Gemstones Blog

Due to its proximity to some of the most historic and profitable mines in the world, Bangkok has a wide-reaching reputation for being the premier gem trading capital. Bangkok is not only a gem cutting and fashion center, but it also offers a wide range of high quality gems that can be shipped quickly to customers anywhere. Plus, the government has a hand in organizing massive gem and jewelry sales for which they will even provide taxicabs to transport buyers.

Bangkok is surrounded by mines - not only across Asia, but also in Thailand. Thailand (the country in which Bangkok is situated), is known for its sapphire mines. Myanmar, where the rare and valuable Burma rubies are mined, is located a short distance away. Burma not only produces the finest rubies, it also produces exquisite sapphires and the worlds finest jadeite jade stones. In addition, there are exquisite sapphire mines located in nearby Cambodia. Therefore, Bangkok provides a center point for gemstone trade and fashion based on its central Asian location and on the eagerness of gemologists to maintain the citys reputation for providing the highest-quality possible gemstones.

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The following article, written by Mick Elmore, details the dangers of a boycott of Burmese gemstones. AJS Gems’ owner Arnold Silverberg was interviewed for the article, and his views were included in the piece. The article was covered by the L.A. Times, The Associated Press, NBC and many others.

By Mick Elmore

November 26, 2007

The rich red hue of Myanmars prized rubies is a reminder to many gem dealers of the military governments bloody crackdown on democracy advocates, and talk of a boycott is increasing.

“There is a growing awareness that it is a fascist regime,” said Brian Leber, a third-generation American gem dealer in Western Springs, Ill. “Considering what this regime has done to its own people, were troubled to see that a precious stone is offering such a great source of cash for them.”

“Trade in these stones supports human rights abuses,” New York-based Human Rights Watch said earlier this month. “The sale of these gems gives Burmas military rulers quick cash to stay in power.” (Myanmar is also known as Burma.)

But a successful boycott of what activists call “blood rubies” will prove difficult. More than 1,500 people from more than 20 countries registered for a gems auction that opened this month despite the boycott calls. While some rubies are exported legally, many also are smuggled out of Myanmar.

The ruby trade puts money in the juntas pocket, since it controls mining concessions, but the scale of the profit is hard to assess. Secrecy shrouds both the gem trade and the country as a whole…

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This article was submitted by John H., gem lover and AJS Gems customer…

Shopping for loose gemstones or gemstone jewelry can be more difficult if you do not first have adequate information about precious stones. The value of a gemstone depends upon its physical characteristics like color, clarity, cut, size and phenomenal effects. In the absence of any universally accepted grading system for the value of precious stones, color still remains the basic criteria for selection. The reason is obvious, because the color of a gemstone is the main characteristic that attracts.

It is pertinent to note that essentially the color of any gemstone depends on the basic nature of light. White light or daylight comprises of different colors and when it passes through any material some colors are absorbed and some are not. What is seen by the naked eye is the unabsorbed color. Burma rubies appear red because they absorb all colors of white light except red, which is reflected back at the observer.

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Cultures around the world have valued gemstones not only as a symbol of power, but also for their metaphysical properties. For millennia, gemstones have been revered as sources of healing power, protection, strength, and wealth. They were even found adorning the body of the oldest fossilized human, which was dated to 5 million years ago! Gemstones have been used by the powerful and the mystical; they have been embedded in royal crowns and scepters of royal kings and queens around the world, and they have been used by healers and psychics as metaphysical tools to help access mystical powers.

Different gemstones are said to have unique metaphysical powers. Here is an overview of what metaphysical properties some popular gemstones hold:

Burma Ruby - Burma Ruby can help bring clarity and wisdom to your world. This stone is believed to assist you in finding your most productive outlets. The fiery power of Burmese Ruby will ignite passion and keep its wearer motivated. Burma Ruby is known to protect its possessor against harmful intentions. This gemstone is also thought to shield against psychic or physical attack. Sleeping with a ruby is thought to stimulate lucid dreaming, allowing your conscious mind to interact with the subconscious. Interestingly a dream of ruby can signal new wealth or other financial opportunity soon to come in your future.

Amethyst - Amethyst is one of the most popular and widely sold gemstones. It promotes happiness and spirituality, balancing intelligence, emotions, and the physical side of the body. It is also a healing gemstone and is said to calm the nervous system, promote healing in the stomach and heart, and ease the pain of arthritis.

Tourmaline - Tourmaline gemstones have the power to enhance ones understanding, increase self-confidence and amplify ones psychic energies, and aid in concentration and communication. Conversely, they are said to neutralize negative energies, and dispel fear and grief. Tourmaline is believed to be useful in relaxing the body and the mind, and to help in the treatment of many different diseases such as anxiety, blood poisoning, arthritis, and heart disease. Read more…