My Burma Myanmar gemstones :)

[Burmesedaze]

@Bluegemz most of the good rough goes from mine to overseas. Most don't make it to the local market here. But they aren't that difficult. Larger sizes are scarce now as the old mines that used to produce them are exhausted. Then, finding a perfect star sapphire/ruby with perfect asterism, translucency, no black inclusions, etc is another challenge

@clumberlove Experience and remember, the natives used to just pick them off the ground lol even before the large mining ops came in. So this knowledge is passed on for generations verbally is my guess.

The permits used to be able to be renewed fairly easily under the old government. New one halted the entire process. Presumably for a review of the law but really, who knows?

 

[Burmesedaze]

Morning mist over the mountains.

The artificial lake to the morning Mini Yadanar market, where mostly rough is sold. Where the lake is used to be a gemstone mountain. Fully mined and levelled by the British during colonial rule days.

 

[Burmesedaze]

At the Mini Yadanar market (the old Cinema market relocated to this).

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

[chroman]

Yum! Buying rough now?

 

[Burmesedaze]

At another street market where you stand around and sellers come shoving things to you

No personal space but fun..saw a few nice but severely overpriced moonstones and star sapphires. Noi time for photos.

 

[Burmesedaze]

Viewing at a local home

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

[Burmesedaze]

Yum! Buying rough now?

Hah, afraid we won't know enough. The rough needs to be bargained down too. We heard a guy go from $1000 to $70 and the seller said no. But my jeweller thinks that $70 is about fair.

Mostly spinel rough and small sapphires.

 

[Burmesedaze]

At Htar Pwe

 

[Burmesedaze]

Big stuff with bigger prices

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

How are the prices Burmesedaze?

Are they significantly cheaper than say Gemfix etc?

I always wonder what the mark up is.

 

[Burmesedaze]

Too much because you have to bargain down. I don't know GF's prices.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Too much because you have to bargain down. I don't know GF's prices.

Ahh so they start sky high and it's up to the buyer to bargain down to a fair price?

Dang I thought there would be bargains

 

[MissyBeaucoup]

What amazing scenery! Thanks for the incredible tour, @Burmesedaze !

 

[Burmesedaze]

Ahh so they start sky high and it's up to the buyer to bargain down to a fair price?

Dang I thought there would be bargains

Everything is like us10k upwards or mediocre spinels 1k upwards. I even held a 40 ct dark blue sapphire with green zoning and silk at us600k.

I would value most at under 10% of the asking price.

Oh and a gorgeous 20ct moonstone was asking for us11k.

 

[Burmesedaze]

Visit to the pagodas where all that glitters...is really gold. And gems.

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

[Burmesedaze]

View attachment 662785

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

[Stone Hunter]

WOW stunning photos! Thank you for sharing your trip with us! What an amazing experience you had. Did your jeweler buy anything for you?

 

[Burmesedaze]

WOW stunning photos! Thank you for sharing your trip with us! What an amazing experience you had. Did your jeweler buy anything for you?

Not appearing too eager. We can continue discussions from Yangon.

 

[Burmesedaze]

At the Mandalay jade market and Yadanar Mall

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

[ChaiK]

Ohhh, so lovely.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

OMG you got pics for us!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!

How are the prices?

 

[ChaiK]

I have to have the orange and grey jadeite tea set. So cute.

Oh and the yellow jade bangle....is it expensive? I remember may many years ago, someone saying bangles like that, yellowy orange white brown would bring good luck and cure impotence. I could not stop laughing then but it must be a serious thing if people believe it.