Loose stones, Shiraz Jewelry, Chiang Mai

[iserae]

Hi,

I'm headed to Chiang Mai soon and would like to look for some loose stones. The gem scam in Thailand is infamous and determining a good-quality fake is beyond my ability, so I've been trying to do some due diligence online before deciding whether or not purchasing stones there is worth the risk. One name that kept coming up in travel forums is Shiraz Jewelry, does anyone know anything about them?

Also, would anyone happen to know if it's acceptable buying practice to walk into a store in Thailand, request that a stone be certified and only purchase if the certification confirms that the stone is not a fake? Am I expected to pay for the certification regardless?

If anyone has any recommendations for trustworthy jewelers that would also be appreciated.

 

[mochiko42]

Sally at Heart of water /nam chai jewels is on the list of vendors in the sticky thread at the top of this forum. She's based in Chiang Mai and can source loose stones also well as create settings. I've worked with her in the past frequently and found her to be 100% trustworthy.

 

[chrono]

Sally at Heart of water /nam chai jewels is on the list of vendors in the sticky thread at the top of this forum. She's based in Chiang Mai and can source loose stones also well as create settings. I've worked with her in the past frequently and found her to be 100% trustworthy.

Geez, I was in Chiang Mai last summer and could have dropped had I had known Sally was based there. It's a gorgeous place and has grown significantly since I was last there more than 10 years ago. The few shops I stopped by were expensive for the quality.

 

[InToTheMystic]

I'm not sure if you're in to jade or jadeite at all, but this place was pretty interesting to visit: http://www.orchidjade.com/aboutoj.html

Worth a gawk at some of their high end pieces, anyway. Have fun - Chiang Mai is awesome. The food is INSANELY good!

 

[iserae]

Thanks, I will look Sally up. I've visited her etsy, really lovely handiwork. PSers seem to all have good things to say about her too.

I'm not so much into jade but thank you anyway, and I'm making a beeline for some green curry as soon as I touch down!

 

[lambskin]

I have always been wary of buying CS overseas. Years ago I thought I knew what I was doing in terms of prices and fakes. Now the treatments and fakes are so sophisticated that I would be scared to buy anything for big bucks. I think the days of getting a steal are over. The Asian market for fine jewels and the rising middle classes of China, Russia, and other countries have priced many Westerners out of the market. I have not been to either the Hong Kong Gem Show or the Tuscon Gem Show but it seems that gems now have a more global price. Check out a bunch of stores and see what the going rate is for what you like. Maybe Sally can help you with her inventory and if there is nothing she may be able to source a stone for you. If not maybe she can help you evaluate a stone (for a fee of course) at another place. I would be very skeptical of any certificate from a shop that was not the big two recognized on this forum. If you are lucky you may be able for find a good stone- less tax- plus duty -with a favorable exchange rate and tough negotiations. Remember you will have to pay for a setting and if it is not a standard cut you may have to pay for a custom head which may cost additional $$. All that being said the hunt can be fun. I have found some wonderful pieces that I have not regretted purchasing. I wish I had bought way more before the price of gold and gems rocketed. But I have learned to walk away too. Enjoy Thailand-it is a fantastic place.