Irina Ferry reports from overseas, as she attends the Bangkok jewelry and gem show this year.

"Far from home but worth the trip. I'm checking out the competition and the only company doing mine to market other than Soho Gem Fine Jewelry is Gemfields!"

Baskets of gemstones in Bangkok at the Gem show 2015.

Bangkok Thailand - When I began this journey to Thailand, I had no idea what to expect. My husband had been there before and wanted to share his experience with me. He had loved the culture and vibe of the City (plus cheap tourism and dining was a huge plus!). So since we were already going to the Hong Kong Jewelry Show, we decided to take a detour a spend a few days in Bangkok.

Cover design of the gem and jewelry guide this year. Tailand: The AEC

Our first stop was Gem and Jewelry Show. I didn't know anyone who was exhibiting there this year, but thought it would be interesting to see. The show was well organized in a very western way. They had a nice selection of gemstones at very reasonable prices- especially for rubies and sapphires. The companies attending were mostly local not international, except for Gemfields. They were there to support their retailers with marketing materials.

Thailand is known for their corundum mines and trade. Specializing in sapphire and ruby. Therefore the quantity and prices are especially reasonable. This though did not stop me from traveling to the remote city of Chanthabury. Three hours south of Bangkok, by car, this is the ruby trade hub of the world. Not to be confused with Kanchanaburi the sapphire Capitol of Thailand where the mines are virtually depleted. Here I found a few streets of small tables rented by the locals to buy and sell gemstones. I was shocked that security was a nonissue. Bags of cut and rough gems from rubies to topaz lay on the tables as men and women traded. Cash was pulled out of pockets in the open to purchase whatever the traders were in need of that day. It was an interesting experience and I walked away with a beautiful unheated ruby.

Back in the hustle and bustle of the capital I arrived at the Jewelry and Gemstone Tower, the 47th street of Bangkok. Here you can find any gemstone from tourmaline to fluorite, emerald to tsavorite, top quality and commercial grade. The selection is amazing.

Was the trip to Thailand worth it? Absolutely. Not only did I get an inside look at how and were the majority of gems are traded I had an amazing cultural experience. From roof top restaurants overlooking the city to a ride in a tuk tuk ( covered scooter). The temples are ornate and the food delicious. The service impeccable and the Thai massage...oh the massage!  

Gemfields at the gem and jewelry show.

Heart cut gorgeous stones on display. Brilliant jewels!