Chanthaburi: Inside Thailand’s Gem Cutting Capital
Chanthaburi, in eastern Thailand, is known as the gem cutting capital of Asia.
I visited a family cutting factory that has worked with gems for 30 to 40 years, to see how a rough stone becomes a polished gem. The owner answered in Thai, so I’ve translated his answers here.
Where Chanthaburi’s Gems Come From
Chanthaburi once had plenty of gems of its own. Today there are far fewer, so the rough comes from overseas, from Burma and Africa.
The town is still where the cutting happens, because so many skilled craftsmen live and work here.
From Rough Stone to Polished Gem
- The rough is graded and cleaned.
- It’s heated to improve its quality. The trade calls this burning.
- The stone is shaped, then cut and polished.
- It’s graded again, ready for buyers from around the world.
How Many Gems Can a Cutter Finish in a Day?
It depends on the cutter. Some finish 10 stones a day. The most skilled finish 20.
Who Buys Thai Cut Gems
Lately, most of this factory’s buyers come from China, where coloured stones are popular, especially reds. Some come from India, and fewer from Europe. Buyers are welcome to visit the factory.
A Family Business
The business was started by brothers and sisters. They learned a little at first, then kept growing as they learned more. Today they have 30 to 40 years of experience.
Heated or Unheated?
Heating is a normal step in a factory like this, and it’s accepted across the trade. When I hunt a stone for you, I’ll always tell you whether it’s been heated, and a reputable lab confirms it before you pay. Read more about heated and unheated sapphires.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chanthaburi
Why is Chanthaburi famous for gems?
It’s known as the gem cutting capital of Asia. Rough stones come in from around the world to be cut and polished by its skilled craftsmen.
Where does Chanthaburi get its rough gems?
Chanthaburi once had plenty of local gems. Today most of the rough comes from Burma and Africa.
Are gems cut in Chanthaburi heated?
Heating is a normal step at the factory we visited, used to improve the quality of the stone. It’s accepted across the trade.
How many stones can a gem cutter cut in a day?
At the factory we visited, some cutters finish 10 stones a day and the most skilled finish 20.
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