THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

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A Secret Look at Mogok Ruby Mining in Burma Posted: 20 Mar 2011 04:22 AM PDT Image by thisisbossi via Flickr90% of the world's rubies come from Burma (Myanmar) in a region called Mogok. It's known for rare pigeon's blood rubies, blue sapphires and other gemstones. Foreigners are not allowed there. No wonder as the military regime's disregard for human rights and downright cruelty knows no bounds (see my past post about Burma's Blood Rubies). Al-Jazeera secretly filmed the goings-on in this area. The network recently released footage showing the forced labor and exploitation of small children as young as 4. It's very sad to see a youngster wielding a mallet instead of playing with a toy. The video mentions how the workers are paid a pittance - less than a dollar a day. Yet, Burma earned an estimated $1.67 billion in 2010 from gem sales and that is despite sanctions by the US, Canada and the EU. That's because most of Burma's trading partners are actually other Asian countries who have not joined the embargo. The sanctions are aimed at the ruling junta not the people of Burma but unless they are broad-based, the abuses will go on under cover of even greater security. Via Related Posts Controversy Over Greenland Rubies The Denver Refugee Women's Craft Initiative Kalagas - Burmese Bead Embroidered Wall Hangings For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips and Earring Design Ideas Liked what you read? Don't miss a post! Subscribe via RSS OR Via Email* It's FREE! *Click on the link in the confirmation email to activate subscription Be a Fan!

How to Make A Seedbead Cabochon Necklace Posted: 19 Mar 2011 04:59 PM PDT This necklace looks like a pretty multi-chain affair. What I really liked about the video tutorial is the way the instructor, Kristal Wick created cabochons with seed beads and picture frames or ready made bezels. She used ready mix resin to set the seed beads in place. I like the look of resin jewelry. But the mixing of 2-part epoxy resin...not so much. So I really appreciated her creative use of Magic-Glos UV resin. Polymer clay and mixed media artisans would no doubt be aware of this product. It sets when exposed to sunlight. Using a UV lamp sure makes it much quicker. The instructions and materials needed for creating this necklace can be found on the Beads, Baubles and Jewels site. Before you go : Stained Glass Inspired Wire and Resin Artistry How to Make Resin Gemstones Bubble Trouble in Resin Jewelry Making For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips and Earring Design Ideas Liked what you read? Don't miss a post! Subscribe via RSS OR Via Email* It's FREE! *Click on the link in the confirmation email to activate subscription Be a Fan!

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