Political instability and government both affect the availability of gemstones. The ruby mines of Myanmar (Burma) were annexed by military government, blocking a very central source of rubies. Rubies of the Thai-Cambodian border were then able to produce enough material to replace the supply from Myanmar. When gemstone color was inferior, contemporary heat treatments improved clarity and depth of color. This enabled Cambodian and Thai ruby sales to dominate the market. The presence of Khmer Rouge, followers of the Communist party in Cambodia, interrupted production from that country for a period of time. Today many mines in Thailand are wholly exhausted.

Diamonds still win the popularity contest for a fashionable engagement ring. Diamonds are currently sought after in many color variations, both heat treated and natural. Celebrity jewelry choices are a case in point. Blue Tanzanite, discovered in 1967, is mined in Tanzania from only one locality. Because of source diminishment, the perceived value of the rare stone continues to increase. ‘Buy now or it will be too late’ has become an important marketing tool in these cases.

The continual exploitation of gemstone deposits, the development of contemporary mining technology, and the discovery of new sources have all resulted in the increased availability of an entire spectrum of gemstones. Diamonds are now sourced in quantity from African countries, Australia, Russia, and Canada, whereas they were once only found in India, Borneo, and Brazil.

Considering our choice of gemstones, today’s jewelers have to know a great deal about colors and sources of gemstones. The value and popularity of stones are determined by fashion, quality, and availability. Independent gemstone dealers, wholesalers, large retailers, auction houses, small stores, and markets are all important sources of jewelers’ materials. Needs and experience will decide which source is the most appropriate. Finding two matching gemstones for a pair of earrings, or finding several for a ring, could pose many difficulties. Gem variety or individual features such as color, size, and shape will come into question. Identification and certification by a gem laboratory is another option.

Gemstone dealers can be asked to source gemstones of a specific size or type in order to satisfy a customer’s request for a particular design. Some dealers specialize in knowledge of a particular area of the world known for production of a particular gemstone type. A buyer of rubies or sapphires may often deal with Thailand and Sri Lanka. Another buyer might only do business in Africa, in search of colored gemstones. Many dealers have a broader range, without the limitation of a specialty.

The source of a gemstone is no longer necessarily the determining factor in a stone’s color. Heat treatments and irradiation are commonly used to alter and enhance color. This allows marketable gemstones to be mined from sources once believed to be inferior. An ordinary ruby can now compete with the famous ‘pigeon’s blood’ red rubies of Myanmar (Burma), or the Sri Lankan cornflower-blue sapphires (Ceylon sapphires).