The 32nd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair welcomed a record number of visitors to the five–day show, Sept. 10-14, 2003. A fashion show and live dance performance, attended by thousands of people, kicked off the opening ceremony.

The Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association reported sales volume for the show exceeded $414 million. Official attendance figures reached an all time high with 23,369 visitors attending. Top visitors registering for the fair were from the United States with high numbers also reported from Europe, the Middle East, Japan and other Asian countries.

The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) displayed “The Book of Life” at the fair. This work of art is an artistic representation and commemoration of the Human Genome Project, crafted in Italy from 700 grams of gold, 6,944 grams of silver, and 550 carats of gemstones.

Starting with the Feb. 24-28, 2004, show, the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair will move into a larger exhibition space next door to the current exhibition hall at Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, providing 60,000 sq. meters of exhibition space. It will be the biggest fair in Asia, with room for 2,300 booths. Exhibitors and visitors can register online at 222.thaigemjewelry.com/gemsfair.