Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair ran from September 8-12, 2026, showcasing the kingdom’s reputation for gemstone cutting and metalwork. Buyers crowded booths to restock loose stones and finished pieces made locally, showing the role of skilled artisans in the event’s success.
High-volume buying and modern tools
Exhibitors such as Sant, Pranda Group and Dermond displayed a wide range of polished stones on the lower ground floor and gold- and silver-set jewellery on the ground floor. The fair attracted retailers seeking both bulk supplies and unique designs, and the schedule included daily seminars on gemstone grading, market trends and sustainable sourcing, which drew participants eager to learn best practices.
Suppliers demonstrated hand-calibration of loose gems, supported by the latest analysis equipment. Hall 4 featured laser-marking machines, precious-metal analysers and gemstone-identification tools, and the presence of those machines allowed on-site personalization—a service increasingly requested by luxury retailers. The combination of traditional skills and modern equipment enhances artisans’ expertise.
Thai Gem Cutting Heritage and Digital Sales at the Fair
Thai artisans have spent decades refining cutting, polishing and heating of colored gemstones that arrive from source countries. Thailand’s silver jewelry manufacturers rank among the world’s top four and quickly adjust to client specifications.
Most transactions at the exhibition occurred through the traditional booth-to-booth approach, but organizers also streamed live presentations of lower-priced items such as necklaces, allowing remote buyers to view the items.
During the event, Ms. Nisabudh Virabutr, Director of the Office of Lifestyle Trade Promotion, met industry leader Henry Ho.
U.S.–Thailand trade dialogue
Leaders of the American Gem Trade Association attended, meeting industry officials and planning a high-level discussion with the Thai government. President Bruce Bridges and CEO John Ford were set to meet Deputy Trade Minister Kirida Bhaopichitr on September 14, 2026, after earlier talks with DITP Director Nisabudh Virabutr at the fair.
“We want to see stability in trade flows, so it is important that we help Thailand move forward to reach a bilateral trade deal with the U.S.: Thailand is a vital supplier of loose colored gemstones and high-quality gemstone-set jewellery to the U.S. market,” said Ford.
The current U.S. import tariff on loose coloured stones from the kingdom stands at 12.5 percent. Finished jewellery faces duties between 17.5 percent and 19.5 percent.
