Gems and Jewelry
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Thailand is one of the world's major sources of rubies and sapphires, and this has prompted the rise of a huge gem cutting and jewelry-making industry. Today, in addition to indigenous stones, other kinds of precious stones are imported for cutting and polishing to make Bangkok an unrivalled center for colored gems. | ||
| Skill in cutting is matched by creative flair in jewelry design and setting. Thus the shopper is presented with excellent opportunities for buying individual polished gems and finished jewelry items, including custom-made pieces. In addition to jewelry, gemstone pictures and other decorative items are to be found. |
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| There are many specialist jewelry shops with large selections
of goods displaying the highest quality of materials and craftsmanship. Bargains do not
exist in any quality gem and jewelry business, but Thailand's ready supply of raw
gemstones and extensive jewelry making industry promise extremely competitive
prices. There are also shops that specialize in "Thai Gold", which is purported to be 28 carat. The gold is sold by weight reflecting the current market price plus a small markup for the craftsmanship. You will find everything from rings to necklaces made of this very yellow gold. The unit of measure is the Baht (just like the Thai currency) with ¼ Baht, ½ Baht and 1 Baht being the standard measures. 1 Baht is just about ½ ounce. |
