sustainable/socially responsible jewelry conversation, part 3

QUESTION: Perusing your website was such a treat! I loved the mabe pearl
and ruby ring, but the ruby was labeled as Burmese
ANSWER: OK the complication is that before the embargo there was a very very common and popular trade in Rubies, and Burma/Myanmar is considered the very highest quality. THis means that MOST of the best rubies in
the world came from "Burma." The embargo started, but this did not
prevent dealers who had already purchased these fine rubies from selling what they already bought. The stock around the world of Burmese Rubies is enormous. AND STILL considered the finest.
ALSO, the mabe pearl ring http://www.alexandrahart.com/rings/ring_mabe_pearl.htm
does NOT have a Burmese Ruby on it, its a "hot pink sapphire."
Without sending you to GIA for a Gemology course, Sapphires and Rubies are the same gem: Corrundum. The difference is based in the color, so if its not red enough, its not ruby. (this can be subjective at times). The only Burmese Ruby I have on my site is here, purchesed by request by the client to be the finest available:

http://www.alexandrahart.com/customrings/1553.htm