16 | Thailand Special 2024 INSIGHT 睿智角度 China Stone is capitalising on robust demand for high-quality calibrated coloured gemstones to fuel its business while embarking on digital initiatives to drive further growth. The Thailand-based company specialises in extremely precise, machine-cut coloured gemstones below 0.15 carat produced by advanced digital engineering and state-ofthe-art cutting technology to guarantee high standards of uniformity in size, shape and symmetry. China Stone keeps over 10 million stones in stock at any given time to ensure continuity of supply for its clients. Given the nature of its business, China Stone was spared from demand fluctuations during and after the pandemic, according to CEO Li Chongjie. Since the company works primarily with jewellery and watch brands that require consistent supply of coloured gemstones, client orders and plans have remained steady over the years, he disclosed. “Rubies, emeralds and sapphires are always in high demand,” Li shared. “Europe accounts for 40 per cent of our business, with the US generating 35 per cent while Japan and Greater China bring in 17 per cent.” Supply chain Li cites supply shortages of preferred qualities from clear and transparent sources as among the major challenges facing the coloured gemstone trade. Blue sapphire and tsavorite are particularly difficult to source. “Our rates went up in 2023 due to the increase in rough prices. Other costs such as labour, materials, equipment and shipping also rose substantially,” he said. China Stone addresses supply challenges by tapping the vast network of sources it has developed over nearly 30 years. It also enters into cooperation agreements with coloured gemstone miners to ensure a regular supply of rough. The company is likewise bolstering its sustainability credentials by providing clients with a transparent supply chain. Li noted that US and European jewellery and watch companies increasingly scrutinise the business and sourcing practices of their suppliers. “Our commitment to sustainability is however not driven by our clients. It is a sincere corporate decision to provide environmental, economic and social value in everything we leads the way in calibrated gemstones 标准尺寸宝石先驱 CHINA STONE China Stone continues on the path of innovation, upgrading its products and services to sate the market’s persistent appetite for high-quality calibrated coloured gemstones. China Stone不断追求创新，并提升产品和服务 水平，以满足市场对优质标准尺寸彩色宝石的持续需求。 Calibrated sapphires from China Stone China Stone的标准尺寸蓝宝石
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