Thailand is a well-known and vibrant country full of history, culture and heritage. Accordingly, the East-Asian country is famous for being one of the biggest jewelry hubs worldwide. And indeed, Thailand boasts immense natural resources and intellectual property that raise jewelry craftsmanship and gem cutting on a true pedestal. In this article, we will explore 9 of Thailand’s most iconic jewelry districts that have placed the country among the largest and most important hubs within the jewelry industry.
While reading, please keep in mind that Deepwear fashion agency can guide you through every step of the jewelry industry in Thailand, handle the production management with the local factories, and follow up with suppliers. Let’s dive in!
1. Jewelry Trade Center – One of the Most Iconic Jewelry Districts of Thailand
Widely regarded as the main hub when it comes to the international supply of gemstones and jewelry, the Jewelry Trade Center is a host to over 1,600 wholesalers and more than 300 retailers. The skilled international jewelry makers who are present in the district, offer a broad range of unique and ready-made pieces. Additionally, you can benefit from jewelry setting, custom jewelry making, and resizing services.
What is even more, the jewelry laboratories that are in the center and offer peace of mind to every client. How exactly? Well, by instantly examining and certifying the authenticity of each jewelry piece.
The Jewelry Trade Center is in Bangkok’s business district of Silom. The premises comprises a 59-floor mixed-use complex and is one of Thailand’s most integral trading centers for precious gemstones, diamonds, and assorted jewelry.
Furthermore, the capital city is a host to Deepwear flagship office. From the very heart of Thailand, Deepwear aids brands in sourcing the right materials, takes charge of production management, quality control, packaging needs, and logistics.
2. Phuket – the Pearl Island
The island of Phuket is well-known as Thailand’s pearl hub. The pearl farming business on the island has been started by Hong-Eang Sae-Taew and Chun Tae-Taew. They brought in the pearl farming technique from Japan in 1967.
Today, the farm is known as “Phuket Pearl Industry”. It is the country’s first pearl manufacturer, boasting processes that are fully integrated. Currently, the district has several operators who offer genuine pearls, ranging from freshwater to mabe pearls. All pearls that come from the area meet the international standards of the industry.
3. Nan – It’s all about Silver
Back in 1995, silverware, needlework, and textile craftsmen formed a group named “Nan Chompoo Phu Kha Silverware and Handicraft”. Afterward, the group gathered artisans predominantly from 2 of the most prominent clans in the area – the Mien and the Hmong. Eventually, they started crafting silver jewelry and silver pieces, making Nan one of the most integral silver jewelry districts.
Located in the mountains of Northern Thailand, Nan is a tiny province. It boasts a long-lasting heritage of silver jewelry crafting since 1972. Apart from the implementation of various tribal aesthetics, most local companies have adopted modern production methods and designs. This way they offer a broad range of silver pieces.
4. Sukhothai – Among the Most Prominent Jewelry Districts of Thailand
Astonishing designs! Think ancient temples-inspired gables, stucco reproductions from historical sites, and contemporary motifs! Welcome to the district of Sukhothai – an area rich in goldsmithing heritage and jewelry customs.
Back in the old days, the craftsmanship and awe of the local woven gold earned this Thailand’s district the reputation of producing some of the most mesmerizing gold ornaments in the world. Altogether, the manufacturing process consists of melting pure gold and shaping it into intricate jewelry creations.
Some jewelry masterpieces consist of over a thousand golden strings woven together and strengthened with melted knots. Presently, the local goldsmiths continue to produce gold ornaments the way they used to centuries ago.
5. Chiang Mai – Silver Heritage
The shop owners in Chiang Mai district are true descendants of the silversmiths who contributed to the astonishing and delicate designs linked to the Lanna culture. Consequently, being the Northern Thailand center of silver crafts, the Chiang Mai area offers a vast assortment of handcrafted pieces. Among them are silver jewelry, silverware and silver home décor.
What is really interesting about the Chiang Mai district is the fact that many of its silver jewelry shops are half a century old. Accordingly, an old legend has it when King Kawila restored the Lanna Kingdom he summond the most talented silversmiths from the region to work on silverware for the palace.
