Bangkok is also known as the colour stone capital of the world, and with such a vast array of gem shops catering to the affluent market, there are very few that are taking the effort to push the country's younger generation to become creative jewellery designers.
But like in most cases there are a few exceptions and Soonthorn Pipatveravat and his wife Saisamorn, are those who are taking the lead in this industry by helping promote the younger generation of designers in Thailand. Soonthorn and Saisamorn have created the Dmong Young Designer Award.
Both husband and wife who are owners of Dermond Thailand, have set out the Herculean task of selecting some of the best jewellery design professors to judge some of the best designs that the young minds produce. Winners receive a cash prize, along with the percentage cut when their designs are sold.
"We have been doing this for the past five years and each year we have more than 140 students who participate," says Soonthorn, adding that the judgement of each winner is based on a very strict, but fair methodology.
"Each year has a different theme so we are not just keeping the highly lucrative industry alive and kicking, but also creating new talent that can go out in the world to create a name for themselves and the country," he says.
This year's theme is the Power of Love and the two best designs were "Butterflies Crush" and the "Power of Love". MYLIFE
Bangkok is also known as the colour stone capital of the world, and with such a vast array of gem shops catering to the affluent market, there are very few that are taking the effort to push the country's younger generation to become creative jewellery designers.
But like in most cases there are a few exceptions and Soonthorn Pipatveravat and his wife Saisamorn, are those who are taking the lead in this industry by helping promote the younger generation of designers in Thailand. Soonthorn and Saisamorn have created the Dmong Young Designer Award.
"We have been doing this for the past five years and each year we have more than 140 students who participate," says Soonthorn, adding that the judgement of each winner is based on a very strict, but fair methodology.
