End of Year Gem Sale Exceeds Expectation in Myanmar

Sales exceeded last year’s Emporium and beat expectations at mid-December sales in Myanmar's Gem Emporium event. "A total of 190 gem lots and 6,685 jade lots were exhibited, and 32 gem lots and 5,054 jade lots were sold," according to the Myanmar Times. More than 4,400 gem merchants attended, about half from China. No U.S. buyers were present. According to a report by Global New Light, sales of gems and jade amounted to 439.35 million euros.
UPDATE: There were reports about less participation in this Emporium. Among explanations are government regulation, taxation and the black market. Here is an article exploring many of the problems.

Consider a Visit to Myanmar's Jade Pagoda

Planning next year's vacation? Maybe you would like to visit Myanmar's Werawsana Jade Pagoda, 75 ft. tall and built of 11.000 tons of that country's precious stone. Located near Mandalay, it is a favorite site of pilgrims and tourists. A visit could be combined with a visit to Mandalay's jade market, said to be the world's largest such outlet. It is geared mainly to dealers, often Chinese traders who will take their finds back home and increase the price considerably. But worth the visit as you will likely see genuine jade rather than the enhanced or faked material so common to western sales venues.

Sanctions Would Have Little Effect

Gem merchants in Myanmar say that sanctions imposed by some foreign firms are unlikely to have much effect on sales. The bulk of gem sales by far involve jade sold to China where no sanctions are envisioned. From the story: "Myanmar is currently holding another jade and gems emporium in Naypyitaw that will sell 190 gem lots and 6,685 jade lots. More than 2,000 Chinese buyers, 19 Thai buyers and three buyers from Macao have come to the emporium, while only a Canadian buyer has registered to attend." here is the link.

Huge Jade Boulder Unearthed

Latest update: Massive stone has been cut up and will be sold off in December.
Update: Here is a better story on the incredible find.

A mining company in Myanmar has made a Big discovery. The massive jade boulder is worth billions in local currency, certainly many many million in US dollars: 

"Measuring 19 feet long, 15 feet wide and 14 feet high, it is the biggest stone found in secondary deposits, according to U Min Thu, deputy director of Myanmar Gems Enterprise."

In Search of Afghanistan Jade

I"ve been intrigued by some ads I've seen lately for Afghanistan jade and wondered about it. Some very interesting comments turned up on the Wild Roses and Blackberries blog, by someone who buys beads.
The writer mentions "afghan jade, which is serpentine," and notes that a source says it is  "most likely a dyed calcite or limestone." Furthermore: "In fact, unlike Afghan jade, Afghanistan jade doesn't even come from

Jade Vessels Auction Item at November Sotheby's

A little collection of jade vessels will be auctioned Nov. 10 at Sotheby's in London:

Multi-Million Sale Coming In Myanmar

The government will hold its mid-year sales emporium in mid-December, attracting an international crowd of dealers. Earlier this year sales totaled $690-million for mostly jade and some other gems, with over 5,000 traders attending. Here is the link to a story about the event. 

Maori Warrior with Raven Headdress in Green Jade

This very impressive carving is expected to bring $100-300 in a December Helms Native American Auction, I wouldn't doubt it will go higher despite the atmosphere of doubt surrounding Maori carving. Many museum pieces are said to trace to German carvers and today many of the popular "Maori" pendant trinkets are from China. It would seem that the carver

Trouble in the Jade Mining Lawless Area

A miner was shot by police during a confrontation that follows other violence in the jade mining area described as "largely lawless." Scavengers gather in protest if mine tailings are closed to them. According to the story (click on quote for link), "The mines have also spawned a sub-culture of drug addiction, gambling, prostitution and other underground activities."

Jade Prices Rising Dramatically

This story has been around for a while now but deserves attention as an indication of the current market. "There's no denying the rising price of jade. Aside from million-dollar bangles, jade jewelry of the the right color and quality, from necklaces to earrings and pendants, has all been attracting serious money." Here is the article as posted by CNN.