Quality items are available at competitive prices, however unless you are knowledgeable about stones, care must be taken to shop at reputable specialist stores that will issue certificates of authenticity. The Tourism Authority of Thailand issues frequent warnings about shonky gemstone shops that dupe customers into buying worthless stones for large sums of money. Thai artisans can also craft jewelry to suit international tastes, with prices set according to the amount of workmanship and detail of the individual item. Items bought in Thailand can be resold at current international prices. Excellent bargains in gold chains, earrings, bracelets, pendants, and other delicate handed crafted items can be found in Patong and most major hotels house jewelry stores offering exquisite pieces for less than you might imagine, and with guarantees of authenticity.
Cultured pearls are another local industry, and a number of shops have pearl jewellery for sale.
A specialty of northern Thailand, neighbouring Burma, and now Vietnam, a wide range of contemporary and antique Lacquerware can be bought in shops around Patong. You can find the distinctive gold and black household objects such as trinket boxes, trays and chopsticks etc that originate from Chiangmai. More recently, the creatively coloured and decorated trays, bowls and homeware originating from Vietnam have also become available - all of these items constituting the ideally lightweight collector's item or gift. A broad range of high-quality leather goods is found in markets and department stores in Patong. Items in department stores are usually available for a fixed price, whereas in the markets, prices will vary widely and can be bargained down.