Shopping in Hong Kong, Bangkok
Dec 11th, 2001, 11:50 AM
#1
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Shopping in Hong Kong, Bangkok
Hello,<BR>I am going to Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok in February and would love to get some recommendations on shopping. Specifically, jewelry and maybe electronics such as a digital camera. I would rather pay a higher price and go to a reputable place since I am not an expert. Thank you very much in advance!
Dec 11th, 2001, 12:35 PM
#2
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I am not an expert on jewellery. However, for electronics in Hong Kong, if you are willing to pay a higher price and go to a reputable store, consider the big electronic chain stores such as Fortress or Broadway. They usually have stores in major shopping centres such as Times Square in Causeway Bay or Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong.
Dec 11th, 2001, 07:52 PM
#3
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I'm just back from Bangkok. I was determined to buy a good sapphire while there - so I did a lot of research before hand. First, if you are considering spending a good chunk of money (and how much that is depends entirely on your own personal budget) I recommend reading "Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide" by Matlins and Bonanno. My confidence in my ability to make an infomred purchase was increased greatly by educating myself beforehand. I felt so much better being able to look at stones and have some sense of what I was looking for, average price, typucla rip-off scams, etc.<BR><BR>Second, I would recommend looking at Thai gem dealers on-line so that you know what quality of stones are available and what they would cost you to purchase in the U.S. Two sites I looked at were AJS Gems Limited and Thaigem.com. The quality offered by these two companies covers the spectrum of so-so inexpensive (Thaigems) to quite fine stones (AJS). Both companies also have stores in Bangkok which you can visit - although I never made it to either one.<BR><BR>Finally - shop several stores before making a large purchase. The stores that I visited are:<BR>1. Venus Gems. 167/1-3 Withayu Rd. This was recommended to me by several different people in the company I work with. Their prices were competative, but the quality was on the lower side of the scale. Again, depending on your personal budget this may fit your needs. They had a VERY large selection of set sapphire rings, which was what I was looking for in particular. Willing to bargain.<BR>2. SJ International. 125/8 Sawankhalok Road, Dusit area. This store was recommended by other posters on Fodors. I was impressed by their selection of gems and also of their (small) selection of 18k gold. This was the only place that I found contemporary gold design. (Many of the Chinatown area gold stores have heavy style gold that wasn't my taste. If you want 'traditional' heavy 24k gold Chinatown stores would be the place to go). They had stones in a range of qualities and prices - generally starting where Venus started, but working toward higher end quality. I did not look at their loose stones, but the sales clerk told me they had them available. Very helpful staff. I did by some gold jewelry here for myself and a ring for my husband at what I felt were very good prices. They had really lovely jade.<BR>3. J&A Jewellers - inside the lower level shops at the Grade Hyatt on Rajdamri Road. This small store was recommended to us by a Thai friend from Bangkok. This is certainly a 'high end' jewlery store - selling a lot of estate style pieces (the largest diamond ring I've ever seen). They had set and lose stones available. The owner (who's name I have unfortunatly forgotten) attended univeristy and graduate school in the U.S. and speaks fluent English. I was able to look at unset stones (rubies and sapphires) and talk with the owner for hours. The quality was consistantly very good. They were able to show me quite a few stones within my budget - again size and quality varied. Based on the prices from the other stores I felt that I got a very good deal on the stone I purchased. (A similar size stone of lesser quality was about 20% more at one of the other jewelers). They will custom design a setting for you if you wish. The stone I purchased was tiny comapred to the one's they have on display - so if you go don't hesitate to ask them for what you are looking for.<BR><BR>I hope this is helpful. If you'd like more detail on the stone itself please email me at [email protected].
