Tropical Gemstone

Asia is blessed with more gemological riches than any other region on Earth. The ancient diamond mies of India provided many of the most celebrated gemstones of all time. The earth and streams of Thailand, vietnam and cambodia yields rubies and sapphires, while the warm, clear seas of Indonesia and the Philippines nurture exquisite south sea pearls, Myanmar and Sri Lanka hold the most dazzling treasure troves of all, producing gemstones of legendary beauty and amazing variety.

Most of the gem mining activity in Myanmar centers around the town of Mogok in the northern part of the country. A mountain road from Mandalay, twisting through ancient teak forests infested with highwaymen, leads to this elusive land of million dollar gems. In addition to ruby, Mogok and its environs possess large deposits of sapphire, diamond, spinel, peridot, apatite, scapolite, moonstone, zircon, garnet, tourmaline, iolite and amethyst. Upper Myanmar is the world's only major source of jadeite, the most beautiful and desired of the jade minerals, while gigantic south sea pearls are cultivated in the tropical seas of Myanmar's southern coast.

The tropical island of Sri Lanka is commonly known as the island of gems because of the spectacular range of jewels found in its gravelly soil. It is most famous for its lovely sapphires, but it also produces ruby, diamond, garnet, alexandrite, spinel, zircon, peridot,topaz, tourmaline, moonstone and a highly prized chrysoberyl cat's eye. Gems are found throughout central and southern Sri Lanka, but large scale mining is concentrated in the Ratnapura and Elahera areas. Sri Lanka gems are found in the crown jewels of Europe and in artifacts from CHina's Ming Dinasty tombs.

Gemstones are deeply embedded in Asian cultures, in China, the cult of jade worship began in the Neolithic era, when objects made of the precious material were used in religious ceremonies, agriculture and war. Even the most ancient sanskrit manuscripts are rich with tales of fantastic jewels, both mythical and real

Today, many of the most fabulous stones from Asia' opulent past reside in the royal treasuries of Europe or in the permanent collections of the world's great museum.

In recent years, Asia has become even more prolific in its gem production as new sources have been discovered and new mines opened. due to its skilled gem cutters and thriving jewelry-making industries, Thailand has become the indisputed center of the world's colored gemstone industry. Gems from Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and India as well as from distant lands such as Brazil, Columbia, Australia and Africa pour into the Thai capital of Bangkok for processing. Everything from amethyst and citrine to the most priceless gems are cut and polished here, then set into jewelry ranging from inexpensive silver setting to elegant gold and platinum pieces encrusted with diamonds, rubies and sapphires.

Gemstones processing and jewelry manufacturing takes place in India, Hong Kong, The Philippines and Malaysia as well. China also beginning to get in on the act as its economy opens up to outside investors. In recent years, Asia has become the world's most important market for jewelry with the record prices set for pieces at Christie's and Sotheby's auctions in Hong Kong. Just as wealthy Europeans once vied to own fantastic gems engraved with the imprint of such European names as Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels. The growing middle class, from Shanghai to Singapore is well acquainted with the brand Tiffany.

Economic recessions, political turmoil and natural disasters may come and go but Asia's long love affair with gems is no doubt set to last for eternity.

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By Carol Clark (tropical gemstones, periplus)