Jaipur, Bangkok, Colombo — the world's gem cutting hubs

Jaipur, India

The largest coloured-stone cutting centre on earth. Anything mined anywhere can be calibrated here. Pricing is competitive on volume; rare single stones go through a small group of high-end cutters known to the trade. Strong in emerald, tanzanite, garnet, tourmaline, ruby and sapphire calibrated goods.

Bangkok, Thailand

The world's heat-treatment capital and the global trading floor for fine ruby and sapphire. Padparadscha, fine spinel, and a serious modern cutting industry in fancy-colour sapphire. Expect well-priced, well-cut stones with full treatment disclosure from the better houses.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Source of the world's finest unheated blue sapphires, padparadscha, alexandrite and cat's-eye chrysoberyl. Many of the great Burmese-style rubies are also recut here. Pricing is highest at source for the best material — small dealers know exactly what their rough is worth.

How to buy remotely from any of them

1. Insist on multiple photos, including the stone face-up under daylight and incandescent light, plus a video.
2. Ask for a current independent lab report or a signed treatment disclosure.
3. Agree shipping terms (DDU vs DDP, courier, insurance) in writing before payment.
4. Use a platform that holds a credible dealer profile and review history — Chaos vets every dealer before listing.