In Chanthaburi Prison women prisoners cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison women prisoners cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison women prisoners cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison prisoners cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison prisoners cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison prisoners cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison prisoners cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison prisoners carve jade for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison prisoners carve jade for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison prisoners cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison wardens watch prisoners who cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison wardens watch prisoners who cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison wardens watch prisoners who cut and polish sapphires for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison a prisoner has his completed sapphires inspected whilst working for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

In Chanthaburi Prison prisoners have their monthly wages calculated based on their performance whilst working for a Thai company based in the town. The prisoners, who receive a small wage, can learn this skill so when they are released they can look for work in the industry. Little known to most but to those inside the gemstone industry Chanthaburi town, 5 hours east of Bangkok, is a big deal and one of the world's most important coloured gemstone trading centres. Rubies and sapphires have been mined commercially here since the 1850's yet always by hand. But large-scale machinery was brought in from the 1960's and uncontrolled mechanised mining practices exhausted the land of most of its stone in about 30 years. During these 30 years Chanthaburi provided the world with almost 95% of its ruby supply. By 1996, the rubies had finished, with just small pockets of sapphires remaining. Having to come up with a solution or loose everything the illustrious Thai gem traders left Thailand and began traveling, to South Asia and Africa buying up huge quantities of rough stones, mostly ruby and sapphire and bringing them back to Chanthaburi. Once back in Chanthaburi, the stones were heat treated, cut and sold for a much higher price and people became very rich as a result. Thai traders bought so much rough stone that Chanthaburi became the heating and cutting capital of the world.

Wimon Manorotkul looks through a binocular research microscope to examine the red fluorescence in a ruby at the Lotus Gemology Laboratory in Bangkok. She has been involved with gems and gemology for 35 years, as a lab gemologist and instructor. She is an Accredited Gemologist from Bangkok's Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences and for many years directed their lab. Wimon is also a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. In 2014 he set-up her own own lab with husband Richard W. Hughes and their daughter that tests the authenticity and quality of gemstones on behalf of clients.

Wimon Manorotkul looks through a binocular research microscope to examine the red fluorescence in a ruby at the Lotus Gemology Laboratory in Bangkok. She has been involved with gems and gemology for 35 years, as a lab gemologist and instructor. She is an Accredited Gemologist from Bangkok's Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences and for many years directed their lab. Wimon is also a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. In 2014 he set-up her own own lab with husband Richard W. Hughes and their daughter that tests the authenticity and quality of gemstones on behalf of clients.

Richard W. Hughes uses a GemmoRaman-532 raman and photoluminescence spectrometer used to fingerprint a mineral and also to detect certain types of treatments the stones has had used on it, at his Lotus Gemology Laboratory in Bangkok. Richard W. Hughes is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost experts on ruby and sapphire and is a long term resident of Bangkok. He has written several books and over 150 articles on gems and gemology. In 2014 he set-up his own own lab that tests the authenticity and quality of gemstones on behalf of clients.

Chantaburi's large weekend gems market sees buyers from all over the world visiting to purchase gemstones. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Chantaburi's large weekend gems market sees buyers from all over the world visiting to purchase gemstones. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Gem's buyers from Africa ride motorbikes at Chantaburi's large weekend gems market. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Chantaburi's large weekend gems market sees buyers from all over the world visiting to purchase gemstones. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Gem's buyers from Africa stand on a street at Chantaburi's large weekend gems market. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

A local boy plays next to a large model of a gemstone in downtown Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Chantaburi's Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Thailand's largest Catholic cathedral, dominates the cityscape. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Packed with buyers and sellers during the day, Chantaburi's weekend gem market shuts down at night. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Gem's buyers from Peshawar in Pakistan wait to buy gemstones at Chantaburi's large weekend gems market. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Gem's buyers from Peshawar in Pakistan wait to buy gemstones at Chantaburi's large weekend gems market. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

A Cambodian American women buys gemstones from local Thai women at Chantaburi's large weekend gems market. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Gem's buyers from Africa ride motorbikes at Chantaburi's large weekend gems market. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Chantaburi's large weekend gems market sees buyers from all over the world visiting to purchase gemstones. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Chantaburi's large weekend gems market sees buyers from all over the world visiting to purchase gemstones. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Gem's buyers from Karachi in Pakistan sort recently bought gemstones at Chantaburi's large weekend gems market. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Gem's buyers from Karachi in Pakistan sort recently bought gemstones at Chantaburi's large weekend gems market. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

A gems trader inspects a stone in his home/office outisde Chantaburi town. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

After digging up his banana plantation, a farmer turned miner began to prospect for gemstones outside Chantaburi. The process involves spraying high-powered water on earth piled high and filtering the rocks that flow down to a conveyer belt. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

After digging up the family's banana plantation, the farmers turned miners began to prospect for gemstones outside Chantaburi. Here a family member looks for rough gemstones. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

After digging up the family's banana plantation, the farmers turned miners began to prospect for gemstones outside Chantaburi. Here a family member looks for rough gemstones. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

A large open gem mine is worked just outside the town of Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

A teenage boy watchs machinery used to pump water in a large open gem mine just outside the town of Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

A teenage boy watchs machinery used to pump water in a large open gem mine just outside the town of Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

A large open gem mine is worked just outside the town of Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

A large open gem mine is worked just outside the town of Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Workers repair a water pipe in a drainage reservoir adjacent to a large gem mine just outside the town of Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Workers repair a water pipe in a drainage reservoir adjacent to a large gem mine just outside the town of Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Workers repair a water pipe in a drainage reservoir adjacent to a large gem mine just outside the town of Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.

Workers repair a water pipe in a drainage reservoir adjacent to a large gem mine just outside the town of Chantaburi. Few visitors to Thailand have ever heard of Chanthaburi, a small provincial capital of a province by the same name, located about five hours east of Bangkok. But anyone with knowledge of the gemstone industry immediately knows the place. Once a source of high quality rubies and sapphires, Chanthaburi was forced to re-invent itself, as the area was heavily mined for its gemstones, in to what is now one of the most important trading centres in the world for coloured gemstones. As stocks plunged, Thais became experts in the heat treatment process which can turn an average or low grade gemstone in to a beauty, and as a result they set out across the world, mostly to Africa, to buy low quality gems for cheap which would then be brought back to Chantaburi and heat treated. From Friday until Sunday an area of downtown Chantaburi, covering several blocks, becomes packed with gem traders from across the globe, from Pakistan to China to Germany.