Thailand’s rich history surrounding gems and jewelry can be traced back hundreds of years when ample natural resources, especially ruby and sapphire, were found in many areas of Thailand. The Thai people of the time readily saw the value of gemstones as symbols befitting royalty and the upper classes. They applied their ancient traditions of craftsmanship and achieved mastery bringing out the very best of each and every gemstone Mother Nature provided. At the same time gold silversmiths were honing their skills, making advances over time that propelled the industry into the limelight of the world’s gem and jewelry industry. Some of the earliest forays into gem and jewelry production began as cottage industries which sprang up in the provinces and then spread to Bangkok, making the world center for the gem and jewelry trade today.