Myanmar Excursion: Discovering the Marvels of the Land
Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country renowned for its rich gemstone deposits, offers a captivating journey for gemstone enthusiasts and collectors. A recent gemmological tour, organised by Pauline Jamieson for the Scottish Gemmological Association, provided a unique insight into the diverse and vibrant gemstone markets of Myanmar.
The tour commenced in Myitkyina, home to Myanmar's licensed amber markets. The Myitkyina amber market offers a wide variety of jewellery, carvings, and beads, as well as rough amber. Amber, though less prominent compared to other gemstones, is often used in jewellery and decorative items.
The group had the opportunity to trade in a street corner surrounded by dealers, with stock mainly consisting of ruby, spinel, sapphire, zircons, and some pricey ones. Traders in Myanmar were friendly but prices were higher due to the proximity of the Chinese market.
Amber is not the only gemstone found in Myanmar. Jade, particularly jadeite, is highly valued in Chinese culture and has a significant market presence. Rubies from Myanmar, particularly the Mogok Valley, are among the most valuable and sought-after in the world. Sapphires, spinels, peridot, and tourmaline are also mined in Myanmar, each with its unique characteristics and market dynamics.
The discovery of mushroom tourmaline was a highlight of the tour, occurring near Mogok. The quality and clarity of Burmese amber was high, with some specimens containing preserved insects and plants. Colourful zircons and sizable rutilated topazes were plentiful in the gemmological tour.
The jade market is heavily influenced by smuggling and informal trade, contributing to its profitability despite environmental and social costs. The ruby market is impacted by political instability and the control of armed groups. The sapphire market, while less prominent than rubies, still benefits from Myanmar's historic reputation for producing high-quality gemstones.
The spinel market is niche but valued for its rarity and beauty. Peridot is found in various parts of the world, including Myanmar, but it is not as prominent in the Myanmar gemstone market as rubies or jade. Tourmaline is another gemstone with a presence in Myanmar, though it is not as highly valued or sought after as rubies or jade.
The group visited Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly known as Scott's Market) in Yangon, offering a chance to see Myanmar's golden pearls and other treasures. They also visited the Myanmar Gems Museum in Yangon, which offers a wonderful overview of Myanmar's rich gemstone treasures. The group agreed to return to Myanmar if Mogok reopens, due to its fabulous treasures and wonderful people.
The expertise and insight of guide Duncan Baker provided an unparalleled glimpse into Myanmar's gem world during the trip. The tour concluded with visits to Mogok Street in Yangon, where many gems are traded. The tour was a testament to the diverse and vibrant gemstone markets of Myanmar, offering a unique and enriching experience for all participants.
- The Myanmar Gems Museum in Yangon offers a wonderful overview of Myanmar's rich gemstone treasures, showcasing gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.
- During the gemmological tour, the group discovered the beauty of mushroom tourmaline and marveled at the high quality and clarity of Burmese amber, which often contains preserved insects and plants.
- In addition to gemstone markets, the tour also provided an opportunity for members to engage in workshops and courses related to gemmology, enhancing their understanding of the science behind these precious stones.
- For the stylish traveler, a visit to Myanmar allows for the incorporation of gemstones into their lifestyle, with jade, ruby, and sapphire jewelry and decorative items readily available in local markets.
