Bangkok Jewelry shoping
 

I'm travelling in September and wanted to find out if anyone has reputable jewelry stores they can recommend in Bangkok. I'm looking for white gold or silver with amethyst or garnet for myslef and something youngish also for my neice who is 21.

Thanks

SJ International - call them. Ask for Lily. Tell them Kathie from Seattle referred you. They will pick you up and return you - no charge.
http://www.sjjewelry.com/contact.php
My wife Jeane has done well here as have several others on this forum.

Craig thank you for replying. I saw an old thread mention SJ jewelry so I was hoping someone would say it's still around.

And still just as good as ever. I'll be there next weekend!

Say hello to Lily for me - it's been a couple of years since Cheryl and I have been there.

I visited their website and they had wonderful pieces but no prices, are they as expensive as they look?

No. Remember to say I sent you and you'll get the best prices. I can typically buy loose stones for one-fourth the US retail price, one-half the US wholesale price.

The best deals are in sapphires and rubies. You can certainly buy semi-precious stones, but the precious stones are a better deal. I also don't know that they do much with silver, as that tends to be used only for less expensive jewelry.

If you are really looking for inexpensive silver jewelry, try the silver stores behinbd the Oriental hotel.

I actually prefer white gold to yellow gold but I didn't see much of it in ther website, do you remember if they do any? I also want to get saphhire or ruby earrings but set in white gold if possible.

What else do you shop for in Bangkok?

Yes, they do have white gold. And they will make anything you want. Sometimes I find a piece of jewelry I love, other times, I go with something specific in mind and have them make it (and deliver it to my hotel).

I like the Jim Thompson designs, and often buy things for my house like duvet covers. I have a favorite Jim Thompson purse, a tapestry with monkeys on it that everyone comments on. Check out the outlet store - sometimes I find great bargains, sometimes nothing at all.

I also buy art and old crafts in Bangkok.

Voted for SJ as well!! They have lots of inventory in their back room. On their website are just the sample of what they have. You can call or email them to arrange their free transportation! [email protected]....I always email them in advance.

our favorite is thai stone jewelry in the grotty nana hotel, soi 4, sukhumvit rd.

they are a small operation, family owned abut have a decent collection. they have very little silver, but plenty of white gold.

their prices are very fair

Thanks for this good information....do you bargain with them on their prices? Are the rubies heat treated and do they tell you where they come from. Our local jeweler told me Burmese rubies are illegal in the States?? Any tips for purchasing a good stone? Thanks!

Burmese rubies are not illegal in the US.

If you use my name, there is no need to bargain, they are giving you their lowest price. They are glad to tell you the origin of the stones, and will tell you whether they are heat-treated (most stones are, these days).

Tips for purchasing a good stone: do your research first. Go to jewelry stores where you live and ask to see their best stones and price them. Read up on what to look for. When you are in SJ ask them to talk with you about the stones, what makes one better than another if it is not obvious to you. I can generally get loose stones for one-fourth the US retail price.

Nokomis, there a quite a few fodorites who have been going to SJ for years. At Fodors Asia GTGs, we all compare our favorite finds!

But to get the deals, you must follow the rules. Call (or have your hotel front desk call) for a free ride, then you must say "Kathie from Seattle told me to work with you". You can name drop the rest of us, but Kathie will get Lily droping your prices down to the very bottom.

No need to haggle, but if something is out of your budget, ask if she has something like it with a smaller or cheaper stone or less gold.

Thanks for the information....Burmese rubies are illegal to import but does that mean we can purchase one for personal use?

Yes.

Actually, the economic sanctions against Burma are changing.

Thanks Kathy, did you purchase one?

I have purchased many things from SJ. I do have a beautiful pair of Burmese rubies purchased a couple of decades ago.

Ssshhhhhhhhhsshh!!!!!

We are headed back to Bangkok in November and don't want to give Linda any heads up ;)

Aloha!

Happy shopping, HT! I'm so sorry we won't be in Bangkok this year. So many of our friends will be there.