For fun: CS travel

[Brightshiny]

Just for fun, where are the place you've visited (or want to visit) that have unique or special gem shopping opportunities? I'm not thinking about the tourist traps that bring people in by the busload, but about countries or cities where you can shop for special things. I have a few:

• India: I cat-sat for a professor in college and he brought me back a gorgeous garnet from India. I still have it somewhere. I'd love to go tour the Indian jewelry stores. A couple of Indian colleagues that I see occasionally have beautiful gems from New Delhi. One person has the most beautiful rose-purple amethyst set in gorgeous bright yellow gold - such wonderful colors!
• Tanzania: I still regret not getting a pair of tanzanite earrings in Tanzania. They weren't cheap, but the stones were beautiful.

What about you? Any travel CS highlights to share?

 

[Autumn in New England]

New South Wales in Australia to dig for Lightning Ridge black opal!

 

[LilAlex]

London to visit Berganza -- does that count? Probably not. Along those lines: Hoping to visit Inken in person when we are in NYC this summer.

We were in Geneva recently and I thought it would be cool to see all the watches but it's about as tight as here in the US. We hope to be in Japan within the year if there are can't-miss pearl vendors we should pop in to see. (I had been pretty current but that's all faded now.) Maybe a Grand Seiko -- but I digress!

Would be fun to look at emeralds in Colombia but I'd need to set that up carefully. Being "close to the source" does not fill me with confidence in most places where gems are mined. And the well-deserved antipathy toward Americans and the uncertain import/tariff landscape is keeping me off-balance, too.

 

[Autumn in New England]

London to visit Berganza -- does that count? Probably not. Along those lines: Hoping to visit Inken in person when we are in NYC this summer.

We were in Geneva recently and I thought it would be cool to see all the watches but it's about as tight as here in the US. We hope to be in Japan within the year if there are can't-miss pearl vendors we should pop in to see. (I had been pretty current but that's all faded now.) Maybe a Grand Seiko -- but I digress!

Would be fun to look at emeralds in Colombia but I'd need to set that up carefully. Being "close to the source" does not fill me with confidence in most places where gems are mined. And the well-deserved antipathy toward Americans and the uncertain import/tariff landscape is keeping me off-balance, too.

Man, these are all fabulous choices! And if you do visit Colombia, especially outside of "tourist" areas, you will need a certified escort. My friend is from Bogotá, and even she regularly receives extortion attempts saying family members have been kidnapped, etc. It's usually not true but... just the thought of it. And then being American? eek It's a shame, because it's such a beautiful country with lovely people.

I adore the idea of visiting Inken! I'm only a 3 hour drive/train ride away. Not sure why I haven't coordinated with her yet.

 

[LilAlex]

...she regularly receives extortion attempts saying family members have been kidnapped, etc. It's usually not true but...

"Usually"? Oh dear. Yeah, that's not a list we want to be on!

 

[Autumn in New England]

"Usually"? Oh dear. Yeah, that's not a list we want to be on!

I had to use the qualifier "usually," because once they did take her brother. Can you imagine? But then you have expats like George Smith (Brit) living at the Muzo mine, and he never has a problem. Go figure.

 

[Brightshiny]

Safety first. It's a good thing I don't love emeralds.

After reading @Crimson's great post about jadeite, I would love to go explore jadeite in Hong Kong - with local, experienced jewelers who can really explain the different qualities in person.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Safety first. It's a good thing I don't love emeralds.

After reading @Crimson's great post about jadeite, I would love to go explore jadeite in Hong Kong - with local, experienced jewelers who can really explain the different qualities in person.

I think we need to hire Crimson as our guide...

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Definitely Japan! I’ve just come back and it was the best jewellery shopping adventure!!! It’s overwhelming the amount of jewellery that’s available. I also find it really easy to buy pearls in Japan. They are so well priced you can be a numpty and pretty much will find something lovely at any price range.

My highlight was this creation

 

[Autumn in New England]

Definitely Japan! I’ve just come back and it was the best jewellery shopping adventure!!! It’s overwhelming the amount of jewellery that’s available. I also find it really easy to buy pearls in Japan. They are so well priced you can be a numpty and pretty much will find something lovely at any price range.

My highlight was this creation

This is stunning... and that golden south sea ring... I have a few Mikimoto pieces, but what I'd really like is a giant multicolor tahitian necklace.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

This is stunning... and that golden south sea ring... I have a few Mikimoto pieces, but what I'd really like is a giant multicolor tahitian necklace.

Haha I’m usually very “anti brands” but I fell in love when I saw it. I told myself “You don’t buy branded things because you objectively don’t enjoy the look of certain pieces so you won’t buy them but if you’re in love with the design and it’s all about the visuals then swallow your pride and try it on woman!!!!”

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Plus I can always scrap the gold (it’s a very gold heavy piece)

 

[dk168]

Not CS, however, I was in LA in 2016 and attended an event and met with a number of pearl vendors including Pearl Paradise, Pearl of Joy, Kojima Pearls, Kamoka Pearls, and Sea of Cortez. And yes, I had a few purchases from that trip.

