An Introduction
Based in Bangkok, Thailand since 1986, Thai Lanka Trading is a family owned and operated gemstone trading business, specialising in coloured stones and rare stones sourced from across Asia and Africa. We deal in fine, well-cut Sapphires and other stones such as Spinel, Zircon, Tourmaline and Sphene.
We also specialise in collector gemstones such as high-quality crystals and rare species such as Bastnasite, Burmite, Johachidolite, Poudretteite, Hambergite, Hibonite, Vayrynenite, Triplite, Taaffeite, Musgravite, White Enstatite, and Dumortierite, and many more.
Mark Smith (second from left) in Hpakant, Burma 1996 (Photo Courtesy of Richard Hughes)
Mark & ‘Tim’ Smith at the GJX Show in Tucson (Photo Courtesy of Elise Ann Skalwold 2015)
Our Company
Founders Mark and Nitayagorn ‘Tim’ Smith both studied at Bangkok’s well known AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences), where they received their Accredited Gemologist diplomas- Mark in 1984 and Tim in 1987. Having spent over two decades honing expertise and cultivating relationships with sources and customers alike, Thai Lanka has become a strong and respectable presence in the South East Asian colored gem market. Their daughter Valaya joined the company after being awarded the Eunice Miles Scholarship and receiving her Graduate Gemologist accreditation at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in New York in 2017.
Since our founding in 1987 we have remained a small, family-run company that prioritizes integrity and quality in every aspect of our business.
Tim Smith (center) with Zabai Koko and Sapai Yin in Mogok, Burma 2003
Our Values
We are truly passionate about the origins of our stones, supporting the remote villages and growing businesses that these small scale mines allow. Mark personally loves traveling directly to the source, frequently visiting mining sites and local gem markets around Southeast Asia, and on occasion, Africa. Over the years Mark has developed close and enduring relationships with our suppliers in these local communities, through countless trips spanning decades. Mutual respect and honesty in all our dealings is of the utmost importance to us as a company.
We only work with reputable, discerning gemological labs, with all our stone certificates provided by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or GIT (Gemmological Institute of Thailand). Mark also regularly contributes to well-respected industry publications such as Gems & Gemology by GIA, and the Journal of Gemmology by Gem-A and SSEF.
We truly appreciate the long journey of a stone, from a rough deep within the earth to a shining jewel of adornment. This rare combination of passion and refined knowledge make Thai Lanka Trading a company to be trusted.
Tim, Mark and Valaya Smith at GJX Tucson 2020
Reliable Worldwide Shipping
We ship internationally via insured FedEx Priority mail, allowing you to receive your stones within 2-3 business days.