Gems, Gold, Pearls and Jewelry

Jewelry Shops in Phuket

Thai silver jewelry is often modeled after the traditional designs of the hilltribes of Northern Thailand, with bracelets particularly stunning examples of hilltribe silverwork. Modern styles of bracelets, as well as pendants, necklaces, beads and rings can also be found. Most silver sold is labeled '925', which means that it is made of 92.5% pure silver. Silver bowls, boxes, cigarette cases and vases are widely available.

Pearls in Phuket

Cultured pearls, produced locally at Naka Noi Island are also a good buy. You can find them at many local shops in Phuket City, specialist jewellery places, or right on the island where they are cultured. Tours leave daily to Naka Noi Island and include a pearl demonstration and the opportunity to buy at discounted prices.

The Gems Gallery and Wang Talang are large stores devoted almost exclusively to jewellery. The range, especially at Gems Gallery, is huge, with modern European and Asian styles and certificates issued when you buy. Located on the bypass road on the edge of Phuket City, near Tesco-Lotus. For lovers of rare and antique jewellery, The Banyan Tree Galleries feature interesting pieces from around Asia.

Unless you're an expert in gems and jewellery, it is not recommened to buy such goods with the intention of reselling them back home for huge profits. Some elaborate scams have been set up to fool people into paying a high price for gems that are low quality at best or even worthless fakes.

Gems and Jewellery Advisory

There are occasional complaints from visitors about unethical jewellers who persuaded them to buy jewellery at an unreasonable price. There are also cases where gems purchased have turned out to be fakes. While such scams are largely carried out in Bangkok, there have been complaints about jewel purchases in Phuket.

To combat this problem, the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have formed a "Jewel Fest Club". The club aims to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied. Some of the larger Phuket jewellers are in this program, so look for the Jewel Fest emblem while browsing the shop.

The TAT offers these tips for your protection:

• Be wary of any encounter that ends up requiring your presence in a gem shop. Most probably it is a scam.
• Buying gems or jewellery to resell at double or triple the purchase prices is an impossible proposition under any circumstances. Buy jewellery only for personal satisfaction for your own use or for loved ones.
• Make price comparisons in various shops before deciding to buy. Never be in a hurry.
• Never mail sapphires or other precious stones. Carry valuable items with you.
• Do not believe special (jewellery) sales of any kind. Reputable dealers hardly ever offer sales and never send touts to lure tourists to their stores.
• There are no promotions, shows or special sales on jewelry authorized by the government or any official agencies at any time of the year.
• The government does not own, operate, subsidize, or authorize any jewellery stores.
• As far as you can, take time to verify all claims. Words, promises, personal guarantees, unchecked documents, unauthorized verbal or written statements, casual references, encounters and the like do not constitute verification. Remember, you are your own best protection.
• Thai embassies, consulates or any delegations abroad are neither bound nor responsible for refunding goods that are bought in Thailand.