The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, held at the recently expanded venue at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center Feb. 24-28, received 24,267 visitors, with first-day attendance up 16% from the previous fair held in September 2003, reports the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, co-organizers of the event.

Exhibitors at the fair reported that overseas buyers were still showing a preference for white metals and that chandelier earrings seemed to be all the rage in terms of design, according to the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association. Fancy-cut stones set in silver rings, bracelets, and pendants were also hot items at the fair. Gold producers reported that jewelry set with diamond, ruby, and sapphire were good sellers along with the antique-look retaining its popularity among jewelry buyers from both Asian and Western countries.

Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association President Narong Thamavaranukup reported that an estimated $50 billion worth of products were on display at the show.

The show was held in a 60,000 square meter exhibition center, newly designed to make way for 2,600 booths covering eight halls, hosting nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing gold and silver jewelry, diamonds, and gemstones, along with machinery, equipment and tools and packaging and supplies.

The opening ceremony of the 33rd edition of the fair was presided over by Thailand’s Minister of Commerce Watana Muangsook, followed by a fashion show based on the concept of “The Magnificent Transparent Jewel Box,” which featured elegant Thai models in black evening gowns walking the catwalk and then posing inside life-size transparent jewelry boxes.

The fair held a seminar program that included speakers from EGL-USA, GIA, the Gem & Jewelry Institute of Thailand.

The next Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair will be held from Sept. 12-16, 2004.

JCK