Our Mission
Our core values as an institute align with the challenges and shifts in the global economy, the progress in technology, society and culture. We always provide the student up-to-date and practical set of knowledge and instruments. It is our belief that our program must foster our students to make the most of their potential, both academically, creatively and entrepreneurially. Global Trade Jewelry also boasts an extensive network of connections in the Jewelry industry both regionally and worldwide, enabling students an opportunity to gain knowledge, expertise, or even to start or grow their business while studying at our institute.
Our Story
We are specialized in offering a constantly up-to-date course on gems and jewelry business and design whose curriculum is designed to produce, master jewelers, professional jewelry entrepreneurs, and business owners.
Under the direction of Dr. Ampa Chiarakittikul, our distinguished guests comprises gemstone experts, jewelry practicing specialists, and gems and jewelry business owners who are enthusiastic in sharing their expertise, know-hows and experiences, to bridge the gap between students’ personal aspirations with a real-world business opportunity.
The location is in the heart of cosmopolitan Bangkok and amid the world’s most important and largest Jewelry business hubs.
The curriculums are delivered in Thai with the support of translators through the course in all languages.
We welcome all the adult applicants from all ages and backgrounds.
BEJEWELED GOLDEN YELLOW SAPPHIRE RABBIT A GIFT OF LOVING LOYALTY FOR H.M.’S 80th BIRTHDAY
In a flash of inspiration in 2005, members of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Business Committee, Thai Chamber of Commerce and Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association came up with an idea to present something valuable, memorable and meaningful to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulayadej to mark the auspicious occasion of his 80th birthday on December 5, 2007.
A subsequent brainstorming evolved into an object that symbolized the Thai people’s profound loving loyalty to the Great Monarch, yet representing the gems and jewelry sector which has flourished under H.M. ’s guidance.
Under the joint leadership of Thai Gem and Jewelry Business Committee and Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, a project entitled “Thai Yellow Sapphire-Congregated Loyalty for H.M. ’s 80th Anniversary” was hence launched.
The aim was to provide a structure whereby the industry and people from all walks of life can contribute to the making of this token of loyalty. It was agreed that a bejeweled golden yellow sapphire rabbit was befitting the purpose for it that the animal represented astrological sign of the year in which H.M. was born.
The bejeweled golden yellow sapphire rabbit was truly special in many ways and details involved had particular auspicious meanings, not to mention the financial value, the labour of love and excellent craftsmanship that went into it.
The body of the bejeweled golden yellow sapphire rabbit was made of yellow gold with a total weight of more than 4,000 grams and adorned by more than 8,000 carats of yellow sapphires. Its eyes were made of a specially cut 81-facet ruby.
The bejeweled golden yellow sapphire rabbit stands on a base made of jade. The edge of which was trimmed with gold and decorated with yellow sapphires. On top of the base situated a carved piece of gold inscribed with “sufficient Economy,” H.M. ’s life philosophy that has guided the country for more than a decade. All precious materials and colors used in the making process retain special meanings as follows:
- Gold for everlasting value
- Gold color for prosperity
- Yellow sapphire is a sparkling solid yellowish gem stone that can
- greatly endure heat representing loyalty of the Tahi people
- Yellow color constitutes kingship and Monday (the day of the
- week on which H.M. was born)
- Ruby for love and adoration
- Red color represents the Nation i.e. Thailand
- Jade represents shelter, fortune, and healthiness
- Green color for fertility
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn received the bejeweled golden yellow sapphire rabbit on behalf of H.M. from the project’s representatives on June 20, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. at Taksin Camp, Chanthaburi. Content and images are referenced from the book “๘๐ พรรษา บุษราคัมไทย รวมใจภักดี”
In 2005, the Gem and Jewelry Business Committee of the Thai Chamber of Commerce traveled for a meeting in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. While sitting in the vehicle during the journey, the members of the committee had an idea to make a gift to honor the King. Dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of the auspicious 80th year. We have gathered together and brainstormed our ideas. Personally, I know that Thai gem dealers have been mining all the gems: Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, and Green Sapphire for trading. The Thai gem and jewelry business was born. This gives Thai people knowledge and expertise in gem mining, cutting, burning, and Thai gem jewelry making until it has been a career to raise oneself for more than a hundred years. Therefore it is appropriate that “Thai must return the last gemstone that is in our hands to the land.” Accordingly, I proposed the idea of making a golden yellow sapphire rabbit decorated with yellow sapphire with a body made of gold.
When all of the Committee agreed with my opinion, the preliminary work was established, namely gathering gems from members of Thai gemstone traders from all over Thailand. On that day, there were protesters saying, it’s a nearly impossible job. Where will you get so many gems? Because I stipulated that the rabbit must be the same size as the real thing. I replied, if the job is not grueling, it wouldn’t be of any value. Because we all have a lot of loyalty to his majesty. When friends ask who will be in charge of this project. Without hesitation, I volunteered myself. Board of Directors in particular, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr.Vichai Assarasakorn; and the Board of Directors, Mr. Prapee Sorakraikitikul, Mr. Methee Jungsangansith, Mr. Anuphap Chinudompong, and Mr. Thongsak Chintakanroek have approved the operation in collecting yellow sapphire, gold, and procuring jade discs.
