Precious gemstones in Cambodia: myths vs facts

Land of Cambodia is rich in many varieties of gems,but let's talk here about precious gems only – sapphires,

rubies and emeralds. The most famous Cambodian mines are located in Pailin. Sapphires from Pailin are considered among the best sapphires in the world, there’s even a special color grade "Pailin" used in jewelry for classification of blue sapphires. Besides sapphires, Pailin has ruby and emerald mines, however, production of emerald is minor. Most part of emeralds you can find in Cambodia are imported from India.
If you plan to purchase precious gemstones in Cambodia, mention that there are no gemological institutes neither professional expert who may verify your stone and provide you with an official certificate. Your success depends on your knowledge in this domain, seller's honesty, your personal luck and your intuition of course.

When buying stones don't forget that export of precious gemstones is illegal in Cambodia unless you buy finished jewelry products – rings, bracelets or pendants with gems. But is it still profitable: the price you pay for a sapphire ring will anyway be much lower comparing with European market. Gold used for jewelry in Cambodia is often a base-alloy and doesn't correspond to international standards. If you are serious about jewelry business, you’d better to test local gold with reagents; you can find them in many specialized shops.Cambodian jewelry market is flooded by fake stones. Don't even pay attention to an extraordinary $17 offer for a silver bracelet massively decorated with small blue "Cambodian sapphires" – it is fake for sure, as well as two-carat rubies just for $50 each. Even in big central shops you risk to pay a sapphire price for a piece of colored glass. Certificates issued by street jewelry boutiques are not to be trusted. Another common fraud – sellers show you a positive reply from a diamond tester. What a genial idea! – considering that diamond testers may never be used for sapphires.

Natural sapphires cost $12 per stone for smallest specimens of 0.05 – 0.30 carat, $20 for half-carat stones and over $100 for stones bigger then 1 carat. Ruby prices are slightly higher. The value of the stone is highly depends on color intensity, clarity and quality of cut. Moreover, price depends on a special treatment method: heat treatment significantly improves the color of sapphire crystal. Such stones are known as "heated". Heat treatment is officially accepted in gemology world, over 90% of all sapphires and rubies selling worldwide are heated. However, real connoisseurs and collectors hunt for unheated gems.In average, prices of unheated stones are 25-30% higher.

So where to buy? You can find jewelry booths on any

big market in Phnom Penh or Siem-Reap. Russian market (Psaa Tul Tum Pum) or Yellow market (Psaa Tmai) in Phnom Penh have large jewelry areas. There are several big shops around Yellow market, with similar choice and quality of goods. Prices in these shops are higher but you shouldn't rely on it. In addition, prices are never indicated – this is an old Khmer tradition to set up the price by eye. Bargain! Long negotiation may help obtaining a discount up to 30%. The best way is to find a reputable jeweler. Ask somebody who already bought gemstones and check them after – they certainly can recommend you a reliable seller.

Don't discuss this matter with local tourist guides – they will address you to places they work for and receive commissions from sales. They don't care if their favorite sellers are honest or not, they suppose you will never be back in Cambodia in the future. But, regardless big risks, some lucky foreigners still have chance to live the country with a high quality gems bought for relatively low prices. Good luck!