First Sourcing Trip to Chanthaburi, the City of Gems

Thailand, once a producer of gemstones, has now become a country with a thriving gem trade, and Chanthaburi is bustling as one of the world's leading gem markets.

I, Ruru, a GTJ member, traveled to Chanthaburi with Ilmo, the representative of GTJ, on my long-awaited first procurement trip, where gemstones from all over the world gather.

 

──Until I encountered a single gemstone

Even though there were many gemstones in the city, it was not easy to find one that I was satisfied with, so I walked around the city all day looking for one.

At a certain store, the representative showed me a gemstone with such a beautiful cornflower blue that I involuntarily gasped and admired it.

The representative found this gemstone several years ago, and although it had always been on his mind, he was finally able to procure it this time.

A gemstone nurtured by the earth over many years, taking time to be mined, polished, and then waiting for years in a storefront.

Considering the journey it had taken, I was moved by the miracle of encountering this one stone that I finally found.

 

──The difficulty of procuring gemstones that can become works of art

I propose a beautiful gemstone that I finally found among many, but it is not easy to decide to procure it.

In order to bring out the charm of the gemstone, we carefully observe and decide on the gemstone, discerning its inherent individuality and beauty, and imagining what kind of cut would make it a work of art.

There were many gemstones that were not suitable for production as works of art at GemTreeJapan due to inclusions, being too small, or lacking sufficient thickness.

Also, there were some gemstones whose charm would be diminished if they were altered, due to the balance of their proportions or the position of their color zoning.

On the other hand, not all beautiful crystals become works of art.

Some gemstones, at first glance, had noticeable inclusions or flaws, but their original beauty would emerge if they were removed.

I realized that it's not as simple as saying a beautiful gemstone can be a work of art, or a gemstone in poor condition cannot be a work of art.

Furthermore, even if a suitable gemstone is found, price negotiations must then be successfully concluded.

Only after clearing these many conditions can a gemstone finally be procured.

I saw many gemstones, but I only procured one to complete as a work of art.

 

──An experience that deeply highlighted GemTreeJapan's philosophy

The piece I procured is a pear-shaped work with a blue color zone floating in a light yellow.

Under Ilmo's supervision, I experienced designing the work and collaborating with Piachan for the first time.

Before cutting, the culet of this piece was significantly off-center, and there was also a color zone near the culet.

Furthermore, after cutting, it was extremely touch-and-go whether it would be possible to maintain 1 carat.

Considering these factors, we decided not to change the shape, and instead of making the area near the culet perfectly symmetrical, we deliberately gave it a slight curve. This allowed us to preserve the color zone and retain weight by not cutting too much away.

The completed work achieved a good overall balance, a refined appearance, and its brilliance increased many times over. The color deepened, transparency became more pronounced, and the color zoning was truly highlighted.

When GemTreeJapan's philosophy of maximizing the beauty of a gemstone took form, the inherent splendor of the gemstone overflowed, appearing as if it was shining from within.

I thought I fully understood this philosophy, but by experiencing the process from procurement to production, I was able to feel its meaning deeply.

 

GemTreeJapan's perfect cut is not just about precision, but about a cut that brings out the best in the gemstone.

Instead of transforming it into a completely different piece, it carefully brings out the gemstone's natural individuality and beauty.

I realized that by not making unnecessary alterations, but by removing what is unneeded and refining it, the original charm shines through.

And this philosophy, I felt, also encompassed the desire to cherish each precious and unique crystal, including those gemstones that were not procured.

To consider how to bring out the essence of every gemstone encountered is also a sign of sincere respect for each and every one of them.

 

──What I want to convey through this trip

In just a few days, I had many experiences and felt an indescribable depth of emotion.

What I most want to convey is not the high quality of GemTreeJapan or the difficulties of procurement.

It is to feel the story behind the work until it reaches your hands, to enjoy gemstones more, and to feel a deeper connection to them.

Long before I became a member of GemTreeJapan, I used to see the works being introduced one after another and thought that a jeweler could easily obtain beautiful gemstones.

However, what I actually experienced were the many high hurdles and difficulties involved until a work could be produced and introduced.

In this day and age, gemstones can be easily acquired through online stores and mineral shows.

That is precisely why I sincerely hope that you will feel a bond with the gemstones you acquire by chance and spend happy times with them.

Whether it's a piece you already own or one you will encounter in the future, it is a single, unique work that has come to you, its sole owner, after many years and countless stories.

I would be delighted if the charm of your gemstones increases even slightly, and if the works appear even more brilliant than before.

I want to continue to introduce surprisingly beautiful works, to bring more joy, and to enjoy gemstones together.

These feelings grew stronger, and it was a procurement trip that deepened my own love for gemstones.

 

GemTreeJapan

Ruru