Bangkok Jewelry
 

I've seen from various posts that Bangkok is great for gemstones, but does anyone know about delicate gold pieces? I would like to have made a thin gold necklace with a pendant that has either small yellow diamonds or yellow sapphires. If I had a photograph could a good jeweler copy it accurately?

I read Kathie's post about her jeweler, SJ International and I checked out their website. They seem to have mostly large gemstones. Any advice?

Thanks!

I've used SJ to copy a delicate and unusual ruby earring jacket. It is indistinguisable from the original. Yes, they can do a copy from a photo. Your best deal would be to have it done in yellow sapphires. Sapphires are a real bargain in Bangkok.

(As you can imagine the website shows only a small part of what they offer. They do a lot of custom work, too.)

you will find many who will gladly do it for you....diamonds are generally quite expensive in bkk...know you prices and qualities....i'd stick with the yellow saphires...

you can check my jewerler...the hotel is terrible but they are fabulous and reasonable...family run...

thai stone jewerly, in the lobby of the nana hotel 9near nana skytrain stop), soi 4, sukhumvit road...on the right in back of the gas station and down about 1/2 block... ask for amporn...a lovely middle aged thai lady...

the necklace probably will be ready made...

Hi,
Would the blue sapphire be much cheaper than in the U.S.?

yes at least 50% or more...maybe even 75%

Re: SJ International

Should I still bargain or are the prices reasonable enough at SJ? How long do they take to customize a ring? I'm only in Bangkok for 5 full days.

Since I'm on the subject of shopping, is it worth going to the Pratumwan market? Suan lum and Chatuchak are already on the itinerary.

Only 9 weeks to Bangkok (and Singapore) and still counting.

Thank you for all the advice and good tips; what would I do without this forum? : ) Thanks ya all!

it is always advisable to ask for a lesser price or discount....do it politely and they will inform you if fixed prices are how they operate...i believe you can negioate at SJ, but maybe kathie will offer more on this...

i would also visit the other markets and spend less time at the weekend market, which is very difficult to deal with: heat, accessibility within the market, cramped quarters, etc...

Happy- we told them we were referred by Kathie and were given the wholesale rate, about 1/2 of previous quotes.

You could also tell them Lucy from Hawaii with the two teenage girls referred you. I think we spent enough in December to get you good connection status! I wore one of my Sapphire bracelets last night to a party. I just love it!

I forget my salewomans name..Nittaya? She was really great. check my post Lcuy's Christmas in Bangkok & Tokyo"

Don't forget to call and ask for a car. They will be happy to send one, no matter how far away you are.

Plan to stay awhile...the prices really are great, and they keep pulling more and more stuff out once they get a sense of what you like.

Kathie and rhkkmk (Bob?) would you mind if I told the jewelers that you referred me? I would feel better if they knew I was referred by someone more experienced with jewelry. Do I need to tell them a last name? Thanks for the advice!

at thai stone, they know us well...bob and karen kimball from boston...feel free to use our names....it will get you a free cup of tea at least...don't be turned off by the hotel or its lobby, please....we almost didn't go in the first time, but we too had been referred there about 10 years ago...check out all the business cards under the glass top cases---you will see mine...generally they are not pushy at all and amporn is a really nice lady...just go in and ask for her and sit down and describe what you want...they will ask some questions, she will draw some pictures and you will agree on what it is that you want...don't be afraid to speak up and they don't wow you with info about stones, or try to impress you with their knowledge, etc....they are friendly once they know what you want....go in between 10AM and 6PM when they are all there...
if things are not ready when we have to leave for home, they ship them to us and mark them as repaired or something similar and thus no duty....

At SJ you'll get a better price if you are referred by someone. They may not always remember whoever it is that referred you, but they will give you a good price "wholesale price" they call it. You are welcome to say that Kathie from Seattle sent you. It may help to mention that I've been buying from them for 20 years.