By Our Special Correspondent
Shillong: When it comes to precious stones, the Myanmarese have a natural flair for identifying genuine, high grade varieties. U Khin Maung Kyi and his wife Daw Khin Than Khine who had been regular stall owners at the international trade fairs organised by the Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA), said they are happy to be back at Shillong.
“We have been busy settling our children into different professional courses. Our daughter went to study business management in Australia so that she can take up this trade and carry it to a different level,” U Khin Maung said affably.
The Myanmarese seem happy about the present transition to democracy in their country. They have a new flag which they have displayed above the counter alongside the picture of Myanmar’s champion for democracy – Aung San Syu Kyi.
Most people throng the Myanmar stall to look for genuine Burmese rubies. They are known to be the best in the world. Customers are given a little leaflet explaining the powers of the nine most esteemed gems and what each one stands for.
It says ruby stands for power, emerald for peace, diamond for fame, sapphire for affection, zircon for strength, topaz for good health, cat’s eye for accomplishment, pearl for glory and grace, coral for leadership power.
The pamphlet also tells a person what stones to invest in depending on the month of her/his birth. Many buy the stones because they believe in astrology and the cosmic power of stones which they claim has scientific basis. Others buy a precious stone because they love its sheen and beauty when it is crafted ands set in a ring, earrings or bracelet.
For gem connoisseurs the Cabochon rubies mined in Burma are considered the best because of their intense colour, rarity and durability.
Cabochons are known as ‘pigeon’s blood’ rubies because of their fiery colour. The deeper the red of the ruby the greater its value increases. Cabochons are rounded and smooth instead of being cut into facets that reflect light.
This year the Sri Lankan father-son duo, Sally Gems Colombo, who not only deal with gems and jewellery but are also tea merchants are back in Shillong. They too boast of genuine precious stones which have been specially chosen to be brought to the trade fair. Sri Lanka is noted for its blue sapphire besides other gems which the country is famous for.
The Thai traders, amiable and noisy have the largest number of stalls ranging from exquisitely crafted artificial orchids and flowers to wonderfully crafted artificial jewellery that would pass off as the real stuff for the untrained eye. They cater to a large clientele that prefer the razzle dazzle rather than the unaffordable gold and diamond jewellery.
This is the 13th International Shillong Trades Fair organised by ITFAA. A couple of weeks ago ITFAA organised a similar fair at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, Guwahati where they had world renowned Sumo wrestlers performing to the delight of Guwahatians.
Rajesh Das of ITFAA informed that the Association would be handing over an ambulance to the Dorbar Shnong of Laitumkhrah out of the proceeds of the annual trade fair, on February 29.