The Ruby Markets
Myanmar is famous for the quality of its rubies. The highest quality "pidgeon blood" rubies come from the area of Mandalay. We chartered our guide to take us to a typical market to see and possibly purchase some rubies.
We were taken to a large multi-story building literally full of ruby stalls. There must have been a hundred different tables with samples to appraise and buy. We were instantly in over our heads. These were all uncut, rough stones. Many were very large and of perfect color. We decided to wait and go to the Yangon Gems market and buy already cut and finished stones.
Stones are sorted in piles according to size and color. Mabye next time we will take the plunge...