Gems

[Shilo 371]

Question:

 

I'm starting to see stories in the Thai press that the government is trying to do something about the problem with gem dealers ripping off tourist. I'm also seeing stories that suggest that because of SARS and the drop in tourism that the gem dealers are hurting at the moment.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions on how to get a good deal on a man's ring with a nice gem without getting hosed ???

 

And just how much better are the deals on gems in Thailand vs the states?

 

Shilo

[Emil 0]

Shilo,

 

Southeast of Pattaya, sapphires and rubies are mined in the Chantaburi province.  Suspposedly at the Khao Ploi Wen mines you can bargain directly for the gems.

 

Emil

[jimmybcool 0]

Shilo,

 

I have bought several pieces of jewelry at World Gems and always been happy when they are appraised in the US.

 

Mind you, there are two World Gems.  The giant one on Pattaya Central is a  ripoff.  The one on the corner of Beach Road and Pattaya South (at t he beginning of walking street) is where I have shopped.

 

Good luck.  And don't believe any BS you here even from customers at any other gem shops.  There are a LOT of gem scams.

[monkeyman 1,604]

Any thoughts or suggestions on how to get a good deal on a man's ring

You could try walking up an down Pattayaland 1 with your hand on your hip. [smiley=rotflmao.gif]

[Shilo 371]

Monkeyman,

 

I always appreciate when your willing share from your personal experiences

 

But I was looking for a ring for myself and not from one of your suitors 8)

 

Shilo

[monkeyman 1,604]

Shilo

 

I think maybe we're talking about different kinds of ring here. [smiley=wink.gif]

 

be seeing you

monkeyman

[jimmybcool 0]

That does it.  I think both of you young men need a timeout.

 

::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)

[fishingtime 0]

One thing you can do is pay by credit card and get a good written receipt if it says something like 2.5 carat natural sapphire and it is a lab stone or a fake then the credit card company will charge it back. Another step you could take is to  take it to another store within a few days and try to sell it if it is fake they will not buy it most times.

 

In May World Gems (Beach & South Pattaya Rd) had a sale going on any  3 rings gold and  Sapphire 10,000 baht. That was less than  US$100 each.

 

If a store doesn't want to take credit cards or doesn't want to do a detailed receipt then just walk away.

[Emil 0]

When I was in Pattaya this past May-June, I saw on the TV where a tourist bought some gems from one store and then later they took it over to another store ( I believe it was World Gem) and they told them they had paid too much.  They then went to the police and the police got after the store for over charging.  I didn't hear the final outcome.

 

Emil

[OnMyWay 0]

I would bet that Soi 7 can talk to this topic....the first stop he makes with a TG is usually at a gem/gold shop so he can drape them in the finest of jewels.

 

Chok Dee,

 

Mark

[leemo 0]

Shilo,

 

I have bought several pieces of jewelry at World Gems and always been happy when they are appraised in the US.

 

Yep, a first-timer friend of mine also invested $1100 in a stone ring from World Gems, and another $1000 at Honest Gems (or something like that).

 

Needless to say I was horrified when he returned and showed me the rings, filled with pride at having clobbered the vendors down from $2500 and $2000 respectively. His gf, whom he met at his first bar and stayed with throughout (and on subsequent visits, which is another story in itself), also gestured to me that she thought his bargaining prowess was a bit off centre seeing as he was targetting a lemon.

 

Anyway, he asked me how much I thought their resale value might be in Blighty, and though I don't have a clue about gems I suggested something in the region of £2-500 for the pair - if he was lucky.

 

Sure enough, about a month later he took them for appraisal back home. Yes, the gems were real, well polished and presented but very poor quality and certainly not worth anything near what he paid for them. The gold was not tested but appeared real, though probably not 21ct as claimed. Overall, he was told to expect not more than $3-400 for the pair if he sold them.

 

My own experience, on my first visit to this wonderful land where they smile when they see a sucker, was also at World or Honest Gems, Beach Road, 8000 bt for a sapphire ring that turned out to be virtually worthless.

 

Otoh, another friend covers his carnal expenses with gems purchased both in Los and Myanmar...difference is, that's his hobby business, which the vendor soon gets to recognise, and he is therefore unlikely to be ripped off.

 

QED, if you don't understand what you're buying don't buy it.

[Crackpot 2]

Its the same with Gold. I bought a supposed 22Kt chain about 5 years back for £120. when I returned to the UK I was told it was more like 9 Kt and worth about 50 quid tops. [smiley=crying.gif]

 

 

Ya pays ya money and takes ya chances.

[upena 2]

Venus Jewelry in BKK on Wireless Road near US Embassy - been going there since 1973 - they cater to US military - they have pics of every General and Admiral and most Presidents having on wall.  Always get good quality merchandise from them.  any problems, take it back and they will resolve problem.  All speak English - they will pick you up at hotel and then take you wherever you want.

http://www.venus-thailand.com

167/1-2 Withayu Road

Bangkok, Thailand

Tel. (662) 253-9559

Tel. (662) 252-6468

[jimmybcool 0]

upena

 

Yeah, I shop there when I am in BKK.  Have bought some great stuff there and always satisfied when I get home.