Issue 68

Bangkok’s leading gems and jewelry fair promises to offer a variety of the finest products for buyers from across the globe.

The 60th edition of the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair is expected to attract over 800 leading industry producers, suppliers and designers to showcase their products in more than 2,100 booths at the Thai capital this September.

DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd says, “BGJF 60 is a vibrant international platform for world-class products and business networking. It is also recognized as a stage for Thai SMEs and talented designers to showcase their creativity and innovative designs to international consumers.

“Today, consumers have very clear and different preferences and lifestyles, resulting in a new market for unique jewelry designs. The DITP, therefore, encourages gems and jewelry enterprises to penetrate into niche markets and keep up with global trends.”

To promote this idea, a new showcase exhibition at BGJF 60 will focus on upcoming trends in niche markets such as: heritage and craftsmanship for contemporary handcrafted jewelry; spiritual power for jewelry of spiritual belief; metro men, or jewelry for men; and the moment for jewelry, for special occasions.

“This edition will launch a new showcase entitled Beyond Jewelry-Jewelry Crossover, which will feature modern gadgets and household goods decorated with gems,” adds Choklumlerd. “This category has strong potential because it serves the needs of current consumers who want to express themselves through what they use. These are not ordinary accessories but each is a symbol that reflects the lifestyle and identity of an individual.”

Other highlights of the fair include the Ruby Contest that will celebrate the 60th BGJF with the 60 finest rubies from Thai and international producers, a SMEs Pavilion dedicated to outstanding SMEs from reputed gem districts, and extensive seminars.

Moreover, the government tax exemption scheme for the import of gems and jewelry products which has been in place since 2016 has helped reduce production costs, therefore, both buyers and fair visitors will have the opportunity to buy premium quality gems and jewelry at reasonable prices.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand is the world’s 10th largest gems and jewelry exporting country. Thai exports of gems and jewelry, excluding gold, are forecast to rise 5% this year to US$7.32 billion. In addition the industry employs more than 900,000 workers.

BGJF 59 attracted over 17,000 visitors with a record breaking number of overseas visitors, an increased of 18.8%, compared with the previous fair. It brought together a total of 730 exhibitors from 18 countries in 2,011 booths, including 625 local and 105 international companies. The most popular products were rings, necklaces and pendants.

The 60th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair will take place from September 6 to 10 at Challenger Hall 1-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok.

For more information and pre-registration, visit www.bkkgems.com.

Words by Somhatai Mosika