Features
- Over
600 full-color photos, including many rare historical photographs
published for the first time
-
Over 20 historical maps, including a satellite image and a city-map
of Mogok, most of them published for the first time
-
Numerous Burmese color paintings by the famous school of Saya
Saw, drawings and sketches
-
Extensive authoritative history of Mogok since the beginning of
the last millennium, based on original research work
-
Overview of the trading of Mogok rubies and sapphires since the
sixteenth century
-
Extensive description and sale prices of notable Mogok rubies
and sapphires throughout history
-
Sale prices of the Myanmar Gem Enterprise Emporium auction since
the 1960s
-
Burmese terminology and glossary on gem trading and lapidary
Selected
Reviews
"
.. I hardly have words to tell you what a remarkable achievement
I think it is. You have truly put an astounding work together, laced
it with incredible historical documents and pictures. This is the
definitive work on Mogok. Congratulations, Bravo!
-R. Weldon, Professional Jeweler
"....
An admirable introduction to a fascinating area with pleasures on
every page."
- Journal of Gemmology, Winter 2001, p. 501
"Mogok-Valley
of Rubies & Sapphires" is a must for every gemologist's
library. It captures all aspects of Mogok's gem and jewelry industry
-the history, romance, intrigue and, most importantly the enchantment
of a truly enchanted land."
- Gems & Gemology, Fall 2001, p. 247
"This
book offers a unique view of the town, its inhabitants, its mines,
and its gemstones-courtesy of its illustration by vast number of
images of great historical significance ....A well written, superbly
illustrated, and well published book which clearly presents the
definitive history of the fabled source of high quality rubies and
sapphires that gemmologists refer to with admiration as Mogok rubies
and sapphires..." -Australian Gemmologist, Fall 2001
"[Ted
Themelis] gives a trustworthy account of the culture, the religion,
the complex ethnic composition of the [Mogok] people ... we learn
as much about the riches of the local cuisine or the changes of
fashion in clothes, as about the organizations of he mines under
the British occupation of the past or the present rulers who govern
the destiny of the region." - Prof. Dr. H. A. Hanni, SSEF,
Switzerland (Dec.2000)
"I
did not read the book..... I literally devoured it! As one of the
very few privileged Westerners having spent many days in Mogok,
I know what it means to get accurate information from the Burmese
'Ruby People' as they could not differentiate myth from reality.
I remember how many nights I had to spend drinking green Shan tea
with the 'Mogokians' in order to try to figure out the historical
facts and the truth about the rubies they romanced so much, as if
they were 'Buddha's finest gems'..... My friend Ted made a tremendous
research work of academic value to document the true history of
Burma, of Mogok and of its most famous treasures. This book is the
first complete account on this subject. Ted, you did a great job...
I know how great it is!"
- Roland Schlüssel, BUCHERER Ltd, Lucerne, Switzerland (July
5, 2001)
"This
new book is unique in the deep research involved in the project...
This coffee table style book is never boring, because the information
is presented in an interesting manner. Many say a picture is worth
a thousand words, and you will be treated to a plethora of never
before seen maps and photographs.... This book is meant to be enjoyed
and to enlighten you about Burma. It will give you a unique historical
perspective. Further, if you cannot, or have no desire to, visit
Burma, owning this book is the next best thing. You can see exactly
what it is like from the abundant photos. The book is almost a travelogue,
with original maps for a trip from Mandalay to Mogok. This is an
ideal publication for anyone who collects Burma gemstones."
-Gemstone Forecaster, Vol.19, No.3, Fall 2001
"I
would like to say that your book is the best I have seen so far
on the subject of rubies & sapphires." -Peter Grumitt,
Dec 25, 2001
"Your
latest book, 'Mogok- Valley of Rubies and Sapphires', is a wonderful
addition to my library. While my technical knowledge of the subject
is rather extensive, the information this book contains has added
an invaluable facet to my understanding, appreciation, and love
of these magnificent gems and the mysterious land from which they
come. Visually this book is nothing short of riveting, and the insights
you give into the life and ways of Mogok's people, and the rubies
and sapphires with which they are inextricably intertwined, is a
powerful achievement and adds a whole new dimension to their allure.
It is a book that every ruby and sapphire connoisseur will cherish
-and treasure almost as much as the gems described therein! Congratulations
on another superb work."
-Antoinette Matlins, PG Author, Jewelry & Gems:The Buying Guide
(July 11, 2001)
"In
his latest publication 'Mogok - Valley of Rubies & Sapphires',
Mr. Themelis has produced the most consummate and unrivaled book
on the history, life and inner beauty of the Mogokian people. Never
before have I seen such insight into a mining community, especially
that of mysterious Mogok. And Ted speaks in that persona voce style
that makes you feel a part of what is happening. The wonderful pictures
alone make this book a must have treasure. Please ship me two more
books."
- Bear Williams, Bear Essentials Co.(June 27, 2001)
"I
just finished reading your book 'Mogok-Valley of Rubies & Sapphires,'
and because I am somewhat familiar with Burma (Myanmar), I wanted
to let you know that I found the content of your book to be very
realistic and true to life. The sections on the history of the valley
were highly interesting to me and over all I think it is a fascinating
picture of one of the great ruby producing areas of the world."
- Dave Glickman, Lambert Holding Co. Ltd., Bangkok (June 21, 2001)
"Thanks
so much for giving us a rare glimpse at the colorful history surrounding
the gem trade in Burma and a close look at the people behind it.
I absolutely loved this book with its exquisite photographs and
intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the real people of
Mogok and how the gem trade has developed there. This is one of
the finest books ever added to my personal library. Congratulations
on a job well done!"
- Barbara Lapatapanlop, Bangkok (June 22, 2001)
"
I received your book and I would like to say what a fantastic work
it is..... This is a very scholarly work and I am sure it will be
received as a classic in not only gem circles but also as a historical
contribution. Congratulations to you guys for the research and organization..."
- Dr.Mack F. Guinn, Houston, TX (August 4, 2001)
"I
can say that the rarity and value of this book are determined by
certain criteria, fact, relevant to the literary merit of his work.
Considering the most desirable and rare book, "Mogok- Valley
of rubies and sapphires" can put in this category for collectors
who fall in love with travel books integrating with the academic
knowledge of the famous gemstone source of the world."
-Dr.Wilawan Atichat, Dept. of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand
(September 5, 2001)
"Mogok
- Valley of Rubies & Sapphires is a wistful, loving look at
one of the most legendary focal points of gemstone history. And
it's a must for any serious gem lover's bookshelf." - GK Magazine
(March-April 201)
"
I have just read your book Mogok-valley of Rubies and sapphires
and would like to say how much I enjoyed it. Your photographs are
truly wonderful and your writings have giving me a great insight
into the new and old world of Burmese gems, the people and the mining
industry." - Aaron Phyall (New York, USA, Febr. 2003)
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Chanthargyi pagoda of Mogok

History of Mogok

Mogok ruby

Gem market
at Mogok

Ruby
People of Mogok

Religion
& Superstition

Gem-cutting
at Mogok

Burmese Royal Regalia
More
on Mogok

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