The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has issued a statement regarding the “Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008” signed by President Bush on July 29, 2008. The law bars gemstones of Burmese origin — specifically rubies and jadeite — from entering the United States via third party countries. The ban relates to all jadeite and rubies coming from Burma, including gemstones processed in other countries such as Thailand .

The ICA emphasized that its policies are in line with other national and international associations opposed to the violent repression of individuals, human rights and pro-democracy movements in Myanmar (formerly Burma). The ICA has appealed to its members to stop buying Burmese gemstones from any government sources and/or people who support those endeavors.

Nevertheless, the ICA expressed its fears that the US government’s decision to impose a sweeping ban on the trade of Burmese gemstones could cause collateral damage to independent and poor populations involved in ruby, jade and other gemstone mining, processing and trading activities in Myanmar and other countries.

Andrew Cody, President of ICA, noted: “Those who will suffer are the very people that the legislation intended to protect. It is a pity that the leadership in national, international and governmental agencies, people that are not really in-the-know as to what takes place on the ground, failed to consult our association on this issue, and to our knowledge, no collateral damage study was undertaken.”

source: Israeli Diamond Industry

This entry was posted on Monday, August 25th, 2008 at 5:19 pm