In early September, the 46th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair opened its doors to 15 percent more visitors compared with last September’s event—in spite of the tumultuous events of the spring, when anti-government protests brought weeks of civil unrest to the city. Organized by the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders’ Association (TGJTA) in conjunction with Thailand’s Department of Export Promotion (DEP), the fair took over the Impact Exhibition & Convention Center at full exhibitor capacity, with 843 local and 235 international companies occupying 3,189 booths. Since the protests ended in June, Thailand’s many gemstone and ­jewelry operations have been fully accessible to regional and international buyers.

New features introduced at the September fair included the Ploi Thai Privilege Card, an incentive program for fair visitors who attend the biannual event (there’s also a March Bangkok fair) three ­consecutive times. For the first time, the fair granted visitors access to the 46th annual jewelry design competition, where local artisans presented colored stone designs based on a “Save the Earth” theme.

Eden Engraved 14k gold pendant with red sapphires and diamonds; $1,599
Eden Engraved 14k white and yellow gold ring with green sapphires and diamonds; $2,895