Luc Yen gemstone market sparkles

  •  Friday, January 26, 2024

YênBái - Beyond a tourist destination with stunning landscapes of the mountainous region, Luc Yen district is also known for its gemstone market among gemstone aficionados from far and wide.

Visitors look for precious stones at Luc Yen gemstone market.
Visitors look for precious stones at Luc Yen gemstone market.

Despite various ups and downs over the past three decades, the market has maintained its values and popularity with a kaleidoscope of gems such as quartz, emerald, ruby and many other kinds. 

The gemstone products at the market, boasting aesthetic, cultural and spiritual values, meet the diverse demand from customers. 

Visitors to the market have the opportunities to see how artisans create elegant gem art works, and engage in discussion to get a deeper insight into the origins and values of the stones.

Luc Yen gemstone market, located in the centre of Yen The town, opens in the mornings of weekdays, with the most bustling time from 7-8 am. It has impressed visitors by the fact that precious gemstones are sold in stalls like vegetables and most of the stall owners are women. 

Prices of gemstones vary, with small and raw ones costing only 50,000 VND (over 2 USD), while some sold for as much as hundreds of millions or billions of dong. 

Luc Yen, dubbed "the land of gems”, is home to high-quality gem materials that could be made into excellent and unique products. It is where the largest ruby in Vietnam was found, which was recognised as a national treasure.

Luc Yen gemstone market is a should-not-miss destination for gem aficionados when visiting Yen Bai province.

Hoang Anh