M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
6 Cool Thai Brands to Check Out
Our senior editor spotted them at the recent Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair.
While Thailand is known by many in the trade to be a hub for large-scale manufacturing, it was very apparent when I was attending the recent Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair that the country’s Department of International Trade Promotion is putting more focus on emerging designers and their talent.
The show had new categories like “The New Faces,” a platform for small- and mid-sized manufacturers that haven’t exhibited at the show before; the “Innovation and Design Zone;” and “The Jewellers,” to help put Thai designers front and center.
While I was walking around perusing these areas, here are a few great brands I stumbled upon.
Sarran
The Bangkok fair always opens with a fashion show, and I love it. The clothing is, not surprisingly, rarely what I’m used to seeing here and when you’re in Thailand, you know the gems can’t be beat.
“The Siamese Ambassador” was the theme of this year’s show, pairing beautiful clothes with accessories from brands that also were exhibiting. While there were some exceptional colored gems, my favorite part was the headpieces the models donned from a brand called Sarran by Sarran Youkongdee, which was founded in 2008 and pairs Thai heritage with the surrounding Asian cultures in its designs.
The headpieces added such a great touch to the show, providing the perfect mix of tradition with a modern, updated look.
Tara Ebony Jewelry
This brand was exhibiting at the show for the first time, located in the “New Faces” section.
What stopped me while I was strolling was its sleek pieces that were both edgy and classic. The deep, rich carved wood combined with precious stones was such a perfect combination. It was definitely a brand that I could see exhibiting at any of the U.S. shows.
Porana
Here was a brand I also thought was totally saleable in the U.S. This fairly new brand—it’s only two years old—features pieces that were minimal but elegant and included dainty stacking rings in mixed metals.
One collection, “Joint,” featured rings meant for couples that interlocked. My favorite was “Weave,” pictured above, inspired by Thai woven basketry and featuring beautiful baguette and princess-cut diamonds set in 14-karat gold. The collection is amazingly priced at a sweet spot between $280 and $550. The brand is present in the U.S. through Etsy and its website.
Lanna Silver
Silver is one of the biggest categories for Thailand, where designs using the
The company just showed in Tucson, where it said many of its beads sold well, but it had a vast array of products on display in Bangkok, some of which you can see pictured in my wrap-up blog. But the top item I saw at Lanna wasn’t a piece of silver jewelry but the clutch/wallet pictured here, made of silver that was hammered out and woven by hand. Just stunning.
Goldlip Jewelry
This Thailand-based brand hit the nail on the head with its organic, earthy designs. They were wearable, well-made and featured a variety of gemstones, from trendy like rough apatite, as seen above, to unique like a crescent-shaped abalone, to classic like amethyst and rose quartz. Since they are made in silver, the price points couldn’t be beat. Managing Director Tal Levran said they aren’t present in the U.S. yet but would be open to it.
Haus of Jewelry
This brand isn’t fine, but I still loved its look. There are two lines under this company name—Haus of Jewelry, which features every day, wearable pieces, and Yolwaree, which featured more sophisticated design and a slightly higher price point, though both are silver plated.
There was one collection in particular from the Yolwaree line that I liked, “Arun,” which was inspired by Wat Arun, or The Temple of Dawn, in Bangkok. A choker from the collection, featuring rose gold-plated silver and CZ, is pictured here.
The Latest
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.