Royal Elegance: The Sacred Thai Quartz Gracing HM the Queen’s Wardrobe in Milan
Queen Suthida spotlights the "Stone of Invincibility" from Lampang, blending Lanna spiritual heritage with contemporary winter couture in Italy
- In Milan, Queen Suthida wore brooches and buttons made from sacred Thai quartz, specifically "Pong Kham" (Lodolite Quartz) from Lampang.
- Known as the "Stone of Invincibility," this quartz is a sacred gem in Northern Thailand's Lanna culture, believed to provide protection, prestige, and other spiritual benefits.
- The Queen's choice of these traditionally hand-mined gemstones served to highlight and promote Thai local craftsmanship on an international high-fashion stage.
Queen Suthida spotlights the "Stone of Invincibility" from Lampang, blending Lanna spiritual heritage with contemporary winter couture in Italy.
When Her Majesty Queen Suthida took her seat at the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena this week, she wasn’t just representing Thailand as an ambassador for the sport; she was carrying a piece of the kingdom's ancient geological soul.
Pinned to her "Cloud Dancer" off-white wool jacket were two striking "Pong Kham" (Lodolite Quartz) brooches.
To the casual observer, they appeared as contemporary crystal ornaments, but to the people of Lampang, these stones are "Kaew Kab Thong"—sacred gems believed to bestow prestige, protection, and extraordinary loving-kindness upon the wearer.
The choice of jewellery offers a fascinating glimpse into the Lanna culture of Northern Thailand. The term "Kham" in the local dialect refers to a state of being "impenetrable" or "invincible."
For over 2,000 years, these stones have been used to adorn the spires of holy pagodas and have been buried at the four corners of homes to safeguard families.
On the Queen’s ensemble, the twin brooches were complemented by buttons crafted from "Kaew Mok Mung Mueang" (Mist Over the City Quartz), a variety said to bring peace and serenity to its owner.
A Legacy of Manual Craftsmanship
The story of these stones begins at Doi Pong Luang in the Thoen District of Lampang.
Here, the "slow fashion" movement is not a trend, but a centuries-old law. To preserve the sanctity and the livelihood of the local miners, the use of heavy machinery is strictly forbidden.
Every stone is extracted using only crowbars, hoes, and spades. The process is as much spiritual as it is physical; miners still perform ancient rituals to ask the mountain’s guardian spirits for permission before they begin their search.
From Village Mines to Global Stage
By choosing these indigenous gemstones over traditional diamonds or emeralds for a high-profile European visit, the Queen has provided an invaluable platform for Thai local craftsmanship.
The "Na Ban Rai" village, where the stones are meticulously cut and polished by hand, remains a hub for "Mu-telu" (spiritual) enthusiasts.
However, with this Royal endorsement, the humble Pong Kham is no longer just a local talisman—it has become a symbol of how traditional Thai heritage can seamlessly inhabit the world of international high fashion.
