shopping

[helmszee]

hey guys, posted a little while back about my trip to phuket with a group of mates. as the time draws closer the girlfriend (who is unable to attend ... dont get any ideas fellas i will be on my best behaviour) is starting to drop hints about how she would love some new jewelry. is there any where that sells legit good quality jewelry cheap.. or at a decent price or should i tell her she's dreaming. Don't particularly want to go somewhere and spend cash only for it to fall apart before i even get it home to her.

less than a month till my arrival cant wait!!

[Dodger]

Do not think the workmanship here is so bad it will fal apart before you get home. But remember it is 24ct gold and therefore a lot softer than in your own shops, also much different colour.

Has she seen Thai gold before and likes the colour?

Suprisingly you can some quite nice pieces here and at a lot less than back home. Gems/stones are quite cheap as well, but might be easier on your pocket, if you just tell her thai jewellery is no good!!!

[Critical Mass]

Originally Posted by helmszee

hey guys, posted a little while back about my trip to phuket with a group of mates. as the time draws closer the girlfriend (who is unable to attend ... dont get any ideas fellas i will be on my best behaviour) is starting to drop hints about how she would love some new jewelry. is there any where that sells legit good quality jewelry cheap.. or at a decent price or should i tell her she's dreaming. Don't particularly want to go somewhere and spend cash only for it to fall apart before i even get it home to her.

less than a month till my arrival cant wait!!

Hi helmszee.

When I visited Phuket with my wife in 2006, one of the day tours took us to The Gems Gallery Phuket Co.,Ltd which is in Phuket town.

For sheer choice this place has everything, displayed in a huge air conditioned show room.

They carry most things but specialize in diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and topaz.

They manufacture, wholesale and retail.

Bangkok jewellery Pattaya Phuket Chiangmai Bangkok Jewelry stone gems gemstones gems

My wife persuaded me to buy her a blue sapphire ring with a white gold band for AUD$130.00.

Do your homework. Check out what you want and how much it sells for in your town.

When you visit LOS you'll know if you're getting a bargain or not.

Take an example with you which already fits your girlfriend. That way they can modify your purchase to her exact size.

Gems Gallery gives you a certificate of authenticity.

Good luck, but be prepared to haggle.

You can also ask for the tour including the workshop where you can watch artisans fashioning the jewelery.

The free beer they gave me while I waited for my wife to decide, was warm!

[Critical Mass]

Originally Posted by Dodger

Has she seen Thai gold before and likes the colour?

Dodger.

Whilst on the subject of thai gold, I've read many thai girls love gold jewelery.

If you're buying them gold as gift, does it have to be the colour you're referring to, to keep them happy?

Don't know whether to buy regular Australian gold, or buy the Thai coloured stuff she might be used to.

[faultytowers]

Originally Posted by Critical Mass

Don't know whether to buy regular Australian gold, or buy the Thai coloured stuff she might be used to.

To us , gold is gold but to the girls it is also insurance that they can pawn (borrow cash from jewellers) . They are used to having the bright 24ct Thai/Middle Eastern gold and get confused with any "lesser" quality stuff.

While any gold would be appreciated , they definately prefer the type of stuff who's "retail value" is instantly recognisable.

[steve w]

and don't go for the real bargain of buying from a guy on beach road with a little box who says you want to buy cheap diamond smuggled from burma,they is made from quartz!

[MisterT]

I have been looking at the stuff that they sell here and it isn't bad at all. Also loads of jewelry shops in Bangkok if you're passing through there

[prestagea]

I bought my wife. Well actually I bought my girlfrined a diamond engagement ring at the Phuket International Gems Store. Now she is my wife. Spent $2,000aus on it and was valued here for $3700. That was in 2005. In 2006 we bought a wedding ring and an 2 caret diamond eternity ring both valued back in Aus for about a 1/3 more than we paid.

Quality of the stones we were told back in Aus that thye are excellent (double cut no flaws)

So we have been very happy with the quality.

Also bough some sterling silver jewellary from street stores. Prices can vary a fair bit but some great bargains to be found, especially in rings and ear rings etc.