Myanmar Gems Museum, Yangon Region, Myanmar

4maddyb123 5:00 PM Jun 22, 2013

Try to be adopted by a member of staff for the duration of your museum visit.
We were a bit unsure about whether to come here, as it is government owned, but in the end did. The museum is up on the 4th floor - the floors below are just shops. We were initially disappointed as the world's largest sapphire is NOT at this museum (outdated LP says it is), but in Naypyidaw. But... Some ladies who work in the museum started showing us around. They told us lots about the different precious stones, pearls, minerals etc. They even told us how much some were worth. They were very friendly and knowledgable and spoke good English. This made it so much more interesting than it would have been just walking around (I think just walking around by ourselves we would have been done in 15 mins). A great way to spend an hour or so, especially on a rainy afternoon. We paid the $5 entrance fee in kyat.

3requedieu 5:00 PM May 14, 2016

Formerly excellent
This museum gives an overview to the gemstones and minerals found in Myanmar with current emphasis on jade. One or two of the displayed rubies are noteworthy with the remainder being ordinary. Do note, their best pieces are no longer here as these were relocated to the new Capitol. The Docents [staff] range from knowledgeable and helpful to a best avoided category. The shoppes on 1/F-2/F and in the adjacent building offer many items to include coloured stones, jade, pearls, etc. Be advised, if you do not have a very good knowledge of coloured gemstones, your moneys will be poorly spent. There are NO gems here of either very good or investment quality. If you simply wish a pair of non-heat treated small ruby earrings with pendant, the price is ~USD$175-300 depending on size. Of interest, almost everyone here claims their rubies are from the Mogkok region. In essence, they use the Mogkok region as a brand name for quality. Alas, this centuries old mining sector is worn out with little, if anything, produced in recent years other than the residual mining dregs. Museum Positives: -one or two good rubies -lots of jade Museum Negatives: -the best, most famous stones are now elsewhere -mandatory bag/backpack check -frequent power outages