I've been living and working in Myanmar (Burma) since 2012, working previously in Yangon and Mandalay.
Although I don't work in the stones business, I have met various people who have invested/purchased rubies, and all seem to have made a good return on their investments, despite not being gem experts.
I've recently moved down to work in Naypyidaw (the new and rather strange capital city of Myanmar). From my location, it is difficult to invest in anything(!), not because of sanctions (which have all been lifted), but primarily because the international banking system is still in its infancy and outbound fund transfers to invest abroad (in stocks, gold, whatever), are not feasible - I have to hand-carry USD in cash and fly to Bangkok.
So it got me thinking about investing in 'something' within the country, that could be easily exported if I ever decide to leave the country (my current employment is reasonably safe for 10 years).
Now I've read all the horror stories about fake rubies, naive buyers etc, and I know full-well that if I tried to purchase rubies myself, then I'd surely be ripped off.
That being the case, does anyone know of a reliable and trusted gems seller in Myanmar (any city), from whom I could buy rubies or other gems, safe in the knowledge that I'm buying the genuine article (rough or cut).
I'm also open to any suggestions as to how I can make some more money (legally) from my rather unique location in Myanmar (I'm doing fine saving money from my employment, but I don't like seeing hard cash just sitting there and not earning interest....)
Thanks for any advice and Happy Xmas!
Although I don't work in the stones business, I have met various people who have invested/purchased rubies, and all seem to have made a good return on their investments, despite not being gem experts.
I've recently moved down to work in Naypyidaw (the new and rather strange capital city of Myanmar). From my location, it is difficult to invest in anything(!), not because of sanctions (which have all been lifted), but primarily because the international banking system is still in its infancy and outbound fund transfers to invest abroad (in stocks, gold, whatever), are not feasible - I have to hand-carry USD in cash and fly to Bangkok.
So it got me thinking about investing in 'something' within the country, that could be easily exported if I ever decide to leave the country (my current employment is reasonably safe for 10 years).
Now I've read all the horror stories about fake rubies, naive buyers etc, and I know full-well that if I tried to purchase rubies myself, then I'd surely be ripped off.
That being the case, does anyone know of a reliable and trusted gems seller in Myanmar (any city), from whom I could buy rubies or other gems, safe in the knowledge that I'm buying the genuine article (rough or cut).
I'm also open to any suggestions as to how I can make some more money (legally) from my rather unique location in Myanmar (I'm doing fine saving money from my employment, but I don't like seeing hard cash just sitting there and not earning interest....)
Thanks for any advice and Happy Xmas!