Then in 2023, I visited Tucson, Arizona, for the gems and mineral shows, and had the opportunity to meet up with Jeff White and Gary Braun. I did not buy any CSs while I was there, however, I did buy some jewellery pieces such as pendants.

I am planning to go to Japan in 2027 and am hoping to save enough money for some pearl blings, and a visit to the Mikimoto Pearl Museum is on the itinerary.

DK

 

[Autumn in New England]

Haha I’m usually very “anti brands” but I fell in love when I saw it. I told myself “You don’t buy branded things because you objectively don’t enjoy the look of certain pieces so you won’t buy them but if you’re in love with the design and it’s all about the visuals then swallow your pride and try it on woman!!!!”

Same, same, SAME!

 

[Crimson]

London to visit Berganza -- does that count? Probably not. Along those lines: Hoping to visit Inken in person when we are in NYC this summer.

I’m in London @LilAlex. I went to Berganza two years ago… it is a treasure trove. Did you know it is in the same building where the Hatton Garden heist took place? 88-90 Hatton Garden.
Hancock’s is probably my fav in London! They now have their own building which I will visit soon. Attaching my photos from the last visit.

Exclusive & Rare Antique Jewellery | Hancocks London - Hancocks London

A carefully curated collection of fine antique & vintage jewellery from the finest jewellery houses & craftsmen in the world. View online or visit our London store.

hancockslondon.com

This time I will be going to the Cartier exhibition at the V&A.

Cartier - Exhibition at V&A South Kensington · V&A

A major exhibition that charts the evolution of Cartier's legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century

www.vam.ac.uk

 

[dk168]

@Crimson I have booked to go to the Cartier exhibition too, in September 2025.

DK

 

[Crimson]

Safety first. It's a good thing I don't love emeralds.

After reading @Crimson's great post about jadeite, I would love to go explore jadeite in Hong Kong - with local, experienced jewelers who can really explain the different qualities in person.

I think we need to hire Crimson as our guide...

That’s a great choice. @Brightshiny and @Autumn in New England
Jadeite prices in Hong Kong are very competitive.
One of my friends is now in Hong Kong . He is sending me photos of the most tempting CS jewellery!
Because of stiff competition, prices in Hong Kong are even lower than those of Singapore and sometimes lower than those in China. After the recent Myanmar earthquake there were worries about what would happen to jadeite prices. It turned out China and other dealers still have a stockpile of jadeite rough so the trade should be alright for a while. But I still feel terrible for the people of Myanmar who have suffered so much.
Here is an article about jade retail in Hong Kong.

Jadeite Industry in Hong Kong - Then and Now | ILIA JEWELLERY

The Hong Kong jadeite industry has already undergone four different generations. During the World War II, many refugees from China escaped to Hong Kong from the war and the jadeite industry in Hong Kong began after the war had settled down. At that time, there were two major groups of merchants...

www.ilia.com.hk

 

[thegemjourney]

Man, these are all fabulous choices! And if you do visit Colombia, especially outside of "tourist" areas, you will need a certified escort. My friend is from Bogotá, and even she regularly receives extortion attempts saying family members have been kidnapped, etc. It's usually not true but... just the thought of it. And then being American? eek It's a shame, because it's such a beautiful country with lovely people.

I adore the idea of visiting Inken! I'm only a 3 hour drive/train ride away. Not sure why I haven't coordinated with her yet.

Colombia is still high on my list of places to visit. I have a friend who has been there a few times and as long as you know the language and have a local with you then you'll be fine. That's not to say it isn't dangerous at times having been in a few hairy situations myself when visiting other countries. Have some bribe money ready and make sure to befriend the locals!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Colombia is still high on my list of places to visit. I have a friend who has been there a few times and as long as you know the language and have a local with you then you'll be fine. That's not to say it isn't dangerous at times having been in a few hairy situations myself when visiting other countries. Have some bribe money ready and make sure to befriend the locals!

Wise words indeed!

 

[autumngems]

Definitely Japan! I’ve just come back and it was the best jewellery shopping adventure!!! It’s overwhelming the amount of jewellery that’s available. I also find it really easy to buy pearls in Japan. They are so well priced you can be a numpty and pretty much will find something lovely at any price range.

My highlight was this creation

I SOOOOO loved gem/jewelry shopping when I lived in Japan, I found lovely little pearl shops in Okachimachi jewelry district.

 

[autumngems]

I've done Japan, would love to go to Hong Kong, emeralds are my fav but I would be too hesitant to go there, then there's India, ohh too many to list.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I SOOOOO loved gem/jewelry shopping when I lived in Japan, I found lovely little pearl shops in Okachimachi jewelry district.

I went to Okachimachi last time!!!! Was planning to head back this time to visit my pearl man but then I went to Tokyo Pearl and bought way too many Pearl items to spent my time at Shinjuku Komeyho instead.