Myanmar Gems Museum
Myanmar Gems Museum
3.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.5
197 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
72
Average
66
Poor
19
Terrible
9
Luigi A 🐺
Tasmania, Australia40,064 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
There are three floors of gem dealers and this is the reason to visit this place. Prices are higher than Scott Market, but the gems are of better quality and you should expect to get a proper description and valuation. But bargain hard. The first price is an ambit claim.
Written September 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
requedieu
Paris, France197 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
This museum gives an overview to the gemstones and minerals found in Myanmar with current emphasis on jade. One or two of the displayed rubies are noteworthy with the remainder being ordinary. Do note, their best pieces are no longer here as these were relocated to the new Capitol.
The Docents [staff] range from knowledgeable and helpful to a best avoided category.
The shoppes on 1/F-2/F and in the adjacent building offer many items to include coloured stones, jade, pearls, etc. Be advised, if you do not have a very good knowledge of coloured gemstones, your moneys will be poorly spent. There are NO gems here of either very good or investment quality. If you simply wish a pair of non-heat treated small ruby earrings with pendant, the price is ~USD$175-300 depending on size.
Of interest, almost everyone here claims their rubies are from the Mogkok region. In essence, they use the Mogkok region as a brand name for quality. Alas, this centuries old mining sector is worn out with little, if anything, produced in recent years other than the residual mining dregs.
Museum Positives:
-one or two good rubies
-lots of jade
Museum Negatives:
-the best, most famous stones are now elsewhere
-mandatory bag/backpack check
-frequent power outages
The Docents [staff] range from knowledgeable and helpful to a best avoided category.
The shoppes on 1/F-2/F and in the adjacent building offer many items to include coloured stones, jade, pearls, etc. Be advised, if you do not have a very good knowledge of coloured gemstones, your moneys will be poorly spent. There are NO gems here of either very good or investment quality. If you simply wish a pair of non-heat treated small ruby earrings with pendant, the price is ~USD$175-300 depending on size.
Of interest, almost everyone here claims their rubies are from the Mogkok region. In essence, they use the Mogkok region as a brand name for quality. Alas, this centuries old mining sector is worn out with little, if anything, produced in recent years other than the residual mining dregs.
Museum Positives:
-one or two good rubies
-lots of jade
Museum Negatives:
-the best, most famous stones are now elsewhere
-mandatory bag/backpack check
-frequent power outages
Written May 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maddyb123
Sydney, Australia37 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
We were a bit unsure about whether to come here, as it is government owned, but in the end did.
The museum is up on the 4th floor - the floors below are just shops.
We were initially disappointed as the world's largest sapphire is NOT at this museum (outdated LP says it is), but in Naypyidaw.
But...
Some ladies who work in the museum started showing us around. They told us lots about the different precious stones, pearls, minerals etc. They even told us how much some were worth. They were very friendly and knowledgable and spoke good English. This made it so much more interesting than it would have been just walking around (I think just walking around by ourselves we would have been done in 15 mins).
A great way to spend an hour or so, especially on a rainy afternoon.
We paid the $5 entrance fee in kyat.
The museum is up on the 4th floor - the floors below are just shops.
We were initially disappointed as the world's largest sapphire is NOT at this museum (outdated LP says it is), but in Naypyidaw.
But...
Some ladies who work in the museum started showing us around. They told us lots about the different precious stones, pearls, minerals etc. They even told us how much some were worth. They were very friendly and knowledgable and spoke good English. This made it so much more interesting than it would have been just walking around (I think just walking around by ourselves we would have been done in 15 mins).
A great way to spend an hour or so, especially on a rainy afternoon.
We paid the $5 entrance fee in kyat.
