Myanmar's precious stones a hit at trade fair

Myanmar is much in the news these days. While many in the city are talking about the conversation between US President Barack Obama and Myanmar's Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, traders from India's eastern neighbour at the Indian International Trade Fair say their precious stones are a big hit among Delhiites.

The Myanmar pavilion is famous for its precious stone jewellery. The three Myanmarese shops are heavily flocked by women jostling to find a pair of earrings or a pendant that will best suit them.

"This is my second visit to India. We sell souvenirs, handicrafts, pictures and jewellery," an excited Khim, one of the stall owners, told IANS while managing her customers.

The prices of the jewellery and precious stones like diamond, jade, ruby and emerald vary between Rs.2,000 and Rs.200,000, she said.

The 34th edition of the IITF is expected to attract nearly two million visitors from across the country and around the world.

Considered one of the biggest industry trade fairs in the world, it is bringing together 6,500 exhibitors from India and abroad. Nov 14-18 have been earmarked as days reserved for business visitors, while it will be open to the public Nov 19-27.

Mariam has been coming to the IITF for the last 10 years and she is overwhelmed by the response she gets from buyers.

"We get good customers. The jewellery is made of 19 carat gold. We have rings priced as low as Rs.6,000 and necklaces set with diamond between Rs.6 lakh and Rs.10 lakh," she added.

On her customers, she said: "They are all middle-aged, between 40-45 years. Young people don't buy expensive jewellery!"

Indian-origin businessman Sumit Mehta, who started his jewellery business in Myanmar and has now spread it to Vietnam and Cambodia, told IANS: "Demand is high for stone-studded jewellery. People look for genuine ruby, sapphire and emerald here."