By Cynthia Unninayar

The golden jubilee edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair showcased a wide variety of Thai designs, ranging from simple silver styles to sumptuous gold and gemstone creations.

Representatives to the First ASEAN Gems and Jewelry Presidents Summit Plus 6 sign the MO U for regional cooperation.

The 50th edition of the bi-annual Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) was not only significant this year because it marked the event’s 50th show, but also because it hosted the First ASEAN Gems and Jewelry Presidents Summit Plus 6. Going back in history, the very first BGJF first took place in 1983 at the Dusit Thani Hotel with 48 booths. Held for three days, it was later extended to five. In 1993, it was held twice a year as it is today. This golden jubilee edition attracted 30,000 visitors who came to see the products in the 1800 booths, before the five-day event closed on September 17.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, centre, cuts the ribbon at the opening of the 50th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, while to her left, Somchai Phornchindarak, president of TG JTA , and other dignitaries look on.

This BFJF was opened by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Her Excellency Yingluck Shinawatra, who stated in her address, “The gems and jewellery industry has become one of the trade marks of Thailand today. Indeed, the Government has always recognized the important role of this sector as a means to showcase Thai creativity and craftsmanship as well as to help generate export revenue and tourism.” Commenting on the First ASEAN Gems and Jewelry Presidents Summit Plus 6, she continued, “As Thailand becomes part of the emerging ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, it is more important than ever that Thailand maintains its competitive edge in this industry. To this end, innovation, technology, new markets, appropriate sources of raw materials, and high standards of corporate good governance and social responsibility will all be key factors.”

Specializing in original silver designs, Goldlip created this pendant made from an opal, embellished with silver and gold and an orange sapphire.

The First ASEAN Gems and Jewelry Presidents Summit Plus 6 is the initiative of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) and its president, Somchai Phornchindarak, who welcomed more than 40 delegates from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, as well as representatives from dialogue partner countries China, India, Japan, and South Korea. This inaugural meeting signified the first step toward new and unprecedented levels of cooperation that could establish the region as a major contender in global gems and jewellery production and trading. “All ASEAN countries have their own gems and jewellery industry with different purposes and expertise,” explained Phornchindarak. “Under the AEC Blueprint, when the region becomes a single manufacturing base and consumer block (and trade free zone), this offers huge opportunities for every country.” The meeting concluded with the signing of the “memorandum of understanding” for regional cooperation.

Necklace by Seven Stars Industries & VBP International Earrings

Focus on Design

As part of the BGJF’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations, the organizers honoured 27 exhibitors who have participated in all 50 Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fairs, with a gold-plated Dedicated Exhibitor Award. Among the other events was the Design Pavilion Trend 2013, a cooperative project of Swarovski Gems with the TGJTA. Dr Birgit Rieder, director of Trend and Design at Swarovski Gems, described the latest Gem Visions 2013 as an insight into global cultural megatrends, which are “full of all levels of emotion and senses. There is now an acknowledged shift in jewellery fashion from complex designs to rare important gemstones. The designs will be more daring, and will call for more inspirations from everywhere, ranging from myth and fable to super-technologies, utilizing contemporary fusion of concepts, forms, materials and crafts.”

Model showing off creations featuring Swarovski Elements

Cutting-edge design trends were also showcased at the Creative Innovation Pavilion, a joint effort of Swarovski Elements with the TGJTA. Featured at the Creative Innovation Pavilion was Xirius 1008, Swarovski Elements’ newest brilliant crystal element.

Some Ploi Thai Participants: Paragon Worlwide, Beauty Gems, Gem Production

The 50th show was enjoyed the largest international participation to date, with exhibitors coming from 36 nations. A continuing highlight of the fair was the Ploi Thai Jewelry Creation Design Contest, showcasing the Thai country brand for gems and jewellery produced in Thailand. The leading brands that participate launch their new collections in time for the fair, and these include sumptuous gold, diamond, and gemstone creations, which sometimes take months to create.

Thailand is the world’s largest producer of silver jewellery and to this end, the Thai Silver Exporters Association (TSEA) organized a special exhibit to showcase the products of their members and highlight the quality and craftsmanship of silver jewellery produced in the nation. This exhibit featured a variety of silver designs, from simple metal, to metal with crystal, to sophisticated pieces made with diamonds and colourful gemstones. “Our goal is to promote Thai silver jewellery as a ‘preferred brand’ among customers in the international marketplace. We are therefore focusing on four fundamental areas: Education, Communication, Member Benefit, and Government and Industry Relations,” explained Weerasak Lervisrt, president of the TSEA. (www. thaisilverexporteclub.com)

Marketing and Economic Issues

According to the Ministry of Commerce, exports of gems and jewellery between January and May 2012 were valued at $4.5 billion, down 17.4 percent from the previous year. In the same period, imports were valued at $5.9 Billion, up 21.63 percent, giving a trade deficit of about $2.6 billion, due to gold bar imports. This industry is the fourth largest in Thailand (after cars and parts, computers and parts, processed oil).

“The BGJF is the best marketing tool for the Thai gems and jewellery industry,” declared BGJF’s CEO, Suttipong Damrongsakul. “Despite the slowing economic situation in the USA and Europe, we are optimistic that our trading partners in these areas will soon recover. Thailand has a strong manufacturing base, but we still need to improve our marketing strategy.” He added that having duty-free situation like Hong Kong would be a boon for business. “The TGJTA has proposed that the government set up a tax-free period for one month during the fair to stimulate business, and if the green light is granted, I believe our industry will be much stronger.”

The BGJF has not waited for government actions, however, and has set up services to facilitate purchases, such as the Business Matching and Online Sourcing Project, which handled record numbers of business enquiries, linking buyers and sellers in an efficient manner. Many overseas buyers also seemed to appreciate the Gems & Jewelry Factory Outlet, where a wide range of products was available for immediate cash sale, without having to place long-term orders.

The Zero VAT booth is exempt from the 7 percent value-added tax on imports of rough gems and raw materials into Thailand for manufacturing.

The Zero Vat booth at the BGJF proved to be popular, as exhibitors were exempt from the 7 percent value-added tax on imports of rough gems and raw materials into Thailand for manufacturing. This clearly enhances Thailand competiveness to attract the world’s best gemstones. The 51st edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair will be held February 26 to March 2, 2013.

www.bangkokgemsfair.com