Thailand’s Showcase at JCK Las Vegas highlighted handcrafted silver and custom cut gem-set jewellery that is becoming increasingly sought-after in the U.S. market.

Thailand, with the support of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), presented a pavilion at JCK Las Vegas, held from May 31 to June 3, showing off the best of handcrafted Thai jewellery, notably custom cut gemstones.

Many of Thailand’s leading jewellery suppliers will also be exhibiting at the 64th edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, which will take place from September 10-14, 2019, celebrating the theme “Thailand’s Magic Hands: The Spirit of Jewelry Making”.

Kwanapa Phivnil, Executive Director of Thai Trade Center, Los Angeles reveals that US market looks for jewellery that is outstanding both in quality and uniqueness and jewellery from Thailand can meet this expectation. “As we can see from the Thailand Pavilion at JCK Las Vegas this year, we have received high attention from the buyers, especially in the part of silver jewellery created by Thai craftsmen as well coloured gemstone jewellery.”

“In addition, smart jewellery or jewellery that has technology combined are more interesting in the US market. Thai craftsmen are already renowned for their sophistication and outstanding production skills. If they are able to combine beautiful design with functionality into unique jewellery, it would make Thai jewellery brands more interesting and they could meet more needs of modern consumers,” she added.

Bangkok-based Bella Jewelry Factory produces custom cut gemstones, crafted by around 15 artisans, set in gold and silver jewellery that is greatly in demand by U.S. jewellery designers.

“We work closely and very well with designers. We adapt to their requirements. Some 60 per cent of Bella’s production is sold to the United States,” said Director Chaiyanan Suwanamas.

Key Gems, another JCK exhibitor, which prides itself on cutting gemstones by hand, is seeing buoyant U.S. demand for its 18-carat gold jewellery set with rubies and sapphires, said sales executive Sally Choksoontornlert.

Thailand is the number 1 source of polished rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other gemstones to the U.S. market, accounting for $303 million by value in 2018, up 24.57 per cent from the previous year.

Vatana has consistently sold its contemporary fine custom cut gem-set jewellery to the U.S. market, having exhibited at JCK every year for the past two decades, said company owner Theeravat Kanokkul.

He said he can supply gold jewellery, depending on a customer’s requirements, in 18-, 14-, or 10-carat.

For more information visit: www.bkkgems.com