Trusted Jewelry Shops

[mahjongguy]

Since I'm not an expert at evaluating gemstones, and don't have one to assist me, I wouldn't trust any gems on sale in Thailand. Call me a cynic.

If I were looking to just buy something in gold, that's different. I would trust a number of larger, long-established gold shops, but there's one thing you need to know: if you buy jewelry (as opposed to bullion) you won't be able to sell it back to any shop except the one that sold it to you, and even then they will come up with fees or other tricks to ensure you don't get the full buy-back value. This despite the "guarantee" on the receipt.

[neddy3]

Since I'm not an expert at evaluating gemstones, and don't have one to assist me, I wouldn't trust any gems on sale in Thailand. Call me a cynic.

I wouldn't call you a cynic.
I'd call you extremely wise.

[FarangRuMak]

I wouldn't call you a cynic.
I'd call you extremely wise.

I agree.
Apposit.
Not a cynic but the Opposite.
And by some accounts inside every Cynic is a dissappointed Romantic.

[frequent]

I agree.
Apposit.
Not a cynic but the Opposite.
And by some accounts inside every Cynic is a dissappointed Romantic.

Provided you understand the difference between sceptic and cynic. Most people think they are the same

[neddy3]

Since I'm not an expert at evaluating gemstones, and don't have one to assist me, I wouldn't trust any gems on sale in Thailand. Call me a cynic.

If I were looking to just buy something in gold, that's different. I would trust a number of larger, long-established gold shops, but there's one thing you need to know: if you buy jewelry (as opposed to bullion) you won't be able to sell it back to any shop except the one that sold it to you, and even then they will come up with fees or other tricks to ensure you don't get the full buy-back value. This despite the "guarantee" on the receipt.

That's not my experience.
There are 'manufacturing' fees, but fairly reasonable.

[FarangRuMak]

That's not my experience.
There are 'manufacturing' fees, but fairly reasonable.

I would be interested in your experience re buying gold.
It's something I've always wanted to do but I never got around it because I know so little about the matter and it costs real money which I end up spending anyway with nothing to show for it.
A few questions:
Have you made lost or broken even wth gold over the years?
If you buy only for pleasure or gifts is Thai gold jewelry popular abroad?
Issues at Customs in your country even if you're wearing it as a personal item?
Etc.
Thanks.

[francois]

A few questions:
Have you made lost or broken even wth gold over the years?
If you buy only for pleasure or gifts is Thai gold jewelry popular abroad?
Issues at Customs in your country even if you're wearing it as a personal item?
Etc.
Thanks.

Never lost money with gold; have broken even and have scored big. This was gold coins not Thai gold jewelry.

Yes, Thai gold jewelry is popular everywhere!

No issue at customs assuming you are wearing small amounts of gold.