Bangkok Jewelry Shoppers Demand Diamond/Gemstone Reports

In recent months, Bangkok jewellery stores have found themselves fielding much more than the usual questions about their fine jewellery. No longer are customers relying on salespeople for guidance. Today’s shoppers, be they tourists or locals, walk into stores armed with a litany of educated questions about the jeweller’s diamonds and gems. Not only are they fluent in the essential 4 Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight) of gemstone buying, they are demanding the often unexpected final “R”: the Gemological Report.

HKD Diamond Laboratories Canada, an international leader in gemological reports, has opened a state-of-the-art gemstone laboratory in Bangkok to serve the increased demand for diamond grading reports and jewellery dossiers. The Thailand branch of HKD is led by GIA Graduate Gemologist Tanapon Khankaew and Canadian diamond specialist Kamal Patel. According to Khankaew, the internet and home shopping television are largely responsible for the heightened demand for reliable gemstone reports from independent laboratories. “These new mediums have really empowered jewellery buyers with loads of information. They are so much more discriminating and knowledgeable about diamonds and gems than in the past. Especially about all of the enhancements and treatments that can devalue their purchase. In fact, sometimes they know more than the salesperson!”

Khankaew also added that the enormous growth of online retail jewellery sites, some of the best of which are based in Thailand, has also contributed to the need for the kind of reports in which HKD specializes. “One of the biggest fears jewellery buyers have is being sold misrepresented diamonds and gemstones. And when it comes to online buying this fear multiplies tenfold. But when the purchase comes with a certificate of authenticity or jewellery dossier from a professional independent laboratory, customer fears slip away, and they can truly relax and enjoy that brilliant piece of jewellery.”