Rubies are among the world’s most desirable gemstones
and many of the finest specimens are mined in Burma (Myanmar),
a nation that has been cited for human rights violations. In
response to these violations, the U.S. government enacted the
Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, forbidding
the importation of rubies from that nation.

While it is technically permissible to import rubies mined in Burma,
but cut and polished in other countries, Tiffany & Co. is one of
the few retail jewelers that respects both the letter and the spirit of
legislation. We refuse to exploit this legislative loophole and will
not buy rubies, jadeite or spinel that we can reasonably identify as
being of Burmese origin. We urge Congress to address this issue.