More than half-way through its showing, the 49th edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair 2012, which unfolded on February 9, 2012, has generated moderate success for its buyers and exhibitors. The event is slated until February 13, 2012, and exhibitors expect to clock in around 30,000 visitors.

The 49th edition has been themed as “ “Thailand: the Ruby Capital”, promoting Rubies and Thailand's leadership as the world’s largest center for rubies.

The first two days of the event hosted around 7,650 foreign visitors, as per the organizers. Exhibitors expressed mixed reactions over business conducted. In the first three days, the silver category met with ‘okay’ results, with ‘good enough’ inquiries. The gold studded jewellery section saw slow movement, while gemstones category faired ‘decent’. Buyers noted that sourcing good quality gemstones is what has brought them to the Bangkok show.

The Thai gem and jewellery industry is focusing on the developing markets like India, China and Russia, where consumption will help the Thai G&J industry to grow. The show saw a smaller buyer count from Iran, which could be due to the problems in the country, also the number of US buyers were less, probably as the HongKong gem and jewellery Show unfolds next week.

Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak , president of the TGJTA, states that's the BGJF is crucial for the growth and development of the Thai gems and jewellery industry, which employees more than a million skilled Thai craftsmen and is vital for overall Thai economy .