Gem Dealers Push to Ban Myanmar Rubies after Bloody Crackdown Has Them Seeing Red

Source: Associated Press via International Herald Tribune

Myanmar rubies are indisputably the world's finest, but their rich red hue is reminding an increasing number of international gem dealers of the bloody suppression of democracy advocates by the generals running the Southeast Asian country.

The military's most recent crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar, beginning in September, has renewed calls to boycott precious stones exported and smuggled out of one of the world's top gem producers.

"There is a growing awareness that it is a fascist regime," said Brian Leber, a third generation American gem dealer pushing for a boycott of "blood rubies."

For the full report, please follow this link: http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=8360638