Jakarta Gem Center

The one place where you see gems in mounds is Jakarta Gem Center. Located in East Jakarta, near the Jatinegara railway station, it is not at all a difficult place to reach.

The four floor building is famous for precious stones, semi-precious and also some rare stones which obviously fetch a very high price. The place opens at 7 am and closes around 4.30 pm. It is advisable to visit it on week days as weekends become very crowded. Plan your visit so that you can avoid Jakarta traffic.

I am a novice and have no idea what so ever of the gems. I had heard so much about it so I wanted to visit that place. But, I had never imagined the vast collection of gem stones there.

The place is easily accessible by taxi and it might drop you on the other side of the road. Climb the over bridge and cross to the other side.

Three large golden rings welcome visitors to the center.

close up of the rings

The air conditioned place has a huge hall with plenty of kiosks and small shops.

haggling for price

I had never seen so many colored gems. You think of a color and it is there!

Ready made rings are already there.  But, sometimes customers might not like what is on display so you buy the ring without a gem stone. You chose a stone of your liking and get it mounted on the ring.

all shades of color are available

Multi colored bead strings hang all over the place in bunches.

Huge blocks of gem ore

Gem "stones" and polished gems for sale.

There is a small corner to the side of the main hall on the ground floor. Once you have picked your gem stone and want to get it fixed to your chosen ring, go inside the room. There are many people who will grind the stone and fix it to your ring. Yes, you wait till he finishes.

On the second floor, is the gem research laboratory.

I understand that this place is a whole-sale market and attracts not only Indonesians but also people from Japan, China and Singapore.

Even if you don't plan to buy anything like me, it is a nice experience to visit the place.