Hi: was wondering if anyone could suggest a place in BKK for small jade pieces, e.g. buddha pendants. I found a good place in Chaing Mai, but won't be able to return there -- so have to find some in BKK for gifts.
thanks!

Jim0884, Where did you go for jade in Chiang Mai?

thailand is not known for jade as you probably know....you will find it in many shops however, especially those catering to asian tourists....beware of fakes however...

try jewerly stores, especially smaller ones....sj international, which is a large store that some favor may also have this type of item...it is very near to the current king's palace...

CFW -- in chaing mai i went to that (touristy) showroom near Wat Doi Sutep, called Orchid Jade factory

We saw it when we were there. Is it a good place to buy jade (recognizing the most jade comes from Burma, I think?

my personal reaction to those shops across the street from the wat are that they are for tourists only...mainly bus groups that have to buy quickly...

The prices at Orchid Jade factory are definitely higher (largely because of the kickback they give the guides). They are lower if you go on your own. They are, however, reliable. You will not be buying fakes there. And they have a large selection. I bought from them 20 years ago (before the tour buses) and the items were all appraised at 75% more than I paid so I was happy.

yes, i went by myself, just bought a couple small pieces...felt the prices were reasonable. And it was interesting watching them "carve" the jade

We also bought at Orchid Jade. Though with a our own private guide, she never directed us here, or even mentioned this place to us. On our decent from Doi Suthep, I noticed the sign, a name recommended by someone back home - so we ventured inside. Surprisingly, the place was practically empty. Having priced jade items that would be of interest before leaving NYC, we had an idea of price range and had a budget. Because we had some expertise, the sales people were more than agreeable and not pushy in anyway. Our purchases were appraised when we arrived home, and most definitely did well. As with any purchase of value, anywhere in the world, one has to have some idea of quality and price beforehand, rather being sold something you don't want at a price you aren't willing to pay.

Sandi, Do you know a jeweler in NYC area who knows about jade so I can learn about quality & check out prices before our next trip to Thailand?

CFW - There's always 47th Street. Or check with a local jewelers for a resource.

We happened to get a recommendation from a friend of a friend who imports Jade (and other gemstones) for many jewelers throughout the US. This person happened to be in NY shortly before our trip to Thailand, so timing worked for us. Otherwise, this person travels constantly and I haven't any idea where she can be reached; and the friend who knows her has since relocated to Europe.

However, if I recall - Jade Orchid does a presentation upon entering which provides background on the stone - where, how, what, etc. - and we found it interesting. So you're not completely in the blind. In the end it depends on what you're looking for and the budget you set for yourself. We knew what we wanted, and though the sales person at Jade Orchid first showed us "chunky" jade... we quickly took moved her to the more delicate pieces, which we prefer (in all types of jewelry).

Point of interest - after making our purchases at Jade Orchid, we did stop at a number of other establishments in various places heading north, and found "we did good" as to quantity and quality of selection and definitely price.