Written June 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
101Tourism
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar89 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
The Gem Museum on the top floor is not worth the entrance fee and is a dissapointment. Save your $5 and just walk through the three floors of gems dealers beneath it - now that is awesome! Tell the guards you are only going to the shops and then you dont need to pay. Of course if you do want to see the museum then you have to pay. In the retail floors, the quality of the gems range from crap to exquisite they have got it all - including 'fakes' but they tell you which ones are fake. Don't be put-off by their pushiness when you approach their counter - they are all competing for your business, they will shove stuff in front of you or try and engage you in conversation - keep on walking until you see what you like. Most are honest gem dealers here and they know that reputations are so important in this game. After a year of living here and over 15 sepearte purchases and visits ranging from $5 to $1,500 - I haven't heard from any other expat or tourist being 'ripped-off' here - we all have different favourite stalls that we visit. The best three places are on the ground floor; for exceptional quality and gold (not silver) jewellery the first stall on the left as you enter (two older women run this booth) directly opposite the front window near teh corner. Also, 'Fun Fun' is excellent - the lady owns four different stalls in the building and whatever you are looking for, at whatever price - they can get it for you. Don't forget to haggle!!! Be honest with them, tell them what you are looking for and your price range - saves a lot of time....usually sapphires and rubies are at below half the price found in most western countries. Even the cheap ones make for great Burmese souvenirs.
Written July 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
francesm68
Southampton, UK87 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
I really enjoyed this museum but mainly because I was interested in the geology and the gems rather than the shops, which make up the first few floors. We went straight to the top floor which has a great selection of gems, interestingly shown in their natural form. Something not normally seen. There was lots of information on Myanmar resources and geography which was really interesting.
We found the several floors of gem shops a bit overwhelming and avoided them. The ability to browse is not always easy. Think it's best to know what you are looking for.
There is an entrance fee to the museum and bags have to be left in lockers by the counter, but this did not cause us any problems.
We found the several floors of gem shops a bit overwhelming and avoided them. The ability to browse is not always easy. Think it's best to know what you are looking for.
There is an entrance fee to the museum and bags have to be left in lockers by the counter, but this did not cause us any problems.
Written September 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mentzg
Philippines146 contributions
Aug 2012 • Solo
Probably the worst museum i've ever seen. Obviously no time and effort was put into this place. tags write ' gold ' or ' peral ' or 'royal regalia' but there is no historical explanation behind the regalia, no valuable information whatsover regarding the gems. You can see better jewellry and gems in the shops ! Not worth it the 5 USD ( and no you cannot pay in MMK.
It's a 5 floor building, of which 4 floors are shops and 1 floor is the 'museum' .
It's a 5 floor building, of which 4 floors are shops and 1 floor is the 'museum' .
Written August 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aussieskiman
Melbourne, Australia221 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
We wanted a few cheap gems from Myamnar so our driver took us here as it is reputable. We purchased 2 large dark yellow, pear shaped citrons (around 22 carats total) and two blue topaz stones around 4 cartas total and had them set in white gold..with the citron as a drop. Cost was $400US. How cheap was this? No idea, but when we saw similar stones elesewhere they were more expensive. Will compare in BKK.
The dealer was WON WON. First stall on the left on entering. We only went to the ground floor. I think there were a few more floors
The dealer was WON WON. First stall on the left on entering. We only went to the ground floor. I think there were a few more floors
Written August 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fosseg
New York City, NY19 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
Will recommend anyone who loves gems and semi precious stones to visit this small museum and the gem shops. We loved the stores on the 2nd floor in particular and bought a couple of pendants and rings as we felt comfortable. We also visited stores on the 1st floor but felt uncomfortable there. I asked about the carat price for a loose amethyst stone and was told it was $25 per carat. The price of good quality amethyst per carat from Brazil in comparison is $4-6 which was confirmed by the shops on the 2nd floor.
Written February 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whale_Dreams
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar119 contributions
Apr 2016 • Business
This Old building have many pillers and walls are covered with JADE, when you enter to this GEM Emporium, foreigners got to pay entrance fees $5.00
Interesting to see Myanmar was so rich of resources with Jade, Red Ruby, all type of Gems, including Goldern Pearls from the southern sea of Myanmar.
More over you can see a big myanmar landscape buildup with lots of small light bulbs.