6. Chanthaburi – the Gemstone Cutting District
The district of Chanthaburi has a reputation as a true gemstone source. It was given to the area in the 19th century following a drastic decline in the manufacturing of rubies previously imported from Myanmar. Ever since, Chanthaburi has become a global supplier of sapphires and rubies.
A world-renowned destination for colored gems, the Chanthaburi district is the major trading center of Thailand’s gemstones industry. The region’s history of gem crafting can be traced all the way back to the 15th century, mainly due to its perfect gem-mining geography.
Currently, gem mining is no longer an active industry. Instead, the local traders import the best gems from Africa and take advantage of the region’s treatment and cutting age-old skills. About 80% of the gemstones that leave Thailand are cut, enhanced, or treated here in Chanthaburi.
7. Nakhon Si Thammarat – In top 10 of the Integral Jewelry Districts of Thailand
The city of Nakhon Si Thammarat is well-known for its silver jewelry crafting and neilloware. The district’s nielloware is extremely unique. It is carved by hand, as opposed to using acid to create designs. Back in the old days, nielloware art was considered to be of the highest art and used predominantly to make pieces for royal tributes.
What makes Nakhon Si Thammarat nielloware distinctive and highly priced, you may ask?! Well, it is the complexity of the manufacturing, the unique skills required, and the right alchemy born from true expertise. Not to mention that the art of nielloware crafting has been passed on from generation to generation.
8. Surin – Silver Ornaments and Beads
The district of Surin is famed for its uniquely crafted silver items, including silver beads, known as “Luk Pa Kueam”. The local silver craftsmen inherited their silversmith skills from their Khmer ancestors centuries ago. At present, only a handful of skilled workmen continue to keep the legacy alive. A legacy that boasts ancient Khmer designs and methods for making various jewelry pieces. Think rings, earrings, bracelets, chains, and necklaces, among other jewelry items.
For instance, the complex Khmer method of crafting silver, named “Takao”, necessitates the meticulous twisting of silver wire into various shapes. It then solders them into place before other layers are added up, making highly intricate and unique patterns. In the past, the locals believed silver ornaments to be sacred artifacts. For that reason, the silver items made in the Surin district are considered to be more than mere decorations. They are sacred items meant to protect their owners.
9. Krabi – The District of the Ancient Gems
The Krabi district is a host to many archaeological sites. Some of the items that have been discovered in these sites include stone beads and colored glass. They are believed to be dating back from the 4th – 9th century. A time when Krabi district was host of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.
The roots of some gems can also be traced to the ancient Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and Asia, indicating active traveling, cultural exchange, and trade. Once seen as unlucky, as the region was often linked to grave sites, its gem treasures are now highly cherished commodities offering a glimpse into the past.
How Deepwear Helps Jewelry Brands in Thailand
Being a renowned global fashion agency, Deepwear contributes significantly to Thailand’s jewelry scene by offering a complete suite of services for jewelry brands. Located in the very heart of Bangkok, the company’s experienced jewelry team helps brands in sourcing, making sure they find the right materials for their designs.
Beyond material and gems sourcing, Deepwear takes charge of production management, packaging needs, quality control, and logistics. This holistic approach enables jewelry businesses to focus on their design and advertising, while Deepwear takes care of the transport complexities, ensuring products meet high-quality standards and reach markets efficiently.
Final thoughts on the Jewelry Districts of Thailand
The jewelry districts of Thailand stand as a true testament to the country’s rich culture, heritage and jewelry expertise. From Bangkok’s Jewelry Trade Center through the pearl farms of Phuket to the silver artisans of Nan and Chiang Mai, each of these regions contributes to Thailand’s status as a global jewelry hub.
Thailand’s jewelry districts not only preserve the craftsmanship passed through generations but also adapt to contemporary demands, making sure that the country’s jewelry industry stays vibrant and globally significant. This article’s exploration reveals Thailand’s pivotal role in the jewelry realm, showcasing the combination of cultural legacy and modern-day craftsmanship that makes the country’s jewelry regions truly unique.
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