Latest Buying Trip

Bangkok Reflection.

Last October Jason and I visited Bangkok on a buying trip. Jason has been many many times, but it was my first time experiencing the market there. The trip was absolutely fascinating and I learnt a huge amount. It really made me realise that the UK market is a drop in the ocean compared to the volume of stones traded there. Not only is it a hub for gemstone trading but also jewellery manufacturing.

Whilst there we visited our three main suppliers, some of whom we have worked with since Jason’s father started the business. Building these relationships requires an immense amount of trust, and years to cement.

We went out with a list of what we needed, which sounds straightforward but I can confirm that is not the case at all. You never know what is going to be available to you when you are out there. There are different ways of buying, you can either buy directly from a supplier or from a broker, who will bring in goods to show you from many different suppliers.

The week consisted of us visiting a couple of suppliers each day, making a short list and cross checking against our list. As you get nearer to the end you have to work out where you want to buy the goods from if you have shortlisted the same goods from different suppliers or if you have any gaps in your list! You have to be very meticulous and disciplined when it comes to the list as it can determine whether or not you have had a successful trip.

We managed to fulfil most things on the list but as the market is ever changing some products can be more difficult to find, either due to the mines being exhausted or the goods not coming in the quality they used to. In this case, it is about looking at alternatives that could fit into your current qualities and how to manage phasing in or phasing out goods.

Whilst there we also hear about new trends on the market and what is becoming harder to source so we can begin to plan how to manage our stock. African rubies are on the rise, offering a slightly lower price than Burmese goods. The African material has a different look, they come a slightly more orangish red than pinkish red due to the higher iron content in the stones and they often come cleaner. As we know the Kanchanburi mines are no longer producing, which is very difficult due to its unique look. The mine has provided a nice dark blue material for around 35 years, but since it is no longer producing we have not found another source that can produce the same colour, quality and quantity compared to Kanchan. The alternative that we were offered was pailin material, which has a different look, coming paler and without the same lustre. Some may know Pailin as an area in Cambodia, however it actually means blue gem in Thai so realistically they could come from anywhere. With this in mind we are introducing new qualities into our sapphire range to slowly change over.

The trip was incredibly eye opening in terms of the pricing. The prices are constantly changing, normally increasing.., but it was very educational to understand how certain stones are priced. It will always shock me how the ruby price just shoots up so quickly, which is unlike sapphire. The pricing is not often understood in the UK, which makes buying very difficult.

Whilst we were out there we not only managed to see our suppliers but also caught up with some fellow gemmologists. We heard all about Vincent Pardieu’s new book on Greenland Rubies as well as his fascinating adventure. We now have copies of his new book in the office if you would like a copy!

All in all, it was eye opening, very fun and seriously hard work but it was a fantastic trip and one I will always remember, I hope that I am lucky enough to go again in the future.

Posted: Friday 6 February 2026