Gemsicuted

Written by Julian Robov

Four

Meljeb Towers, the ultimate dream-come-true-one-stop business center on Silom Road became available for many gemstone dealers from around the world. RUBIES AND CONTACTS!

Melvine Sanders chose the seventh floor permanently for one reason. He believed in number seven. Several brokers waited outside patiently for his attention. The commission was good and consistent. Sanders had a loyal following, and he made sure they came to his office first, before going elsewhere. Born in New York, Sanders made Bangkok his second home for convenience, pleasure and business, specializing in rubies from various localities in the world. He never had any taste for religion nor the rituals demanded by the tradition in his country of birth, instead he fled New York, and Thailand became his adopted country. Competition was there, but a very few players controlled the market. Ruby mines in Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam were primitive and very few good rubies reached the market. He developed a relationship among the miners and traders in and around the ruby producing countries of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, thus becoming a privileged trader among the few elite. It took a lot of patience and perseverance working with these traders who had their own rules and tradition. The ones who adapted succeeded in getting a foothold in the land of rubies and he was one of them.
“What way can I help you Miko? Now if I understand you properly, you need access to two million to buy the Burmese ruby, right? It’s a lot today, you know that, don’t you?” Sanders said frankly, motioning Miko to take his seat.
Miko had several ideas.
“Sure I do,” Miko replied, thanking Sanders for the Darjeeling tea, his favorite.
“Why is this deal so important to you Miko, if I may ask? Remember, we haven’t gotten into business this high. I would like to know complete details, and how are you gonna pay back?” Sanders kept rolling a cabochon ruby in his hand, while listening to Miko.
“We want you to become a partner in this one deal,” Miko continued. “We do not have the money to buy this piece on our own. That way your interests would also be protected. Our money is tied up with other acquisitions.”
“I can see what you mean. What’s so interesting about this ruby?” Sanders asked eagerly.
“This ruby? It’s a 37carat piece from the Mogok Stone Tract, Burma, not from Mong Hsu, the new source. Anyone who is familiar with its color would never doubt it. It’s a rare piece altogether, the mother of all color. There is that origin report from the Swiss laboratory stating its quality,” Miko added, watching Sanders’s reaction.
“Well, so far so good. You must know that the Swiss laboratory doesn’t mention about grading or quality in their reports. They just identify and give an opinion on their origin, right?” Sanders replied as if he knew everything.
“You’re right,” Miko said firmly.
“Is it untreated?” Sanders asked anxiously.
“It’s natural, untreated. The color is good, exceptionally good. I’ve seen similar qualities before. So, I remember. No one ever forgets the color of a good quality stone. This piece is top red with a very slight tint of pink in it. That’s all,” Miko said confidently.
“I see. How about clarity and cut?” Sanders asked.
“Very lightly included. Enough to prove it’s natural. A few liquid fingerprints on the pavilion. You need to magnify the stone to see those fingerprints. Cut, I should say fair to good. Like all previous stones they still keep that tradition. Cut slightly imperfectly for weight retention. But overall it has that aesthetic appeal, not at all ugly like the bottoms of a Sumo. Eye catching personality, I must say,” Miko answered, proving his knowledge.
“Now, where is the stone? Could it be possible to see the stone before I decide?” Sanders asked.
“I can arrange that. Remember this is a good offer we can’t afford to lose. Now, where in the world today can you buy a 37carat ruby for two million? You don’t have to go out of Bangkok. Just check the recent catalogues of Sotheby’s and Christie’s. This is a good bargain. The guy wants privacy and safe passage of his money to a numbered account in Switzerland,” Miko pleaded.
“Maybe, I’m interested, but at the moment, I can’t make any decisions due to other commitments. But the door is still open for further discussion.” Sanders began to test Miko’s patience and caliber.
“Sanders, you know this trade too well. It takes a split-second to go this way or the other way. We are dealing with people, not stones. We have to talk to them or others may also have an interest in it. We can’t afford to lose this. It’s a once in a lifetime deal,” Miko said.
“I know that too well, Miko. It’s the two million issue. I’ve got to consult with my partners. They will also have a say in my decisions,” Sanders said, playing his game.
“So, when will I know your decision? It shouldn’t be that long,” Miko argued.
“I’ll call you as soon as possible. But, I must see the stone first. When can I see that?” Sanders reminded repeatedly.
“Let’s say, tomorrow morning eight o’clock!” Miko answered.
“No. Bring it between twelve and two. For me, light is important. I would like to see how the ruby is going to look like during midday. The rest, I already know,” Sanders said plainly.
“As you wish. It will be here tomorrow, say around one o’clock. I’ll call you first.” Miko assured.
“Thanks, Miko.”
They shook hands and Miko left the office.