Thailand continues to top the charts as a fine jewelers showcase destination. Names which formerly only visited the country on holidays are now coming for business. A newcomer to the list of fine European jewelers offering their wares in Bangkok is Asprey of London, founded in 1781.

            In March, Asprey brought an impressive collection of gem set objects d’art and Swiss watches to Bangkok. The two-day exhibition held at the Regent Hotel was hosted by Asprey Chairman John Asprey and included some of the firm’s top pieces.

            Undoubtedly, the most dazzling piece was the Asprey Princess Diamond Egg. The egg’s surface is invisibly set with 220.21 carats of princess-cut diamonds and is made of 18K white gold. The egg could be opened to reveal a pair of platinum and diamond earrings. The piece took three years to complete and is valued at Bt50 million (US$2 million).

            Other fine items included the Asprey sunflower signature collection of gold jewelry and matching accessories, a yellow and white diamond leopard box, an 18K gold blue enamel and pink tourmaline box and a nephrite jade frog.

            The exhibition also included Swiss watches from Asprey and its subsidiary, watches of Switzerland.