Publication

The author discusses how Western-led international sanctions have failed to stem the trade in Burmese gemstones. The Burmese gem industry continues to thrive at a furious pace despite international sanctions. Conventional estimates are that up to 90 percent of the world’s supply in rubies and 70 percent of premium jadeite is of Burmese-origin. As a result of the rising source of revenue the gemstone trade is providing to the Burmese military-rules state, international campaigns advocating a boycott of Burmese gemstones become increasingly vocal.