Andy Turkington: Expert Gem Merchant & Consultant
In the global gemstone trade, there is no substitute for time spent on the ground. Andy Turkington Gem Merchant brings 20 years of professional experience navigating the complex, often secretive world of international gemstone procurement.
From the rugged valleys of Luc Yen, Vietnam, to the high-stakes trading floors of Chanthaburi, Thailand, Andy has built a reputation for integrity, technical precision, and an uncanny eye for rare, untreated minerals. This is the mission to bring the earth’s most vibrant treasures directly to the Australian market.
Expert Gemological Knowledge & Experience
Andy’s journey began with a fascination for the geological processes that create color and light within a crystal lattice. He combines rigorous scientific discipline with the “street-smart” intuition required to trade in Southeast Asia’s most competitive markets, such as the
Chanthaburi Gem Market in Thailand and the Luc Yen gemstone market in Vietnam.
For over two decades, Andy has specialized in Type II and Type III gemstones, focusing on stones with the greatest investment potential. While his expertise covers the “Big Three”—Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald—his true passion lies in the
“new classics”: Spinel, Zultanite, and rare Garnet varieties.
Direct-to-Source Wholesale Gemstones
The traditional gemstone supply chain is notoriously opaque, involving multiple middlemen. Andy Turkington founded Gems and More to dismantle this inefficient model by establishing direct relationships with mine owners in Vietnam and Thailand.
Ethically Sourced: Verified at the point of origin to ensure fair labor and local community benefit.
Accurately Represented: 20 years of experience allows Andy to detect heat treatments, diffusion, and fracture filling.
Wholesale Pricing: By cutting out intermediaries, we pass “mine-gate” savings directly to Australian collectors and designers.
Specialist in the Southeast Asian Gemstone Corridor
Specialist in the Southeast Asian Gemstone CorridorUnlike merchants who buy from secondary trade shows, Andy prefers the dust and heat of the source.
The Vietnam Connection: Luc Yen Spinel & Ruby
As an early Western pioneer in the Yen Bai Province, Andy is a leading authority on “Jedi” Red Spinel and ultra-rare Cobalt Blue Spinel. His local connections in Luc Yen allow him to secure stones that never reach the open international market.
The Thai Hub: Chanthaburi & Mae Sod
Andy has spent 20 years refining market-side expertise in Chanthaburi (the City of Gems) and Mae Sod (the gateway for Burmese minerals). He monitors market trends and price fluctuations to provide clients with a macro-view of the gemstone economy.
Immersive Wholesale Gemstone Tours
In 2026, Andy Turkington continues his mission to democratize the gem trade through boutique Wholesale Gemstone Tours. As a mentor, Andy teaches his guests how to:
Use a loupe and torch to identify field inclusions.
Distinguish natural, untreated color from lab-enhanced stones.
Negotiate effectively with local brokers using “cultural currency.”
Navigate international logistics, transport, and customs.
Sourcing Investment-Grade Gems & Rare Minerals
In an era of economic volatility, many clients look to Investment-Grade Gems as a tangible wealth hedge. Andy’s curation focuses strictly on untreated (No-Heat) stones. Whether it is a 10-carat Aquamarine from Vietnam or a color-shifting Zultanite from Turkey, every selection follows a strict “quality-first” protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of buying gemstones direct from the source in Southeast Asia? Buying direct from source markets like Chanthaburi and Luc Yen eliminates the “middleman markup” found in traditional retail. By establishing relationships with artisanal mines, Gems and More provides access to rare, untreated stones—such as Cobalt Blue Spinel—at wholesale prices while ensuring ethical sourcing practices.
What is the difference between Type II and Type III gemstones? In gemology, these classifications refer to the internal clarity and inclusion patterns typical of certain minerals. Type II gemstones (like Ruby and Sapphire) usually have some inclusions, while Type III gemstones (like Emerald or specific Garnets) are almost always included. Understanding these types is essential for evaluating investment-grade gems, as rarity and value are determined by how “clean” a stone is relative to its species.
Why are “No-Heat” untreated gemstones more valuable for investors? Most gemstones on the market today are heat-treated to enhance color and clarity. Untreated (No-Heat) stones are significantly rarer, representing a tiny fraction of total production. For collectors and investors, a natural, untreated stone holds its value better over time because its beauty is entirely organic, requiring no human interference to achieve its vibrant hue.
How can I verify if a gemstone was ethically sourced? Ethical sourcing is best verified by a merchant who spends time “on the ground.” By visiting the Yen Bai Province and other mining regions directly, Andy Turkington ensures that labor practices are fair and that the local community benefits from the trade. This “Source to Market” approach provides a level of transparency that trade shows cannot match.
Serving the Australian Gemstone Community
Based in Brisbane, Andy is a regular fixture at the Gatton and Glen Innes gem shows. In a world of mass-produced jewelry and synthetic alternatives, Gems and More stands for the authentic, the rare, and the eternal.
“A gemstone is a piece of time you can hold in your hand. My job is to ensure that the piece of time you choose is as real, as rare, and as beautiful as the earth intended.” — Andy Turkington
Professional Credentials
20+ Years of International Gemstone Trading Experience.
Expert Trader specializing in Southeast Asian deposits.
Specialist in Luc Yen Spinel and Southeast Asian Ruby/Sapphire.
Founder of the “Source to Market” Tour Program.
Contact Andy Turkington for Private Consultations
Whether you are seeking a specific parcel of Cobalt Spinel, an investment-grade Ruby, or a spot on the 2026 Gemstone Tours, Andy is available for expert guidance.
Connect with Andy Turkington
Whether you are a jewelry designer looking for a specific parcel of Cobalt Spinel, a collector seeking an investment-grade Ruby, or an adventurer ready to join the 2026 Gemstone Tours, Andy is available for private consultations.
[Contact Andy Turkington] | [View the 2026 Tour Itinerary] | [Shop the Collection]