Collection: Burma Gems
Burma Gems was founded by an unlikely duo: international gem smuggler John Andrick and renowned high-end jeweler Jordan Borek. Each gemstone in this collection is GIA-certified, ensuring authenticity and quality. Hidden away in a vault for the past 40 years, these exceptional stones were smuggled out of Burma between 1982 and 1984. Their remarkable journey is detailed in the story below.
John Andrick was an adventurous international gem dealer who lived for the thrill of discovery. Growing up in New Mexico, he developed an early passion for gemstones while admiring the turquoise sold by Native American artisans at the railroad depot where his father worked. This childhood fascination blossomed into a lifelong pursuit, leading him on three daring journeys to Bangkok and Burma between 1982 and 1984.
On his first expedition, John spent three months in Bangkok, Thailand, frequently visiting the ruby market near the Cambodian border. Determined to cross into Burma, he sought the assistance of a missionary named Albert Lee. Religious groups often played a role in facilitating gem smuggling, and Albert became a key ally, securing John a safe hotel and serving as his representative for purchasing stones.
After acquiring the gemstones, John faced the nerve-wracking task of returning to Bangkok. There, he endured a tense two-week wait for an unidentified courier to deliver the smuggled gems to his door—a true testament to his daring spirit and the perilous nature of the trade.
On John's second trip, he was unable to rely on Albert Lee for assistance, as Albert had faced repercussions for aiding a foreigner. Instead, John sought help from a new contact, Jayasena. This journey also took him to Rio, Colombia, where he set his sights on emeralds. However, the supply was scarce, making the search particularly challenging.
After acquiring what emeralds he could, John’s movements were tightly controlled. For his safety, he could only leave his hotel under the protection of three armed guards. Ultimately, he purchased Jayasena’s entire inventory of emeralds, given the limited availability. This trip further underscored the dangers and complexities of the gemstone trade.