In this preparation, we gathered the best skilled Thai craftsmen. During the process, no new machinery and technology are used. Every individual in this operation accepted to not take money as payment instead everyone worked from their loyalty, hearts, joy, and devotion without tiredness or discouragement. In return, everyone hoped the King would feel joy, for only even a split second, having seen the rabbit. This life is very fortunate to have the opportunity to work for His Majesty. It is an honor to the family. We, all Thais, are so blessed to have been born in the reign of His Highness.
The first step, Mr.Vichai Assarasakorn, brought me and the committee to meet with Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul for advice on the form and characteristics of rabbits. From the instructions in the drawing and forming by molding the sample until satisfied, we broadcasted news about the Golden Yellow Sapphire Rabbit operation to gather the best yellow sapphires to all Thai citizens in the country. A reporter asked me, what is your goal? And how much is the price of the rabbit? I replied without hesitation: our goal is only when his majesty sees it, letting this rabbit be a medium to pay homage to his majesty, “we, Thai, will be loyal to His Majesty and the royal family unfailingly;” the price of the rabbit is not much, but has sentimental value to us all; however, it is not comparable in the slightest to what his majesty has given to Thai people ever since the King has been throned.
is not much, but has sentimental value to us all; however, it is not comparable in the slightest to what his majesty has given to Thai people ever since the King has been throned.
The first step, Mr.Vichai Assarasakorn, brought me and the committee to meet with Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul for advice on the form and characteristics of rabbits. From the instructions in the drawing and forming by molding the sample until satisfied, we broadcasted news about the Golden Yellow Sapphire Rabbit operation to gather the best yellow sapphires to all Thai citizens in the country. A reporter asked me, what is your goal? And how much is the price of the rabbit? I replied without hesitation: our goal is only when his majesty sees it, letting this rabbit be a medium to pay homage to his majesty, “we, Thai, will be loyal to His Majesty and the royal family unfailingly;” the price of the rabbit is not much, but has sentimental value to us all; however, it is not comparable in the slightest to what his majesty has given to Thai people ever since the King has been throned.
If I were to write about my impression of the King, I would have been able to write indefinitely throughout my life because his Majesty was so great, in the benefits that he has created and provided for the land and children of Thai.
Dr. Ampa Chiarakittikul (Prudkajonchai)
Chairman of the Board of Design and Production
Golden Yellow Sapphire RABBIT Gallery
ดร. อำภา เจียรกิตติกุล Dr. Ampa Chiarakittikul
Board
- Founder of Global Trade Jewelry Co., Ltd.
- Copyright Owner of the Entrepreneurship Development Trade in Gems and Jewelry Course
- Advisor for Institute of Gemology Thai Jewelry and Design (IGTJD)
- Review Committee on Bachelor Program of Jewelry and MetalSmithing, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon
- Distinguished Reviewer for Thailand’s Professional Qualifications of Workers in Jewelry businesses by Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization)
- Review Committee for Goods Distribution Centre in People’s Republic of China
- Diploma in Accounting, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, 1972
- Honorary Bachelor Degree, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, 2002
- Bachelor in Business Management, Ramkhamhaeng University,1974
- Master in Political Administration, Faculty of Political Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, 1997
- Ph.D., Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, 2021
I have been in the jewelry and gemstone industries since my young age. Started as assistant at Vanich Road (in Sampaeng area), here I first discovered my fascination as talent in grading and appeasing gemstones. After being married into the family of goldsmith at Huamed (in Jakrawad area), I started a manufacturing business which later became an instant success in Thailand and well-known for its high quality standard. I branched out into the world of jewelry design and found myself under the tutorship of Prapa Sitaworarath. In addition, I completed two more design course focusing on fine jewelry at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and later at an institute founded by Prarinya Thummawattana (Founder of Gold Master) and Thanapak Achawakorn (First President of Thailand’s Jewelry Design Association.
From then on, I have created my own series of pieces de resistance, including the awarding-winning and the
world’s first “Gold Shirt.” In 1991, I have also started a production line for Headways. In 1997, I was appointed by Thai Gem and Jewelry Trader Association to preside over the creation of “Bejeweled Golden Rabbit,” a gift of loving loyalty for a celebration of the royal occasion of King Rama 9’s 80th anniversary. I realized I have made a name for myself in the industry of gemstone and jewelry when I was being appointed a
committee and consultant for various organizations. I have gathered new knowledge and hands-on experience from the industry’s true experts and pioneers. I believe that such wealth of talents makes Thailand a world’s center for gemstone that it is till this day. And by extension, I feel inspired and dutiful at passing on such priceless and immensely valuable wealth of knowledge and experience tickled down, from generation to another. If the jewelry business can thrive, such inheritance of knowledge and legacy of talents will be carried on as well.
Thanks to rapid expansion in gemstone and jewelry trades and businesses over the past years, a number of university and institute has started a myriad of degrees in Jewelry Design, Business and Gemology. While this renders positive and immense repercussions towards the industry’s growth and the overall economy of Thailand. I, on the other hand, still see an opportunity to fill in the gaps by ways of providing much-needed a set of knowledge and practical training that is central around the real needs in the industry and the real practicing veterans and talents who have a wealth of hands-on experience and tricks of the trade necessary in the real world.
And with a conviction that knowledge must be shared equally and with anyone, I have set myself a mission to offer a course of well-rounded knowledge equipped with instruments necessary in transforming yourself into a capable jeweler. A shrewd practitioner who can source gemstones, design and produce jewelry, and sell, trade and start a business with confidence.