Thailand’s history is rich with gemstones, beginning in the 1400s when its mines first produced the sapphires and rubies that adorned the crowns, swords and even the footwear of the country’s royalty.
And as recently as May, jewelry fans took note of the glittering sapphire and diamond necklace and earring set that Queen Suthida of Thailand wore at King Charles III’s coronation in London.
But since the 1970s, Thailand has mostly been known as a global hub for cutting, polishing, heating and trading stones, doing business with its gem-rich neighbors Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, along with countries far beyond.
The event offers “a lot of opportunities for local businesses to be exposed to overseas buyers,” said Sumed Prasongpongchai, chief executive of the Gem & Jewelry Institute of Thailand (G.I.T.
“We promote the fair heavily in the Middle East, Europe and America.”
Persons:
Suthida, King Charles III’s, ”, Sumed Prasongpongchai
Organizations:
& Jewelry Institute of Thailand, Ministry of Commerce
Locations:
Thailand, London, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bangkok, East, Europe, America