Sterling & hill-tribe silver jewelry (pendant, bangle or ring)

Chiang Mai's centuries-old silversmith quarter hand-hammers Lanna and hill-tribe designs you can watch being made — real artisan value if you skip the gems entirely

Price: 1200 THB (Handmade sterling (92.5%) pendants/rings ฿600-2,500 at Wualai workshops; priced on silver weight (spot ~฿80-90/g in 2026) plus workmanship; hill-tribe silver (95-99%) pieces similar)

Where to buy: Wualai Road workshops and Saturday Walking Street, Chiang Mai; Wat Srisuphan (Silver Temple) area; reputable fixed-price shops over night-market stalls for hallmarked pieces

Price checked 2026-07-03

• GEMSTONE SCAM WARNING: do NOT buy gems or 'discount sapphires' in Thailand unless from a GIT-certified dealer — the 'government gem sale ends today' tuk-tuk routine is Thailand's most notorious scam and resale value is near zero
• For silver, ask for the 92.5 hallmark and a weight-based price breakdown; unmarked 'silver' at markets is often plated alloy
• Jewelry claimed under VAT refund at participating stores must be hand-carried and re-shown at the airside refund office
• Buy for craftsmanship, not investment