(IDEX Online) – The 61st Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, held from February 21-25 attracted visitors from 113 countries with the top five visiting nations being India, Myanmar, China, USA and Russia, the organizers reported.

 

The Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair is part of the Thai government’s aim of marketing the country as the world’s gems and jewelry production and trading hub.

 

Some 853 exhibitors occupying 2,003 booths participated in fair Although 747 companies were from Thailand, others came from around the globe, including Hong Kong, Poland, Turkey, Japan, Singapore, India, South Korea, Israel, Indonesia and Canada. A total of $63.6 million in trade value was generated at the show.

 

Held under the theme ‘Heritage & Craftsmanship’, the fair "highlighted Thailand’s cultural heritage, promoting the exquisite craftsmanship of Thai artisans with international trends to make jewelry more contemporary and answer to the demands of international consumers," fair organizers commented.

 

The DITP instigated a series of special zones at the event:

 

1. The New Faces featured unique jewelry pieces from 120 SMEs from across the country, who prior to the 60th edition of Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair had never participated at the Show.

 

2. The Niche Showcase featured the latest trends in jewelry for niche markets. Specifically, this focused on five main product groups:

 

• Heritage & Craftsmanship – with an emphasis on craftsmanship

 

• Spiritual Power – jewelry of belief and opulence

 

• Metro Men – jewelry for men

 

• The Moment – jewelry for special occasions

 

• Beyond Jewelry – lifestyle items decorated with metals and precious stones.

 

3. The Innovation and Design Zone (IDZ) showcased innovative products from start-ups as well as jewelry that utilizes new techniques.

 

4. The Jewellers exhibition featured 23 brands from designers who participated in the Designers’ Room and Talent Thai projects with jewelry-making demonstrations and technical workshops twice daily.

 

The fair also held a series of seminars and workshops by domestic and international experts on a range of topics from raw materials and jewelry trends, to marketing and gem certification. On the second day of the show, the Export Clinic 2018 was held, where directors of overseas Thai Trade Centers gave advice to companies and SMEs on how to penetrate foreign markets.

 

In 2017, the gems and jewelry industry was ranked third in terms of Thai exports after automotives and computers. Exports totaled nearly $13 billion, representing 5.4% of the kingdom’s total exports, and when excluding unwrought gold, the industry saw an increase of 2.25% compared to 2016 which was the first rise in three years.

 

The 62nd edition of the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair will be held in September 2018 at Challenger Hall 1-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.