The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair opened the doors to the City of Jewels for buyers from around the world starting February 26 to March 2, 2003 at Impact Exhibition and Convention Center. This fair, having been dubbed ''Asia''s Premier World Event'', lived up to its name as nearly 20,000 visitors converged in Bangkok for the five-day show.

Trading volume at the fair exceeded expectations with a record 17 billion baht in sales being recorded. The Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) expected turnover at the fair to reach 15 billion and were quite pleased with the results. TGJTA President Dr. Sunee Sriorathaikul indicated that the industry had predicted jewelry exports to increase by 12% in 2003 and that the success of this fair makes that goal more of a certainty.

Thailand''s reputation as a first class gem and jewelry producing center has taken another great leap with the sales and attendance figures indicating the importance of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair with buyers from the US, Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Asia and many other areas. The largest group of buyers in terms of value of orders placed came from the US, with Swiss buyers in second place. Visitors from England, Germany and Japan tied for third place for orders placed.

Design was the focus of the fair as Thailand''s Silver Jewelry Design Contest made headlines. This design contest organized by the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) and in conjunction with the TGJTA, the Thai Silver Exporters Club and Signity (Thailand) put talented young designers in the spotlight. Director-General of the DEP, Banphot Hongthong, presided over the award ceremony on the first day of the fair and presented the winners with their prizes. This contest was different from other design contests in the past which focused on the manufacturing companies. For this contest, the emphasis was put on the designers themselves, in an effort to encourage them to work more independently.

New for this fair was the pavilion of gem and jewelry traders from Chantaburi, Thailand where approximately 30 companies exhibited. Chantaburi is famous as a gem heat treatment center and for the gem market, which attracts buyers from around the world. Visitors to the Bangkok fair were able to buy directly from the source without having to make the 4-hour trip to Chantaburi.

Highlights at the fair included the TGJ Elite Creations Pavilion. Stunning jewelry designs of chokers, necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets and more were on display showing some of Thailand''s most impressive creations. The ever-popular Hot 2003 pavilion drew crowds of visitors who got an overview of the wide range of jewelry products available from exhibitors in designs from classic and elegant to chic and playful. Another hot spot was the Thai Silver Exporter Club exhibit featuring member''s products which are leading silver jewelry production worldwide. Today, silver jewelry production in Thailand is at the forefront of the world market as the products now reflect advancements in design, quality and technology.

Thailand''s six leading sectors in the gem and jewelry industry have their own stage for displaying their wide range of products. The Six Industry Groups Pavilion gave visitors a chance to survey unique cutting styles of diamond and gemstones, a wide range of jewelry designs and manufacturing capabilities for platinum, gold and silver jewelry, and the equipment, machinery and technology used in the industry. Special items on display included gemstones such as a 46.80-carat emerald, a 57.80-carat unheated yellow sapphire and many other exquisite gemstones and pieces of jewelry. The goal of this exhibit was to provide complete information for buyers looking to understand the vast capabilities of Thai manufacturers as well as to paint a complete picture of the Thai gem and jewelry industry.

Visitors were treated to an exciting evening of fashion, fun and entertainment at the Bangkok fair''s lavish welcome party. Thousands of guests packed the Grand Diamond Ballroom at Impact Exhibition & Convention Center and were transported therein to Bangkok''s Jewelry Fashion Streets. The areas of Silom, Surawong, Mahasak and Sriphaya were brought to life in the crowded ballroom with displays of flower and fruit sellers, Thai boxing and other sights and sounds of the streets of Bangkok. All eyes were glued to the stage for an exciting fashion show with gorgeous Thai models on parade.

The next Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair is coming up September 10 -14th, 2003.