Asian gem lab group AIGS is organizing a five-day cultural trip to the ruby mining area of Mogok in Myanmar in mid-October coinciding with the ICA (International Colored Gemstone Association) Congress.
The trip, which has been organized by AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences) on several occasions in the past, is available to those who wish to find out more about the remote mining origin of some of the world's most magnificent unheated pigeon blood Burmese rubies.
"The visits will be mainly to cultural attractions such as gem markets - as well as mining areas but how much activity we'll see will depend on the situation of the mines in October," said Kennedy Ho, Chairman of Bangkok-based AIGS.
Highlights of the October 17-21 trip, which will begin in Bangkok, will be a scenic drive from Mandalay to Mogok; visits to Yadanar Mall or the Jade Market in Mandalay; Pan Chan, Mini Mingalar and Pan Ma gem markets and home gem cutting at Mogok; the Ruby Land Viewpoint, offering long range views of the Mogok area; and local restaurant cuisine.
The trip will be a welcome opportunity for gemstone buying but is not designed for professional buyers.
"It will be a great chance to see local dealers buying and selling gems in the gem markets and to study the way they interact with each other," said Kennedy Ho.
The accommodation will be in a three-star hotel. Three meals will be provided per day, consisting mainly of locally cooked noodles. Clean drinking water will be provided throughout the trip.
Seats are limited and bookings will be handled on a "first come first serve" basis. Preference will be given to ICA Congress attendees and AIGS alumni.
The 19th Congress of ICA will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok from 12th to 15th October 2019, enabling industry experts to share their latest knowledge and insights with members of the trade and industry professionals. The biennial ICA Congresses are organized in member countries across the world. Thailand will be the first country to host the event for the third time - in 1987, 2005 and now 2019.