Jewelry in Vietnam: What to Buy, Where to Shop, and How Much It Costs?
Among the most sought-after souvenirs, jewelry in Vietnam truly stands out for visitors. You'll find a captivating selection of precious pieces, including refined jade creations, pure gold designs, and unique handcrafted accessories imbued with vibrant ethnic culture. What makes Vietnamese jewelry even more appealing are the prices, which are often far more attractive than those in Europe and the Americas.
Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)
Updated on Sep 25, 2025
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Oliver Phung is a specialist in cultural tourism and trekking in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, with over 7 years of hands-on experience. Born and raised amidst the sounds of the kèn (a traditional instrument) and the songs of the Mông, Thái, Tay, and Dao ethnic communities, Oliver does not just have a passion for their history and culture, he lives it. For him, sharing the beauty of these traditions is not just a job, it's a way of life.
Drawing from his experience on hundreds of trekking trips and guided tours across routes from Ha Giang, Lao Cai to Cao Bang, Oliver offers an authentic and in-depth perspective.
Buying jewelry in Vietnam brings several distinct advantages. The country is renowned for its high-quality materials with a rich history, including exquisite jade, radiant 24-karat gold, and gleaming silver, all complemented by artisanal craftsmanship often passed down through generations.
Most important is that you'll frequently find prices here significantly more appealing than in Japan, Europe, the United States, or Australia, even with strict quality controls in place. This means you can acquire a truly unique and special piece without overspending. Ultimately, wearing a piece of Vietnamese jewelry allows you to carry a tangible memory of a trip rich in emotions and discoveries.
2. What Jewelry Should You Bring Back from Vietnam?
Vietnam is a must-see destination for jewelry lovers, where cultural richness blends with exceptional artisanal diversity. Here is a detailed overview of the jewel treasures to be discovered, perfect for bringing back a unique souvenir or offering a gift full of history and meaning.
2.1. Vietnamese Jade
A symbol of purity, prosperity, and longevity, jade holds a central place in Vietnamese culture. Used for centuries, it's crafted into a variety of stunning pieces, including bracelets, pendants, rings, and earrings. Jade bracelets, particularly those in light or deep green hues, are highly prized for their timeless elegance. Every piece tells a story: within the Vietnamese and Chinese traditions, jade is revered as a talisman, believed to protect against negative energies while promoting harmony and health. To gift a piece of jade jewelry is to convey wishes for luck and serenity.
The shade of jade soothes the mind and invites serenity.
>>> Good to know: The quality of jade depends on its color, transparency, and texture. The most precious stones display a bright green, smooth surface, and an almost translucent appearance. Take the time to observe the stone under the light to appreciate its finesse.
2.2. Gold jewelry
Vietnam excels at creating jewelry made of 24-karat (999.9) gold, with a rare purity that often surpasses 18-karat gold, which is more common in Europe. These pieces shine with their warm glow and enduring value. The designs range from traditional Vietnamese motifs, such as lotus flowers, dragons or phoenixes, to modern creations with clean lines, perfect for contemporary tastes. You will also find unique pieces, such as pendants or medallions engraved with Vietnamese zodiac symbols, ideal for a personalized gift.
Our little tips: 24-karat gold, while beautiful, is softer and prone to scratches or warps if worn daily. For regular use, 18-carat gold, which is more resistant, can be an alternative to consider.
2.3. Ethnic Handcrafted Jewelry
In the mountainous regions of the north, the Hmong, Tay, Dao and Thai ethnic groups excel in silver crafts. These artisans handcraft bracelets, necklaces, earrings and even ornate headdresses, often decorated with floral, geometric or nature-inspired designs. These jewels, generally made of 925 silver or sometimes traditional alloys, embody an ancestral know-how. Each piece is unique, reflecting the cultural identity of the communities that create them.
A grandmother of the Hmong ethnic group
>>> Good to know: The composition of silver can vary, especially in traditional alloys. If purity is important to you, check with the craftsman that the jewelry is made of 925 silver to guarantee its quality.
2.4. Cultured Pearls
The Vietnamese coasts, especially around Ha Long Bay, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang, are renowned for their cultured pearls. These pearly gems, with their delicate reflections, are transformed into necklaces, bracelets or earrings of timeless elegance. Available in creamy white, pale pink or deep black, Vietnamese pearls rival their Japanese or Polynesian counterparts in beauty, while remaining more accessible.
The cultured pearls produced in Phu Quoc are of excellent quality
These jewels are suitable for all occasions, combining refinement and simplicity. Their discreet shine makes them a versatile choice for a treasured keepsake.
