The 67th edition of the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF) enjoyed a spectacular opening day, with 1,020 gem and jewelry companies from Thailand and overseas exhibiting their products at 2,004 booths, which is 30 percent higher than the expected target.

This marked the first full-scale gem and jewelry fair after a 2-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 buyers from around the world for trade negotiations, and trade volumes are expected to reach up to 1.2 billion baht.

The 5-day event featured a number of interesting exhibitions and activities such as The Jewel Wonders, a showcase of highlight products from exhibitors and emerging jewellery trends; The Jewellers, a presentation of works by a new generation of jewellery designers; special booths under The New Faces project, bringing together leading SMEs across Thailand; discussions with experts to provide knowledge in various fields; jewellery making demonstrations by artisans; and fun workshop activities.

The Jewellers zone showcased the works of a new generation of jewellery designers who are from the Designers' Room and Talent Thai projects of the Department of International Trade Promotion, which focuses on unique works, fostering creativity that reflect Thainess in a contemporary way while aligning with global consumer trends. Such designers included Ponk Smithi, Apisek Studio, Ravipa, Sarran, Trimode Accessories, etc. Meanwhile, the special New Faces booth brought together 120 leading SMEs and exquisite Thai designers from across the country, staging a forum to display their works. By highlighting artisan techniques and handicrafts, this showcase helped support SMEs who have the potential to produce and design to have the opportunity to expand their market to foreign countries.

 The show highlighted the majestic Thai craftsmanship and creativity through ‘The Jewel Wonders Showcase’. The dedicated 250 square meters venue hosted cutting-edge jewelry showcases and consumer insights that will shape the gems and jewelry market in the near future. The showcase presented 5 key trends:

(1)  Neo Heritage: jewelry creations that are made and inspired by traditional artisanship,  featuring the replica of Anataranakkharat Royal Barge made of silver by the Thai Goldsmith Association

(2) Circular Jewels: jewelry items that place ethical and environmental concerns at heart from design to production

(3) Metaverse Glam: cutting-edge jewelry creations that redefine the boundaries between the real and digital worlds

(4) Minimal Luxe: simple-yet-luxurious jewelry are currently in high demand among young consumers

(5) Modern Tribe: modern silver jewelry created by hill tribe people in the north of Thailand

 Apart from the showcase, the exhibition also featured several workshops, namely the enameling and hot enameling workshops by Thai Goldsmith Association, the UV resin earring making by T.forest studio, and silver clay jewelry making by Shannta, all of which have received positive feedback and fully booked. The showcase also had jewelry making demonstrations by master artisans and the photogenic immersive room that reflects the wonders of Thai jewels.