Gems

Pattaya Shopping | Gems and precious stones from Chanthaburi

Jewelry is sold everywhere in Pattaya, but be wary of fake gem scams. It is best to buy them from a government approved location bearing the JFC seal; retailers will display the logo in prominent places in the store.

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The benefit of this accreditation, besides the obvious authenticity of the stone, is the outstanding offer of money back guarantee. If buyers have reason to believe the goods bought from a JFC member are not up to the standards claimed, goods can be returned for a refund.

Remember... bargaining is part of Thai culture!

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In Chanthaburi, you can find the greatest deals for sapphires, rubies and topazes. Gem dealers cut and polish the stones in front of you. It is located about 180 km southeast of Pattaya.

Being the hub of Thailand's gem industry, a day trip to Chanthaburi is highly recommended specially if you are bargaining for jewelry prices. There are rows after rows of dealers at Gem Road. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays they gather on a street market setting at the Gem Road from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

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There are excursions to the nearby mines at Bo Rai in the province of Trat, where in addition of rubies, sapphires and topazes many other kinds of precious and semi precious stones can be freely extracted from the mines. Some mines will allow you to keep what you find. Ban Kacha Mine is the nearest to Chanthaburi at only four km from the city.

Last Updated: 08 Mar 2008