For those looking for light and original creations, handcrafted jewelry made of natural materials is a charming option. Made from wood, shells, seeds or woven silk, these pieces are distinguished by their bohemian style and patterns inspired by Vietnamese culture. Often colorful and adorned with unique details, they capture the country's artisanal spirit.
Stylish, right?
Although their monetary value may be modest, these pieces of jewelry carry a strong emotional and cultural charge. A carved wooden bracelet or shell necklace is a perfect way to bring back a piece of the Vietnamese soul.
This lady sells necklaces... and his own neck acts as a display!
To find authentic jewelry in Vietnam as a foreign traveler, here are the best addresses for a successful shopping experience, with tips on how to choose quality pieces.
3.1. Hanoi
Hàng Bạc Street, Hanoi: Nicknamed "the street of money", it is full of artisan shops selling silver and jade jewelry. Talk to the sellers to learn more about the origin of the parts.
In Hanoi, it is often said: "Buy with friends, sell in community."
It is with this in mind that Hàng Bạc Street, literally "the street of money", has specialized in the sale of jewelry and silver objects for generations.
DOJI Tower (5 Lê Duẩn): Perfect for high-end 24k gold or jade jewelry, often accompanied by certificates of authenticity.
In reality, it was just the guide who showed me the place... I can't afford to buy gold here! 😄
Đồng Xuân Market: Ideal for affordable jewelry, especially silver or with ethnic motifs. Compare prices between stalls.
Jewellers NPC and SJC: National chains renowned for their reliability, offering gold, jade and pearls with certificates.
Lê Thánh Tôn Street (District 1), HCM City: Varied shops with modern and traditional pieces, ideal for all tastes.
Bến Thành Market: Jewelry at attractive prices, but beware of imitations. Negotiate politely for a good deal.
In Vietnam, the 10th day of the first lunar month is dedicated to the "Thần Tài", the god of wealth. This special day, which takes place shortly after Tết (Vietnamese New Year), is an opportunity for many Vietnamese to buy gold or silver in the hope of attracting good luck, prosperity and financial success for the coming year.
3.3. Hoi An
Craft shops: Small shops offering custom-made jewellery in silver or semi-precious stones. Perfect for unique creations.
Jewelry prices in Vietnam remain very attractive for foreign travelers, but they vary according to the material, quality, and design. Here's a simplified guide with updated price ranges, taking into account the exchange rates of €1 = 30,000 VND and $1 = 25,000 VND (July 2025), and the price of gold at around 120 million VND per tael (that's ~€4,000 or ~$5,000 for 37.5 g). This chart will help you plan your purchases in a clear and practical way.
For gold, jade or pearl jewelry, always ask for a certificate of authenticity, especially in reputable jewelry stores such as NPJ, SJC or DOJI. This ensures quality and protects against imitations. For gold, ask for it to be weighed in front of you to confirm its weight and purity (e.g. 24K = 99.99% gold).
Jade (jadeite or nephrite) is highly prized, but fakes are common. The more valuable real jadeite is cool to the touch and does not scratch with a pin or knife. Check its color (rich green or lavender for a high value) and transparency under a 10x magnifying glass to detect the natural grain. Avoid artificially dyed stones. Prefer the specialized shops in Hanoi (e.g. Hàng Bạc Street) or Hội An for authentic pieces.
Shop at well-known jewelry stores (PNJ, SJC, DOJI) or shops recommended by trusted guides. Avoid stalls in ultra-touristy areas, such as some stalls near popular attractions, where prices are often inflated and quality questionable. The artisans of Hoi An or specialty markets like Lục Yên (Yên Bái) for gemstones are great options if you're looking for unique pieces.
In markets such as Bến Thành (Ho Chi Minh City) or Đồng Xuân (Hanoi), negotiation is common. Offer a price that is 20-30% lower and remain courteous: a smile and a friendly discussion can lower the price. However, be wary of offers that are too tempting, often a sign of imitations or low quality.
For handcrafted jewelry, examine the finishes: the soldering must be clean, the clasps solid. For jade or beads, make sure the piece hasn't been repaired or altered, which can reduce its value. If possible, ask to see the room in good lighting to spot any defects.
If you opt for online shopping (e.g. on Shopee or Lazada), choose sellers with good ratings and clear return policies. Prefer cash on delivery (COD) to check the product before paying. Always keep proof of purchase (invoice or receipt) for possible claims.
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