Burma is a rich and beautiful country. The reality is that just like the jade industry, Burma's gemstone trade is a corrupt military racket, run by the country's top generals and powerful armed groups. The revenue from this lucrative trade has enabled the Burmese military to consolidate power and financial resources in unimaginable ways. On a side note, in its ongoing commitment to responsible and ethical sourcing, the House of Harry Winston will no longer sources gemstones from its suppliers that have Burmese origin, regardless of their importation dates. Why it took so long?
