for JQ International Magazine
Thailand in 2009: World Jewelry and Gem Hub
By William M. Brandon III
Thai jewelry designers and manufacturers alike are looking forward to 2009 for an opportunity to preserve the hard-earned reputation of Thailand’s Gem and Jewelry Industry and launch the country into a new spotlight with bold designs and creative customer-oriented business plans. With innovators like Sancheti, Agopian and Piat, 2009 will be the year for Thailand to shine.
"Emulate with virtuosity in our art." – Ohanes Agopian"[Thailand] has all of the ingredients for a jewelry industry, skilled and affordable labor, location and raw materials." – Ashok Sancheti
Thai Advantages
Thailand’s rich history in gems and jewelry can be traced back hundreds of years when immense natural resources, especially rubies and sapphires, were discovered. The Thai people envisioned these gemstones as symbols befitting royalty and applied their ancient traditions of craftsmanship and achieved mastery to bring out the very best of each and every gemstone Thailand. While honing their skills, gold and silver smiths made advances that propelled the industry into the limelight of the world’s gem and jewelry industry. Some of the Thailand’s earliest forays into gem and jewelry production began as cottage industries that materialized in the provinces and then spread to Bangkok, making it the world center for the gem and jewelry trade today.
Thailand has also long been renowned as a gem and jewelry exporter. International merchants send large quantities of their gemstones to be cut in Thailand. As a result, the gem and jewelry industry ranked as the fifth largest exporter in 2008. The country has positioned itself as a regional hub for diamond and precious stone cutting, capitalizing on its low-cost labor, skilled craftsmen and its proximity to major colored-gemstone producing countries like Burma/Myanmar, Sri Lanka and India.
Thailand also offers long experience in mining these precious stones. Extensive deposits of blue sapphires in Kanchanburi province provide local industry with a high quality source of the precious stone. Chantaburi province, near Cambodia, yields a steady supply of rubies, further deepening the wealth of experience for Thai businesses and designers.
Looking to the Future
Ashok Sancheti (Pioneer Gems - http://www.pioneergems.com) forecasts, "The big look," with a smaller budget. Investors will continue to purchase "one of a kind designs with rare gem stones [in order to] keep the value of their investment and enjoy the jewelry." Sancheti's Jaipur family has created fine emerald jewels for Indian royalty for many generations. He looks to the industry to, "invest more in research and development," bringing innovative designs to the market and setting Thailand apart for the crowd. "[Thailand] has all of the ingredients for a jewelry industry, skilled and affordable labor, location and raw materials." Pioneer Gems specializes in single stone sizes of natural emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. Emmy Award-winning journalist, magazine columnist, and anchor for “Access Hollywood” Shaun Robinson wore a dazzling Sancheti emerald ensemble to the Oscars in 2008.
Mr. Ohanes Agopian, an Armenian jeweler and the Founder of Jacob's Jewelry Co., Ltd. (Jacob’s Jewelry Co., Ltd. Thailand - http://jacobjewelry.net/), predicts that some companies will hesitate to release new brands or lines this year. However, he remains optimistic that, "It is time to strengthen relationships with existing customers as well as explore new markets and territories." He challenges Thai designers and jewelers to, "Emulate with virtuosity in our art." Mr. Agopian explains that, "Combinations of colors," will dominate the market with semi-precious stone jewelry. "This implies that we should pay even more attention and listen carefully to customers’ needs." In 2009 Ohanes feels that, "Development of products should be done in a very considerate manner and by making full use of internal skills in order to deliver the highest quality of our creations." Jacob's Jewelry commands 350 craftsmen in Thailand and Republic of Armenia. Mr. Agopian plans to direct all of his energy toward innovation, "Brain storming and action!"
Eric Piat's Rubicon (http://www.rubicon.co.th) combines highly experienced Thai technicians, French flair for design and expertise in selection and re-cutting of gemstones. Rubicon's founder is the son of Daniel Piat the founder of the French Gemological Institute. Piat's aim in the international market is to "produce highly crafted jewelry with attractive color schemes to be worn on all occasions and at appealing prices."
Thai jewelry designers and manufacturers alike are looking forward to 2009 for an opportunity to preserve the hard-earned reputation of Thailand’s Gem and Jewelry Industry and launch the country into a new spotlight with bold designs and creative customer-oriented business plans. With innovators like Sancheti, Agopian and Piat, 2009 will be the year for Thailand to shine.
Exposure
The two-decade old Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (February 25 - March 1, 2009: for more information - info@bangkokgemsfair.com / http://www.bangkokgemsfair.com) seeks to continue Thailand's reputation as the world's gems and jewelry hub. The 43rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair will feature, "1200 exhibitors from over 35 countries such as the UK, Italy, Russia, the United States, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Israel," and a, "dynamic place to conduct good business and network." TGJ Elite Creations, a showcase of Thailand’s most stunning jewelry and objects d’art will be on display during Fair. The TGJ Elite Creations pieces have never been exhibited before and will include necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, brooches, and many other jewel encrusted objects. Each extraordinary piece is crafted by top Thai craftsmen and gives viewers a clear indication of the excellent quality of products produced in Thailand.
*PDF samples available upon request (wmbrandoniii@gmail.com)
