolls to my liking, but as we crossed back into Thailand at the border from Burma, found beautiful porcelain dolls in native dress. All our purchases (except jewelry) were packed in checked luggage, but not the 3 dolls purchased here, they were hand carried on the plane.
 
Old Oct 12th, 2003, 05:33 AM
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any recommendations for jewelry stores in BKK or Phuket...?
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Old Oct 12th, 2003, 08:22 AM
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jodo, I put the contact info for my jeweler in Bangkok on your thread asking for jewelry stores in Bangkok or Phuket.
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Old Oct 12th, 2003, 08:25 AM
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sandi, I had forgotten about the wonderful porcelain dolls in tribal dress. I've purchased many over the years, and my neices have nice collections. I've been able to find the porcelain dolls in both Bangkok and in areas of northern Thailand. I always take an emply suitcase along for my purchses, and fill it with bubblewrap. I've been bringing home local crafts, even very fragile ones for many years, and have never had any breakage.
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Old Oct 12th, 2003, 01:01 PM
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Kathie - Over the years I've brought back various kinds of dolls, all with local costume, and like you, besides my nieces and grand-nieces and friends' daughters, manage one or two for myself.

These porcelain dolls from Thailand were real finds, as a friend who sells porcelains here in the States, was surprised at the quality and more impressed when she heard the price (about $10-$12 ea.); I've paid more for porcelain in other countries.

I always have bubblewrap on my packing list, but manage to leave it behind and go with a second soft-sided bag or have shop pack well and hand carry - by end of trip I don't even want to concern myself with my luggage (all gets checked) except for these fragile items.
 
Old Oct 30th, 2003, 06:05 PM
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Jim Thompson - take the time to go to the Factory Outlet. Bit far at Sukhumvit Soi 93 but prices 50% cheaper than main store.
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