Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2012 3:45 am Posts: 134 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hi everyone ,
After joining this forum for nearly 1 week, I feel that it's time to make a self introduction to this family .
I am not a gemologist, not a lapidary, and I am not a gem dealer or jeweler as well . I am a medical scientist, specialized in tropical medicine. I am from peninsular Malaysia, currently doing medical research in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Thailand.
Apart from playing around with human bloods and other biological samples , I collect and study gemstones as a hobby. My passion towards gemstones and minerals started since I was a little kid. Exploring caves and mountains near my house and extracting sparkling rock crystals out of the cave was one of the most fulfilling outdoor activities I had with my family. Since then, I kept searching for more knowledge and information about minerals. I am fascinated by the vibrant colors of various gemstones, and the smart integration of arts, sciences and mathematics in gemstone faceting. Turning a dull looking rough into a mesmerizing gem is indeed a magic show to me !
I am interested in many gemstones such as jadeite, pearls, corundum members, peridot, and aquamarine. I have had good chances to learn about a few gems in detail. However, there are way too many things that I know too little or don't know about this field. Local access to gemology knowledge is limited for me. For example, only few people here had heard about zultanite, sphene, chrome diopside and bixbite. Therefore, I would like to learn and exchange as much knowledge in gemology as possible from all of you out there. Indeed, over the past few days since I joined this forum, I gain lots of knowledge and interesting information from you guys! Thank you so much!
In my country, gemstone collecting is not a popular hobby among young people. Many people feel that gemstone collecting is a super expensive hobby and gemology is the field of knowledge for people who can afford to purchase top gems ! In my opinion, gemstone collecting can be an expensive hobby, but it can be a fun yet affordable hobby that suits anyone of any background. Gemology is not a knowledge exclusive for the rich, but a knowledge for those that cherish and appreciate the beauty of our Mother Nature's creation !
I am happy to be able to join this big family and I am looking forward to interacting with all of you in future !
Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2012 3:45 am Posts: 134 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Thanks for the warm welcome !
Haha ...well..if my name is shortened....it will result in huge wastage of water ....too much of flushing from the interactions....not too environmental friendly I guess....
Anyway, you can shorten the name, my friends and I do it all the time hahah....
When your in Thailand make the trip to Chanthaburi Friday threw Sunday for the outside Gem Market...You will see tables with piles of gems from all around the world and prices that you can negotiate down to below cheap most of the time...Just don't let them get you in a frenzy...Slow down and take your time...They make their best $$$ with quick decisions so that's the rule of the game they play but they will still stick around for your $$$ if you go slowly..
There are a few Gemologist in this market who can assist you...If you buy at their table they get a % from the seller...Costs you nothing...Than there are also a few reputable gem dealers who can assist you as well...But as usual there are also those who will look to take advantage and rise the price so they get better returns on your purchases...As the world turns...
I'm not always in the market but my friends are and I can put you in touch with them when you come if I have advanced notice...I don't charge anything to help because it's just what I perceive as my responsibility as a gemologist...To help educate and protect others...
-Removed by Admin
Chanthaburi is about 180 Km east of Bangkok on Hy #3...Also during the week is the Rough Market @ "GemTown" behind the Robinson Mall...Here many of the Africans and others bring their rough to sell to the cutters and burners...Here is where you can find/buy that special crystal that you will never see otherwise unless you do allot of traveling and spend most of your life digging your fingers to the bone...Last Thursday I purchased a 25 gram Umba Tanzania Sapphire for $10/gram...The dealer had 1.8 Kilo of rough from Tanga and I now have his contact info and will stay in touch...Just this fast you can make contacts that would otherwise take years to find...Enjoy!!
Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2012 3:45 am Posts: 134 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
hmm....thanks! yes, I am aware of this market...Basically the manner of trading is similar to that of MaeSot and Bogyoke market in Myanmar. Thanks for sharing!
Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2012 3:45 am Posts: 134 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Lee Little,
I am in Thailand at the moment! Silom of Bangkok to be exact! Just arrived at Bangkok from MaeSot. Too bad I will be leaving...Otherwise we can meet perhaps!
Many thanks to all the gemology gurus here again! discovering this forum is indeed one of the best earnings that I have ever had!
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:12 am Posts: 484 Location: Chiang Rai Thailand
Enjoy the kingdom! I am sure you found the JTC in Silom. I need to go to Mae Sot soon. I am in Chiang Rai. Call if you have time to chat. Best regards, Lee
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