Jakarta Gems Center is located on Jl. Bekasi Barat No. 2 Jatinegara, East Jakarta or just across the Jatinegara Station. This traditional market previously known as Pasar Rawa Bening or the “shiny swamp market”. It is not an ordinary marketplace, because people come here looking for gemstone. But no need to worry, since the market also have traders that sells silver, gold, diamonds, clothes, shoes, accessories, and also –surprisingly – drug store.

Sitting on 10,866 square meters of land, this four level shopping center hosts more than 1,000 traders and claims to be one of the biggest gemstone centers in the Southeast Asia. This modern look traditional market was renovated in 2007, when the Governor Fauzi Bowo ordered the marketplace to be demolished and replaced by the new building. The Jakarta government hoped  that the renovation would help turn the gemstone center into an international tourist destination.

Tourists came looking for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, jade, amethyst, and opals. Prices for the stones vary, from as little as Rp 25,000 to Rp 1 million ($3 to $110) or more, depending on the size and quality.  Stones and rings can be bought separately at the center and also made to order on site. Rings can cost anywhere from Rp 50,000 to Rp 200,000. The most popular ring is a silver ring with small imitation diamonds embedded around the fitting.

There were a few tricks that you should know to get the best deal. It is best coming at weekday to avoid the crowds and the sellers increase their prices during weekend. Weekdays is always a good day to take the time to bargain. No need to rush, be patient, and always bargain is the key to get the best deal price

How to get here (see the route map):

From Juanda / Gondangdia / Cikini go to platform 2 and take the Blue Line heading to Bekasi and stop at Jatinegara and take a 2 minute walks to the south

From Tanah Abang go to platform 2 and take the Yellow Line heading to Jatinegara. Take a 2 minute walks to the south

From Sudirman go to platform 1 and take the Yellow Line heading to Jatinegara. Take a 2 minute walks to the south

See the link map or the map below