Historically, Burma ( Myanmar ) has been home to the worlds finest rubies, they originate from the Mogok Stone Tract an area of some four hundred square miles in the Katha district , ninety miles north east of Mandalay. It is unknown when mining first began in Burma, but the earliest records date from 1597 when the king of Burma took over the mines.

The first European visitor to Mogok was probably Jean -Baptiste Tavernier, the noted explorer and forefather of the international gem trade who made six trips to India and Burma in search of the finest gems for his royal clients. He testified: "You would find it difficult to meet with one of good quality,

weighting 3 or 4 carats, because of the strict injunctions against allowing the removal of any which the King has not seen; and he retains all the good ones which are found among them." He furthers exclaimed: "When a ruby exceeds 6 carats and is perfect, it is sold for whatever is asked for it."

As a matter of fact it is true that a high quality ruby with a colour closest to the pure red tone of the spectrum, of large dimensions, not artificially enhanced, is so difficult to find that it can reach a much higher price than any other precious stone in the world.