GEMSWORLD | 37 | 2019/20 珍寶之源 At the heart of Southeastern Thailand is Chanthaburi – a city widely recognised for its rich gemstone resource, skilled cutters and so-called burners, or experts in gemstone heating and other treatments. Data from the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Traders Association showed that 80 percent of Thailand’s coloured gemstone exports are cut and treated here. Land of gems Chanthaburi’s gemstone industry began centuries ago when rubies and sapphires were found here and in neighbouring Trat. In 1977, the discovery of Siamese rubies spearheaded a gemstone rush in these areas, which then became known as the world’s ruby capital. By the end of the 20th century however, majority of the ruby mines were depleted. According to Chanthaburi-based gemstone manufacturer and trader Phuket Khunaprapakorn, only a few small-scale yellow sapphire mines are operating in the region. Khunaprapakornwas former president, and now senior advisor to the president, of the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Traders Association. When the mines were exhausted, Thai traders travelled to other countries, particularly Africa, to purchase rough gems such as rubies and sapphires, which were brought back to Chanthaburi for cutting and treatment. The historic mining town then became a gem-processing centre, teeming with skilled cutters and specialists in gemstone treatment. “The bulk of our rubies are imported from Mozambique, Madagascar and Myanmar, while the sapphires are from Sri Lanka and Madagascar,” explained Khunaprapakorn. “Thai cutters know how to bring out the gems’ innate beauty. Beginning with the pre-forming process, they choose the right positioning of gems before cutting. With years of experience, they have developed knowledge and skills that were passed on from one generation to the next.” VeterangemtraderMateeJungsanguansith, founder of World Sapphire Trading Co Ltd, remarked, “Each factory has its own heat treatment technique, which was greatly enhanced throughout the years. Gems are heated using an appropriate amount of temperature, under the right condition. This is a skill unique to Thai manufacturers.” Chanthaburi is likewise well-known for its highly sought-after weekend gem markets on Gems Road. Sellers set up makeshift stalls to offer buyers from around the globe an expansive selection of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tourmalines, and aquamarine and topaz stones, to name a few. Buyers meanwhile can rent tables in indoor markets, shops or alleys to wait for brokers to bring their goods. This one-of-a-kind buying and selling culture makes Chanthaburi a truly dynamic gem-trading centre. “The major buyers are from India, China and Europe,” Khunaprapakorn revealed. Jungsanguansith meanwhile disclosed that most polished coloured gemstones are sold as wholesale items to Thai and international jewellery manufacturers. Thailand also offers various gem and jewellery courses from the Faculty of Gemological Sciences and Applied Arts at Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University and from the Faculty of Gems at Burapha University, Chanthaburi Campus. Chanthaburi is likewise well-known for its highly sought-after weekend gem markets on Gems Road. Sellers set up makeshift stalls to offer buyers from around the globe an expansive selection of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tourmalines, and aquamarine and topaz stones, to name a few.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjAxOTU=