Gemstones from Thailand

Thailand — and Bangkok in particular — is the undisputed center of the global colored gemstone trade, where stones from every corner of the world are bought, sold, and cut. Thailand's own gem deposits, primarily in the Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, have historically produced dark blue sapphires and dark rubies, though most Thai mining has declined significantly.

Thailand's Role in the Gem Trade

• Trading Hub: Bangkok's gem district handles an enormous proportion of the world's colored stone transactions.
• Cutting Center: Thai cutters are among the world's most skilled, particularly for calibrated commercial goods.
• Heat Treatment: Thailand pioneered the modern sapphire and ruby heat-treatment industry.
• Thai Sapphire: characteristically dark, inky blue to blue-black; less expensive than fine Ceylon or Kashmir material.