Leviev
Photo: Tzvika Tishler
Leviev: We have never dealt in precious stones from Myanmar
Leviev Group denies connection to Myanmar after article claims its store sells rubies from the southeastern Asian state; spokesperson: Jewels in our store are part of collections that are dozens of years old
The Leviev Group does not deal in diamonds or precious stones from Myanmar and all of the jewels available for purchase in their stores have been acquired from collections that are dozens of years old, a spokesperson for the company said Sunday.
This announcement was made in response to an article published by the London Sunday Times that claimed it is possible to purchase rubies from Myanmar in the company's store in London. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is currently undergoing a bout of inner turmoil as its citizens protest for more rights from the military junta government in power.
According to the Sunday Times, one of the ways that the military dictatorship in Myanmar finances itself is through the sale of precious stones from the country — specifically rubies.
Lev Leviev is considered one of the most prominent diamond dealers in the world, with business dealings in Africa and diamond polishing factories all over the world. Two years ago, the prominent Israeli businessman opened a jewelry store in London and more recently another one in Moscow.
The UN has in the past put restrictions on "blood diamonds" in order to prevent the trade in diamonds coming from "conflict states" where rebel groups fund themselves through the illegal sale of diamonds and other precious stones. Countries that fall into this category include Angola, Sierra Leone, and the Congo,
The UN published a list of countries that are forbidden from dealing in diamonds and gems, but Myanmar did not appear on the list.