If you press Jade, you can see where in Myanmar have Jade, also gold, silver and all mining
At the Ground you can buy all ready made Gems products.
All Gems is between you and the gems sometime you can see something you just love it.
Without missing the chance, do price negociation to seller, according to the budget or price you think that is worst so.
Because all sellers will start offerening very high price, and you may buy as low as 70% discount or more.
Interesting to see Myanmar was so rich of resources with Jade, Red Ruby, all type of Gems, including Goldern Pearls from the southern sea of Myanmar.
More over you can see a big myanmar landscape buildup with lots of small light bulbs.
If you press Jade, you can see where in Myanmar have Jade, also gold, silver and all mining
At the Ground you can buy all ready made Gems products.
All Gems is between you and the gems sometime you can see something you just love it.
Without missing the chance, do price negociation to seller, according to the budget or price you think that is worst so.
Because all sellers will start offerening very high price, and you may buy as low as 70% discount or more.
Written August 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soursquirm
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia47 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
Did not visit the museum after reading all its unfavorable reviews. We went to the Gems Mart; a good place to visit and shop for precious gems. Be prepared to negotiate when buying gems in order to get good bargains. Disappointed as was having high expectation with regards to the range of collection of precious gems at Gems Mart. Spend sometime here browsing at the many stalls; bought a jadeite jade bangle.
We had lunch at Ruby Land Cafe. It's a casual cafe located within a stone's throw away, offers yummy and value for money Shan food. Ordered a dish of fried vermicelli, another dish of potato roll with chicken together with a plate of Ruby Land fried rice. Good friendly service and the Shan food is akin to home cooked food.
We had lunch at Ruby Land Cafe. It's a casual cafe located within a stone's throw away, offers yummy and value for money Shan food. Ordered a dish of fried vermicelli, another dish of potato roll with chicken together with a plate of Ruby Land fried rice. Good friendly service and the Shan food is akin to home cooked food.
Written March 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenny c
Houston, TX6 contributions
how do you pay for gems? do they accept credit cards like visa and mastercard?
fosseg
New York City, NY19 contributions
Yes they do. Unfortunately the craftsmanship of the rings is not good and I already lost two rubies from one of the rings. It is so upsetting and I would not recommend anybody to buy jewelry here again
How to buy gold coin?
Keith D
Greater London, UK252 contributions
Firstly, I am quietly confident that coins are not commonly sold , and even if they were( not to say I have seen any) just be a little careful, as it could well be silver with gold covering. You would be far better off buying in Thailand, from reliable Chinese jewellery shops where their gold is clearly Hallmarked ,but coins are not as common as in the Western world and South Africa, the Kruger Rand.
Next, my preference is Thai gold as Burmese gold seems like rose gold.
Finally, know your subject before buying, as you could well be cheated. I would have grave reservations in buying gold coins, if any available, in Burma or the Far East.
Hope it reassures you?
Kind regards.
Keith
trilogyfox
Peoria, AZ
i will be in Yangon for about 5 days. I am interested in buying Jewelry wholesale as I will resale the items purchased.I have a business # and appropriate business papers. Will you sell wholesale? If not can you direct me to dealers who sell wholesale to the trade? I will be in Yangon staying at Sule Shangrala Dec24through the 28th
Thank you
Sandy Fox
Indulgence
Beanca D
15 contributions
Hey Sandy Fox,
I can highly gecomend following shop at Gems museum:
Kaung Sint Yadanar Gems & Jewellery
Counter No. 6,11 Ground Floor
Myanmar Gems Museum
66 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yangon
Tel. +95-95128175
She did for me some jewelery after sketch and its perfect! Tell her I send you....
All the shops are goverment registered and in the moment there are not really high taxes but this will change in November.
Kind regards
Beanca
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Claim your listingMyanmar Gems Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Myanmar Gems Museum
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Myanmar Gems Museum Information
Excellent Reviews | 31 |
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Very Good Reviews | 72 |
Myanmar Gems Museum Photos | 39 |