The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) has received overwhelmingly positive feedback for the jewelry products developed under the Sustainable Capacity and Earnings Development Project for Local Entrepreneurs (Gem and Jewelry Product)at the 64^th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair with brands participating in the programreporting15-20% increase in sales while numerous visitors admired the collections showcased atthe Gems Treasure booth.

DuangkamolJiambutr, GIT director revealed that the institute has joined the 64^th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair and showcasedjewelry collections that wereco-created by famous designers together with 52 local entrepreneurs from 10 provinces in the Sustainable Capacity and Earnings Development Project for Local Entrepreneurs (Gem and Jewelry Product) at the Gems Treasure booth. From this initiative, the jewelry pieces in the project received attention from visitors while 29 jewelry entrepreneurs had an opportunity to showcase and sell their products in the New Faces zone.

 “These jewelry pieces are outstanding in many aspects including the exotic and beautiful designs showing their local identities. Thai artisans have creatively crafted contemporary fine jewelry by combining local resources and other materials such as pearls fromSatun province and hemp fiber from Tak province. These jewelry pieces captured the attention of both Thai and international visitors, while participants in our project who sold their products in the New Faces zone reported that their sales have increased by 15 to 20% compared to the sales from the 63^rdBangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair.”

 Earlier this year, the GIT organized the Sustainable Capacity and Earnings Development Project for Local Entrepreneurs (Gem and Jewelry Product)in 10 target provinces, namely Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chiang Mai, Phrae, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Tak, Trat, Phang-nga and Satun. The institute conducted trainingson many topics including design and product development, packaging development, traditional marketing, online marketing, jewelry shooting, and website development for local entrepreneurs. From the 634 participants, 41 potential entrepreneurs were selected to attend intensive training and co-design jewelry workshops with famous Thai designers with the outcome of 18 jewelry collection prototypes being developed under the project.

 In addition to showcasing their jewelry pieces at the 64^thBangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair from September 10 to 14, 2019 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, the jewelry collections will be displayed and available for sale at the Temp Pop Up Store by GIT on the 1^st floor of ITF-Tower, Silom Road in Bangkok.

 “Participating jewelry entrepreneurs said they are highly satisfied with this project as it has enabled them to add value to waste materials and low-value materials, transforming them into valuable jewelry pieces which reflects local identity and can generate income for the local community,” Mrs. Duangkamol concluded.