The 63rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF), held from February 20 to 24, 2019, at Challenger Halls 1-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, achieved remarkable success, firmly cementing Thailand’s reputation as a global leader in the gems and jewelry industry. Under the captivating theme of “Thailand’s Magic Hands: The Spirit of Jewelry Making,” the event drew immense international attention, with sales generated during the five-day exhibition exceeding an impressive 2 billion baht, equivalent to approximately 63 million USD. Ms. Chutima Boonyaprapatsorn, then Deputy Commerce Minister, highlighted the fair’s pivotal role in showcasing the unparalleled artistry and precision of Thai craftsmanship. International buyers and visitors expressed profound appreciation for the intricate designs and superior quality of Thai jewelry production, reinforcing the nation’s esteemed position as one of the world’s foremost gems and jewelry hubs. The fair served as an invaluable convergence point, facilitating crucial networking opportunities for exhibitors and fostering new partnerships among Thai and foreign trade professionals.
The global reach of the 63rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair was undeniable, attracting over 14,000 visitors hailing from 118 countries worldwide. This extensive international participation underscored the fair’s growing prominence on the global calendar, with a notable 5.4 percent increase in foreign visitors compared to the previous year’s February edition. The total trade volume generated at the event neared 2.1 billion baht (approximately 66 million USD), reflecting a robust and dynamic market. Immediate sales alone reached an impressive 700 million baht (about 22 million USD), marking a significant 85.2 percent surge over the immediate sales recorded at the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair in February 2018. Public days also contributed substantially to the fair’s financial triumph, with sales amounting to approximately 360 million baht (around 11.4 million USD). A comprehensive analysis of trade value revealed that gemstones led the charts, followed by fine jewelry, silver jewelry, cutting-edge machinery, and exquisite gold jewelry, showcasing the diverse strengths and comprehensive offerings of the Thai industry.
Beyond impressive sales figures, the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair functioned as a dynamic and secure platform designed to foster high-quality trade and forge strategic business connections. It provided an unparalleled environment for buyers and sellers to engage in business matching activities with reputable exporters, all while adhering to world-class standards of security and professionalism. Visitors were treated to an array of innovative product showcases and creatively curated exhibits that highlighted both traditional artistry and modern design trends. A standout feature was “The New Faces” zone, which proudly presented the innovative jewelry creations of 123 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) manufacturers and designers. These talented artisans hailed from 21 diverse provinces across Thailand, including renowned centers like Chantaburi and Tak, as well as emerging regions like Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Pichit, Surin, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Nakon Sri Thammarat, and Phang Nga. This initiative not only broadened market access for regional talents but also generated substantial interest and sales, contributing over 120 million baht during the event. Another highly acclaimed area was “The Jewellers and Innovation and Design Zone,” which captivated attendees with its forward-thinking designs and technological advancements, consistently receiving positive feedback and driving further commercial success.
Reflecting on the broader industry landscape, the Deputy Commerce Minister provided an optimistic outlook on Thailand’s gems and jewelry exports. The preceding year witnessed a robust expansion across nearly all international markets, underscoring the resilience and increasing global demand for Thai products. The total export value of gems and jewelry products, excluding unwrought gold, reached a remarkable 7,606.45 million USD, marking a commendable 6.96 percent increase. This growth was particularly pronounced in high-value categories such as gold jewelry, silver jewelry, imitation jewelry, and diamonds, which continue to be key drivers of export success. While traditional key export markets like Hong Kong experienced a slight contraction (-1.17%), other established markets demonstrated strong growth, including the U.S. (+15.72%), Germany (+16.24%), India (+2.23%), and Belgium (+8.19%). Furthermore, a host of secondary markets exhibited exceptionally promising growth trajectories, with Qatar leading the way at an astounding +103.49%, followed by Singapore (+38.92%), South Korea (+36.98%), Lichtenstein (+25.04%), and Israel (+20.61%). These diverse market performances highlight Thailand’s strategic adaptability and its ability to cater to varied global consumer preferences.
In a concerted effort to further elevate the industry, the Ministry of Commerce is intensifying its focus on enhancing competitiveness and strategic marketing. A series of comprehensive communication campaigns are being rolled out, meticulously designed to bolster the industry’s image and foster greater recognition among international buyers, importers, and end consumers. Integral to this strategy is the “Buy with Confidence” campaign, spearheaded by the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), or GIT. This initiative aims to instill trust and assure quality, transparency, and ethical practices within the Thai gems and jewelry sector. Concurrently, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is leading the charge in promoting the industry’s distinctive image in overseas markets through the powerful narrative of “Thailand’s Magic Hands: The Spirit of Jewelry Making.” This campaign celebrates the nation’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and the soulful dedication embedded in every piece. Furthermore, the DITP is committed to continuously uplifting the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair itself, transforming it into an even more robust and comprehensive platform. This enhancement provides businesspeople, buyers, and sellers across the entire gems and jewelry value chain with expanded opportunities for material sourcing, direct trading, and crucial network-building. Recognizing the undeniable shift towards digital commerce, the Ministry is also actively working to expand online trade channels for Thai gems and jewelry products, leveraging prominent e-commerce platforms such as Ali Express and Thaitrade.com to reach a broader global audience and facilitate seamless international transactions.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Commerce has outlined ambitious strategies to penetrate high-potential markets and cater to emerging consumer segments. A primary focus is on targeting “Super Rich” consumers within the lucrative ASEAN region, South Asia, and China, where demand for luxury and high-end jewelry remains consistently strong. Simultaneously, the Ministry is committed to developing and promoting niche products designed to capture specific demographic and lifestyle trends. This includes sophisticated jewelry tailored for millennials in key markets such as China, Japan, and the US, who often seek unique, personalized, and ethically sourced pieces. Another innovative segment is jewelry for pets, a growing luxury market driven by aging societies and single households that view pets as cherished family members. Additionally, the Ministry is exploring the significant potential of jewelry related to belief, spirituality, and overt opulence, tapping into cultural values and the desire for statement pieces. Crucially, the Ministry remains dedicated to nurturing “The New Faces” business operators, empowering these promising Thai SMEs from across the nation to expand their manufacturing capabilities and diversify their product offerings. This strategic support aims to facilitate their seamless entry and sustained success in the competitive international gems and jewelry market, showcasing the breadth and versatility of Thai craftsmanship on a global stage.
Building on the resounding success of the 63rd edition, the highly anticipated 64th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair is scheduled to take place from September 10 to 14, 2019, once again at Challenger Halls 1-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. This upcoming event promises to continue the tradition of excellence, offering fresh opportunities for trade, innovation, and networking within the vibrant global gems and jewelry community. For comprehensive information and updates regarding exhibitors, special events, and visitor registration, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website at www.bkkgems.com or contact the DITP Call Center by dialing 1169. The Ministry of Commerce and the DITP invite all industry stakeholders to participate in this prestigious event, further solidifying Thailand’s standing as a distinguished international hub for gems and jewelry.