BootsnAll Travel Community

RE: http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/06-06/the-bangkok-gem...angkok-thailand.html

As the saying goes...if it seems to good to be true it is

Thanks for the tale to caution others

Philp

OOPS sorry to hear your tail this scam has been alive and kicking for years a mate of mine bought rubees about 15 years ago and lost 2 grand. Too good to be true. Although there sometimes is money to be made I bought silver jewelry and made a tidy profit reselling to stall holders in Camden Market.

This is awful. However, thank you so much for sharing your bitter experience and warning us about it.

Thanks for the warning. It's good to know this kind of information.

While I wouldn't advise you to *not* buy gems there, it's more of a buyer beware and know that you can be scammed. If you plan on buying gems, do your research in advance on the specific types of gems (be aware of imitations, treated, and lab created stones, as well as learn about quality characteristics) you want to buy as well sources/dealers. It is a very connections based business. There are good gem dealers out there, but chances are that they aren't going to come to you from the recommendation of a tuk tuk driver or off the street.

I haven't done it myself, but I'm planning on buying a few rubies in Bangkok next year, hoping to get an insight on the business there.

Stick with James Jewelers..they has been in business since back in the 1950's and sixties