Mogok: Land of Jewels

Mogok, in Burma (Myanmar), has been renowned since ancient times as "The Land Of Jewels." Mogok is most well-known for their rubies, with 90% of the red gemstone originating there. Local legend details the origin and discovery of rubies in the region.

In a time predating Buddha, the northern part of Burma was inhabited by only wild animals. One day a big eagle spotted a huge portion of bright red meat in the valley of Mogok. He tried and tried to pick it up, but his claws could not penetrate the surface of what he thought was a fine meal. Then, the bird finally understood -- it was not meat at all, but a sacred stone. This stone was a brilliant red color because it was made from the fire and blood of the land. The stone was the first ruby on earth.

What makes a ruby from Mogok finer than any other? Experts say it's due to two factors. First, a high color intensity. Mogok rubies have a combination of a slightly bluish red body color and a red fluorescent emission. Second, they have a quality called "silk" -- tiny needle inclusions which scatter light onto otherwise extinct facets. Just the right amount of "silk" provides the gemstones with a lush, velvety texture.

Though Mogok is most identified with rubies and sapphires, many semi-precious stones also come from the city -- including jade, garnet, moonstone, lapis lazuli, peridot, and chrysoberyl.

If you are looking for store where you can find jade jewelry and carvings of all these symbols and more -- please visit Burma Ruby MoMo, in the heart of Brooklyn! Click here for directions.

Jade Jewelry: Traditional Symbols and Their Meanings

Perhaps you want to buy some beautiful jade jewelry for yourself or as a gift, but are not sure what all the different carved symbols mean. Does that disc with the hole in the center mean love, longevity, or peace? Here is a simple guide.

Buddha:

Buddha is the god of mercy and is a symbol for wisdom and compassion. Whether as a statue or as a pendant, Buddha will bring great peace and positive energy to you and your surroundings!

Butterfly:

Buy a butterfly jade pendant or bracelet for the person that you love! The butterfly has traditionally been associated with love and romance. Ancient Chinese legend speaks of a youth who was lured into a garden by a beautiful multi-colored butterfly; the owner of the property gave his daughter to the youth in marriage.

Disc with a Hole in it:

The jade disc with a hole in it represents the bi -- a symbol used as early as the Neolithic period in China. The bi symbolizes Heaven, and has also been traditionally used to indicate a person of high moral quality and rank.

Dragon:

It is common to find jade jewelry (as well as figurines) in the shape of majestic dragons. What you might not be aware of is the rich symbolism behind the creature. The dragon has been considered by the Chinese to be a being of great strength and power. Jewelry with dragons have also traditionally been used to mark births and marriages.

Goldfish:

Want to increase abundance in your life? Buy a piece of jade carved in the image of a goldfish. The goldfish is a popular Chinese symbol that means wealth, abundance, and literally an increase in gold!

Quanyin:

Quanyin is the Chinese goddess of mercy. Images of her are used in households to ward off evil spirits and promote positive energy. Wear a pendant of Quanyin (or keep a figural carving of her in your house) to bring the qualities of this ancient and beloved goddess into your own life!

If you are looking for store where you can find jade jewelry and carvings of all these symbols and more -- please visit Burma Ruby Momo, in the heart of Brooklyn! Click here for directions.

The Healing Power Of Gemstones

Gemstones have been thought to have recuperative powers since the dawn of time. While we all know that the best thing to do when having an ailment is to see your physician, it's fun to read about the healing powers traditionally assigned to gemstones!

Jade:

Jade has been long known as a gemstone that promotes love and wealth. It has also been believed that Jade can promote good health in the kidneys, heart, and stomach. Why has jade been thought of as such a remarkably lucky gemstone? Maybe it has to do with its placid green color.

Turquoise:

Turquoise is regarded as one of the most powerful protection and healing stones of all time. Among the ailments the stone has been known to treat include stomach upset, viral infections, rheumatism, and gout. It has also been believed that turquoise can purify body and soul.

Amber:

Technically, amber is not a gemstone, but more like an ancient fossil! However, its exquisite beauty has made it one of the most sought-after natural treasures. Amber is also traditionally believed to be a powerful natural healer, helping arthritis, headache, and ailments of the kidney, heart, and stomach.

Emerald:

The emerald has been regarded as a most powerful gemstone for all matters of the heart. The gemstone sacred to Venus, the goddess of love, it was believed that emeralds could not only fix one's love-life, but one's physical heart! It has also been thought of as central to the healing of the eye.

Red Coral:

The exotic and striking red coral has been used in jewelry and decorative objects for millennia, as well as regarded as a great protection against skin disease. Wear red coral against your skin, and bring yourself the freshness of the ocean from which it came!

Ruby:

The stunning ruby has been thought of as the gemstone of kings and nobility! Perhaps because of its deep red color, it has been traditionally linked to healing of the heart and regulation of blood flow. Rubies were also believed to increase fertility.

Sapphire:

Mental health is just as important as physical health -- and the calming sapphire is the perfect gemstone for peace of mind! It has been used to soothe nerves, prevent nightmares, and help get a good night's rest.

If you are looking for a store where you can find all these and more gemstones -- both by themselves and set in beautiful jewelry -- please visit Burma Ruby Momo, in the heart of Brooklyn! Click here for directions.

Burma Ruby Momo: An Undiscovered Treasure In The Heart Of Brooklyn

Burma Ruby Momo is literally a treasure of gems and jewelry tucked in the heart of Brooklyn and waiting to be discovered. Learn what locals and aficionados of beautifully hard-carved designer pieces already know!

The first thing that will strike you when you visit Burma Ruby Momo is the jaw-dropping selection of precious and semi-precious stones -- in every possible combination of pendants, rings, earrings, and bracelets you can imagine!

And then it hits you: the low price!

How can such luxurious pieces in coral, jade, amber, ruby, turquoise and so much more be so affordable?

The store's owner, Ruby Momo, was literally born in the land of jewels: Mogok, in Burma. Her extensive knowledge of, and connections in, the gemstone world have allowed her to get the best deals and the best pieces directly from the source!

Ruby Momo has established business connections with the world largest gemstone and jewelry wholesalers from all the over the world. A member of the International Colored Gemstone Association, she has attended over 250 International Jewelry Exhibitions in Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, Laos, Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan, Netherlands, Dubai, Brunei, Macao and America.

What all this means to you, the jewelry lover, is a great selection, knowledgeable staff, and some of the best prices in New York!

Take a day to drop by this Brooklyn treasure, check out their enormous collection, and have some fun!

Burma Ruby Momo is conveniently located at 1808, 86th street, Brooklyn, NY 11214. You can take the D or the M train to 18AV station, Brooklyn. By bus, you can take B1 or B8.