Bill Larson in Hong Kong and Burma, 2012

by Bill Larson

In the fall of 2012, Bill Larson completed his 34th trip to Burma. Along the way he also attended the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Larson is hoping Americans can do business again in Burma once the sanctions are rescinded. He just browses now.

Beast of burden. This ivory and crystal elephant is an example of Japanese Shibayama (inlay) from the Meiji period (1868–1912). It is decorated with pearl, mother of pearl, coral and metal. From the Hong Kong show. (Photo: Bill Larson)

On the mall. This elegant walkway belies its location: the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Sweet suites. What appear to be beryl beads and cabochons are displayed with three suites of diamonds. From the Hong Kong show. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Verdant. Emeralds and diamonds displayed at the Hong Kong show. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Window shopping. It appears that a buyer or two indeed found irresistable these 10- to 30-carat flawless D-grade diamonds. From the Hong Kong show. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Jade act. Burma jadeite. From the Hong Kong show. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Browsing. Bill Larson looks at finished jadeite in the gem street of the Bogyoke Market in Yangon. (Photos: George Hickox, above; Bill Larson, below)

Yum. Spinel crystals from Naya, a village in the mining area of Myitkyina, Burma. (Photo: George Hickox)

Red rover. Bill Larson examines spinels in the Bogyoke Market. (Photos: George Hickox, above; Bill Larson, below)

Green giant. An illuminated peridot crystal, from Burma. (Photo: Bill Larson)

New and old. A variety of synthetics, above, were offered outside the Shwezigon Pagoda, below, in Bagan. The temple was completed in 1102. Bill Larson’s traveling buddy, George Hickox, stands in front of the temple. The sellers guarantee these are real Mogok gemstones. Very hush-hush. (Photos: Bill Larson)

Serene. Inside the temple at Bagan. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Accessorized. A model poses in a garden, adorned with a 100-plus-carat Burma sapphire. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Setting a trend. Bill Larson poses with a friend in Bagan, Burma. (Photo: George Hickox)

Mingun Pahtodawgyi. This massive construction project near Mandalay, initiated by King Badawpaya in 1790, was intentionally left uncompleted. Read why here. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Pathfinder. Bill and George’s eight-year-old guide at Mingun. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Upstairs. On top of Old Mingun. (Photo: Kyaw Thu)

Steady… Walking the narrow gangplank in order to cross the Irrawaddy River, on the way back to Mandalay. (Photo: Bill Larson)

Fresh. A newly mined macle twin: a color-change spinel from Bomaw, Mogok, Burma. In calcite matrix, 9 cm. (Photo: Bill Larson)