Bogyoke Aung San Market | Guide to Choosing Gems in Myanmar | 5 Minutes Trip

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Scott Market was built in 1926, late in the British rule of Myanmar, and although it is commonly believed to be named after James George Scott, the British civil servant who introduced football to Myanmar, it is actually named after the Municipal Commissioner of the time, Mr. Gavin Scott.

After Burmese independence in 1948, it was renamed after Bogyoke Aung San. A new wing of the market was added across Bogyoke Market Road in the 1990s.
The market structure is listed on the Yangon City Heritage List.

Most tours of Yangon will begin at Bogyoke Aung San Market, a sort of mini–Grand Bazaar where you’ll find locals shopping for everyday things (clothes, fabric, shoes) and fancier items as well—specifically, wedding gold and jewelry. Myanmar may be known for its “pigeon’s blood rubies”—so named for the depth and brilliance of their color.


The ground floor and the first floor are lined with small antique shops selling old coins, bank-notes, postage stamps and medals. In the middle of the market are jewellers, selling famous Burmese jade, Burmese rubies and other precious stones.

The rest are art galleries, handicraft shops, restaurants and clothes stores. The new wing of the market, across Bogyoke Aung San Market Road, houses shops that sell medicine, foodstuffs, garments and foreign goods.


Even for someone who’s family has been in the business for many years, determining the value of a stone can be challenging. There are some ways to protect yourself while shopping.  The first rule is to double-check your gem.  

I really recommend that everyone who doesn’t understand rubies and sapphires go to the lab. In Bogyoke Market there are a lot.  It’s not expensive - it’s about 3,000 kyats. Best to have correct purchase documentation and official receipt from a licensed gemstone trader.

Along with authenticity, labs can advise on whether the gems are natural, synthetic, treated, as well as shed light on their provenance. These are important considerations when purchasing an investment piece.

It also helps to know the Four C’s: clarity, cut, carat, and color.  Clarity refers to how well light passes through. The fewer the inclusions, the clearer the stone. Many Burmese stones are hand-cut. Well-cut designs determine how attractive, durable, and brilliant the stone will be – neither too deep nor too shallow.

Except for diamonds, in all other gems color is the most important factor when choosing a stone. It’s essential that the tone is not too dark.