Provides a general yet complete introduction to Burma, surveying that country's ancient history and culture, its experience through WWII, and its current economic situation while maintaining its focus on rubies from Burma's renowned Mogok mines. Also addresses the topics of enhancement, heat treatment, smuggling, and provenance of rubies and discusses the unique properties of Burmese rubies and sapphires. Provides tips on buying rubies in Burma. Includes heretofore unpublished statistics about historical and recent production and sales of rubies in Burma and a hitherto unpublished listing of significant rubies and sapphires sold from 1965 to 2002. 34 b-&-w photos; 34 color plates; maps and tables.