To anyone with a knowledge of gemstones, Burma is a name that embodies images of significant effort and treasure. 

Although now known as Myanmar, the country is still referred to as Burma by many, including ourselves when we discuss gemstones from the area. Burma borders other gem-rich countries such as Thailand and China; however, this nation stands out as a shining light among the gem-wealthy sources of Southeast Asia and the rest of the world. 

But why? 

Burma is a country revered for its rich deposits of precious and semi-precious gemstones – Ruby, Sapphire, and Jade, to name a few. The country's gem trade has played an influential role in its economic structure, as well as offering a wealth of opportunity to the gemstone jewellery market.

Here, we explore Burma's history, gemstones, and mining operations in more detail, and explain just how influential its luscious landscapes are in the world of fine jewellery. 

THE HISTORY OF BURMA'S GEM TRADE

Burma's gemstone history dates back thousands of years. Its coveted parcels are world-renowned and have been held in high regard for centuries. 

In the third century BC, China began to trade with the people of Burma and had a particular interest in its Rubies, believing they had special powers. Since then, the country has continued to attract traders and gem enthusiasts alike, and it is an international hotspot for buying and selling gemstones. 

Even today, Burma's Mogok Valley is one of the most significant Ruby sources in the world, with people travelling near and far to get their hands on one of its deposits. 

THE EVOLUTION OF BURMA'S GEMSTONE ENTERPRISE

By the turn of the 20th century, the Burma Mines Company was established following the Colonial Period, when the country's gem trade was under British rule.

This company had colossal power over Burmese gemstones for a significant amount of time until Burma gained independence in 1948, and the government established the Myanmar Gems Enterprise (MGE). Burma officially became Myanmar in 1989. 

With the inception of the MGE, the country's government took back control of the nation's gem trade and it began to oversee the sourcing, production, and sale of its gemstones.

As the MGE grew, it took on integral responsibilities such as pricing and export regulations, and it has only continued to evolve and expand as the years have passed. 

Today, despite years of economic challenges and political unrest, Burma has one of the strongest and highest-quality gemstone supplies in the world. Its rich deposits are prized for their rarity and calibre, and play an essential role in the country's economic growth. 

MINING & PRODUCTION

As the Burmese government now controls Burma's gemstone trade, the MGE is solely responsible for the mining, producing, and selling of the country's gemstone supply. As a result of this, the government has been working to change and reform the industry by introducing new policies and regulations, in a bid to increase transparency and eliminate misconduct and corruption.  

Most of the gemstones mined in Burma come from alluvial deposits formed by the erosion of the mountainous landscape. They are often collected from riverbeds using traditional, artisanal methods.

However, private companies and organisations owned by the government also conduct large mining operations to extract these gems, and it is the MGE's role to navigate the various consequential challenges such as poor infrastructure and deforestation. 

Additionally, because the trading of Burmese gemstones is on an international scale, the majority are exported to the likes of Europe, the USA, and other countries across Asia. So, overseeing exports and issuing licences to miners and dealers allows Burma to ensure that its gemstones are produced and sold legally and fairly.  

GEMSTONES FOUND IN BURMA

As we've mentioned, rich and exceptional deposits of multiple gemstones hail from Burma, solidifying its place on the map of high-quality gemstone sources. These gemstones include, but aren't limited to: 

• Ruby 

• Sapphire 

• Spinel 

• Zircon 

• Garnet 

• Peridot 

• Jade 

Let's look at a few of them. 

RUBY

Burmese Rubies are world-renowned for their deep, rich colour and exceptional clarity. According to the International Coloured Gemstone Association, Burma produced approximately 90% of the world's Rubies at the start of the century, and the Mogok Valley region produces some of the most high-quality parcels.

SPINEL

Before modern technological advancements, Spinel was often mistaken for Ruby, and Burma is one of the world's major Spinel sources. The gem comes in an array of colours, including yellow, green, blue, purple and grey. However, Burma produces arguably the finest red and pink Spinels out of any other country on Earth. 

JADE

Jade is known worldwide for its vivid green hue and unrivalled translucency. Burma is the world's largest producer of high-quality Jadeite, the most valuable type of Jade, and accounts for more than 70% of the global supply. Countries like China hold Burmese Jade in extremely high regard, and the gem is often exported for use in art and ornaments as well as jewellery. 

BUY BURMESE GEMSTONE JEWELLERY FROM GEMPORIA

Burma is the jewel in the gemstone market's crown; whilst the industry continues to face challenges, its gem trade has a vast and thrilling history that will only continue to thrive in the future.  

We put Burmese gemstones on a rightfully high pedestal here at Gemporia, and there are few things we take more pride in than offering authentic, natural, high-quality Burmese gemstone jewellery. 

To see, learn about, and purchase Burmese jewellery from Gemporia, join us for our weekend TV event, Burma: Revisited, from Friday 16th August. Watch live here.