Jeweller heads off on gem of a journey
A CITY jeweller is embarking on an exotic trip to uncover the hidden world of gemstone production in the Far East.
Alistir Tait, 49, is leading the 12-strong expedition to Thailand, where some of the world’s foremost gem experts hope to study the secretive jewel trade, dealing in rare stones such as rubies, sapphires, zircon and spinel.
The team of experts will try to expose some of the unscrupulous practices in the Far East, where dealers try to increase the value of their stones by using techniques such as heat treatment - which allows inferior gems to be passed off as better quality stones.
Mr Tait has already successfully campaigned against the multi- billion pound "blood diamond" trade from some of the world’s most dangerous war zones and now he hopes the visit to Thailand will give experts a unique insight into the gem trade in repressive countries such as Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The two-week trip has been organised by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and Mr Tait, who left earlier this week, said it was a great honour to be a part of it.
The jeweller, who runs Alistir Wood Tait Antique and Fine Jewellery in Edinburgh’s Rose Street, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to get in on the ground and see what is really happening in Thailand and get right up to date by visiting mines, workshops and gem-cutting factories and the places where traders go to buy stones."
Publish Date : Sat 20 Nov 2004 Source : Evening News
Exporter of Burmese Rubies, Sapphires, Tourmalines and Precious loose Gemstones for the Wholesale Gemstone Industry.