Launched in 1984 by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce to support Bangkok’s growing gem, jewellery, and lapidary industry, the Bangkok Gems and JewelryFair (BGJF) has evolved into one of the world’s most important events in the trade. Organized twice a year—each spring and fall—under the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), the fair is firmly established among the most prominent global jewellery trade shows.
The 72nd edition, held from September 9–13 at the impressive Queen Sirikit National Convention Center beside Benjakitti Park, marked another milestone. The event featured 2,628 booths across eight expansive halls, attracting more than 46,000 visitors from over 120 countries and generating a record THB 4.7 billion in trade value. For industry professionals, collectors, designers, and enthusiasts alike, the BGJF remains a must-see destination.
The fair is divided between two major exhibition zones: The ground floor, dedicated to finished jewellery, design and manufacturing; and the lower level, which is focused on gems and precious stones.
The array of jewellery on display on the ground floor zone was impressive and varied—from modern silver designs to intricate ethnic pieces and alluring high jewellery set with diamonds and rare gems. The gemstone section at the lower-level zone featured everything from affordable chalcedony and turquoise to exceptional six- and seven-figure collection pieces: Burmese rubies, Kashmir sapphires, and Colombian emeralds. Besides these “big three” gems, there wasalso a wonderful selection of spinel, tourmaline, garnet, opal, peridot, and tanzanite sourced from across the globe.
I first visited Bangkok’s gem district in 2003. As I reflect on the trade’s journey, it is remarkable how the city’s gem trade has transformed in such a short time. Just fifty years ago, the city’s gem community was a modest circle of gemtraders and cutters. Through vision, skill, and integrity on part of gifted families and individuals, the Bangkok gem and jewellery trade has blossomed into one of the most dynamic markets in the world. Perhaps nothing illustrates this achievement more than the Jewelry Trade Center (JTC) on Silom Road where dealers, miners, brokers, and students from across Asia, South and North America, Africa, and Europe converge to exchange knowledge, conduct business, and forge lifelong partnerships.
To many, the BGJF represents far more than an industry exhibition: It’s a celebration of hope, perseverance and success. I know an Afghan dealer who after years struggling in Peshawar’s Namak Mandi gem market, took a chance on visiting the BGJF in the early 1990s. Within three days, he secured emerald and ruby deals worth $500,000. The BGJF changed his life forever.
And that’s where I believe the BGJF’s true beauty lays in: Each year, this remarkable fair reminds us that beyond the beautiful gems, the miner’s toil, the lapidary’s or jewellery maker’s art, and the gem dealer’s savvy in the making of the deal, is the excitement that this most beautiful and unique of businesses promises to those who work within it—that every day is a new day and anything can happen.
The Stars of the Show
As always, the most captivating exhibits were the singular gems—stones so rare they command both admiration and awe. Among the highlights:
🔗See more details at www.bkkgems.com
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