{"caption_all":"On the morning of 26/7, many small traders pulled suitcases laden with goods down the small slope of Hoang Hoa Tham street. Across an area of 500 square meters, dozens of stalls displayed gemstones from all over. The market opens from 8:30h to 15h every sunday.","caption_items":"[""," nn "]"}

Initially, the market served only gemstone traders from other provinces and the capital for networking and exchange. Later, it became a destination attracting domestic and international tourists to learn about and purchase gemstones.

Unlike the market in Luc Yen, Yen Bai, which has been operating for over 35 years, the Hanoi gemstone fair was established in 2007. Previously, the market met on saturday mornings, but since 2015, it has shifted to sunday.

Small traders say the market currently offers many types of artificial stones and jade. The simplest way to distinguish them is: use a flashlight. Natural gemstones emit a more sparkling, brilliant light.

A sapphire stone worth 600 million dong is displayed by Hien at her stall. The trader said that in 2024, she successfully completed a transaction for a sapphire worth over one billion dong right at the market.

The Hoang Hoa Tham gemstone fair, a unique market in Hanoi, has become a significant hub for both local and international gemstone enthusiasts. Operating every sunday from 8:30h to 15h, this bustling fair, spanning 500 square meters, showcases a wide variety of gemstones. It serves as a vital meeting point for professional traders, while also drawing a growing number of tourists eager to explore and purchase precious stones.

Established in 2007, the Hanoi gemstone fair holds a distinct place compared to older markets like the one in Luc Yen, Yen Bai, which boasts over 35 years of operation. Initially, the Hanoi market convened on saturday mornings, but since 2015, it has shifted to sundays. Its original purpose was to facilitate networking and exchange among gemstone traders from various provinces and the capital. Over time, it evolved into a popular destination for domestic and international visitors seeking to discover and acquire gemstones.

Dinh Thanh Hien, 37, owner of a gemstone shop on Ngoc Khanh street, Giang Vo ward, has been a dedicated participant at the market for 12 years. She initially visited the fair to source quality materials from regions like Yen Bai, Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa for crafting. As the number of visitors increased, she began displaying and selling her jade and gemstone products directly at the market. Many of her products are valued at hundreds of millions of dong. "The fair helps us expand our customer base and access new supplies," Hien said, highlighting the market's role in her business growth.

{"caption_all":"Gemstones at many stalls are mainly imported from Yen Bai, offering superior color and quality. In addition to Ruby, traders also sell many types of economically valuable stones such as Sapphire, Spinel, Aquamarine.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

{"caption_all":"Main items include Suiseki stones (natural), Biseki stones (peeled, polished), along with many carved artworks.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

The market offers a diverse range of products, from rough natural stones to exquisitely finished crafted pieces. Gemstones are typically displayed in plastic trays or poured directly onto tables, allowing buyers to easily examine and select their preferred items. The value of these stones varies widely, from tens of thousands to hundreds of millions of dong, depending on their material, rarity, and size. Traders at the fair primarily source their gemstones from Yen Bai, known for its superior color and quality. Beyond popular rubies, stalls also feature other valuable stones such as sapphires, spinels, and aquamarines. Additionally, the market showcases unique Suiseki stones (natural formations) and Biseki stones (peeled and polished), alongside various carved artworks.

The market's appeal extends to international visitors, as exemplified by the recent visit of American tourists David Cheverier, 72, and Lisa Cheverier, 65. On the morning of 26/7, their daughter-in-law, Thao Nguyen, 32, brought them from TP HCM to Hanoi. Originally planning a trip to Luc Yen (Yen Bai) due to their interest in gemstones, the family redirected to the Hoang Hoa Tham market after finding information online and encountering bad weather. During their visit, David and his wife purchased several ruby stones. "Gemstones in Vietnam offer diverse designs, good quality, and more affordable prices than in the United States," the 72-year-old man remarked. The market management notes a significant increase in international tourists in recent years. Visitors often bring small flashlights to inspect stones, assessing their beauty based on rich color, clarity, and absence of scratches. Buyers meticulously examine stones to find the most beautiful color angle before negotiating prices.

{"caption_all":"The market management stated that in recent years, the fair has welcomed more international tourists. Visitors to the market often bring small flashlights to inspect the stones. A beautiful stone is judged by its rich color, clarity, and lack of scratches. Buyers carefully examine stones to find the most beautiful color angle before estimating the price.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

Le Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Gemstone Club and the fair's founder, stated that the market currently hosts nearly 40 gemstone stalls. Traders are required to register and sign a commitment to accurately declare the origin of their products, taking full responsibility for what they sell. The organizers are committed to addressing and boycotting fake or low-quality goods to uphold the reputation of Vietnamese gemstones. In recent years, the market has experienced robust growth, leading to the 500 square meter space becoming almost overwhelmed by the volume of activity.

Nga Thanh - Quynh Nguyen