Land of Cambodia is rich in many varieties of gems, but let's talk here
about precious gems only – sapphires, rubies and emeralds. The most famous
Cambodian mines are located in Pailin. Sapphires from Pailin are considered
among the best sapphires in the world, there’s even a special color grade
"Pailin" used in jewelry for classification of blue sapphires.
Besides sapphires, Pailin has ruby and emerald mines, however, production of
emerald is minor. Most part of emeralds you can find in Cambodia are imported
from India.
Blue Sapphire cut already
If you plan to purchase precious gemstones in Cambodia, mention that there
are no gemological institutes neither professional experts who may verify your
stone and provide you with an official certificate. Your success depends on
your knowledge in this domain, seller's honesty, your personal luck and your
intuition of course.
When buying stones don't forget that export of precious gemstones is
illegal in Cambodia unless you buy finished jewelry products – rings, bracelets
or pendants with gems. But is it still profitable: the price you pay for a
sapphire ring will anyway be much lower comparing with European market. Gold
used for jewelry in Cambodia is often a base-alloy and doesn't correspond to international
standards. If you are serious about jewelry business, you'd better to test
local gold with reagents; you can find them in many specialized shops.
Cambodian jewelry market is flooded by fake stones. Don't even pay
attention to an extraordinary $17 offer for a silver bracelet massively
decorated with small blue "Cambodian sapphires" – it is fake for
sure, as well as two-carat rubies just for $50 each. Even in big central shops
you risk to pay a sapphire price for a piece of colored glass. Certificates
issued by street jewelry boutiques are not to be trusted. Another common
fraud – sellers show you a positive reply from a diamond tester. What a genial
idea! – considering that diamond testers may never be used for sapphires.
Natural Emerald
Natural sapphires cost $12 per stone for smallest specimens of 0.05 –
0.30 carat, $20 for half-carat stones and over $100 for stones bigger then 1
carat. Ruby prices are slightly higher. The value of the stone is highly
depends on color intensity, clarity and quality of cut. Moreover, price depends
on a special treatment method: heat treatment significantly improves the color
of sapphire crystal. Such stones are known as "heated". Heat
treatment is officially accepted in gemology world, over 90% of all sapphires
and rubies selling worldwide are heated. However, real connoisseurs and
collectors hunt for unheated gems. In average, prices of unheated
stones are 25-30% higher.
So where to buy? You can find jewelry booths on any big market in Phnom
Penh or Siem-Reap. Russian market (Psaa Tul Tum Pum) or Yellow market (Psaa
Tmai) in Phnom Penh have large jewelry areas. There are several big shops
around Yellow market, with similar choice and quality of goods. Prices in these
shops are higher but you shouldn't rely on it. In addition, prices are never
indicated – this is an old Khmer tradition to set up the price by eye. Bargain!
Long negotiation may help obtaining a discount up to 30%. The best way is to
find a reputable jeweler. Ask somebody who already bought gemstones and check
them after – they certainly can recommend you a reliable seller.
Rough Natural Ruby
Don't discuss this matter with local tourist guides – they will address
you to places they work for and receive commissions from sales. They don't care
if their favorite sellers are honest or not, they suppose you will never be
back in Cambodia in the future. But, regardless big risks, some lucky
foreigners still have chance to live the country with a high quality gems
bought for relatively low prices. Good luck!
Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteWe supply Sri Lankan / Ceylon Sapphires and precious gems.
Kindly visit
Web. www.lakgems.com
WHATS APP :- +94777416720
E MAIL : - laktrading@sltnet.lk
Thank you ,
Nalin Wetthasinghe
Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteWe supply Sri Lankan / Ceylon Sapphires and precious gems.
Kindly visit
Web. www.lakgems.com
WHATS APP :- +94777416720
E MAIL : - laktrading@sltnet.lk
Thank you ,
Nalin Wetthasinghe
Can I know where to get blue zircon stone pls msg me 60165217369 we chat or Watlass tqvm
ReplyDeleteMail me:sinsokkea47@gmail.com. I live in Cambodia, I can supply you.
DeleteInterested with blue sapphire earrings.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
I have blue and amber color certified Cambodian zircons for sale. Please check my post in Khmer24
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ReplyDeleteLove You who really specializes and understand about our country mines I am a new generation like to learn you all thanks
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Thanks you for this post. I'm going to Cambodia just after Xmas this year... Id like to find a gemstone for an engagement ring. I was gonna buy the stone itself, but good thing you told me that exporting the gemstone is illegal. Wondering if I should have it set on a ring before I leave.
ReplyDeleteThere is no gemological institute in Cambodia? Really?
ReplyDeleteWhat about the Gemological Institute of Cambodia, open since 2014? http://gem.agency/
By the way, there are no emeralds in Cambodia. And there are none in India either.
India imports emeralds from Colombia and Zambia. Emeralds are cut in India and are then dispatched all over the world. Those are poor quality stones that have undergone treatments in order to improve their color and transparency.
I agree "Don't discuss this matter with local tourist guides" But I will add: Don't discuss this matter with anyone except a graduate gemmologist. People are not necessarily dishonest, but that doesn't mean they know what they are talking about.
I want to by rough can somebody help me
ReplyDelete