According to those who have been involved in the profession for many years, the gemstones of Luc Yen were discovered quite naturally. Initially, they were just strange stones with unusual colors, which people picked up while farming, digging, and clearing land.
No one had yet called them gemstones, much less could they imagine their value. They were sold along the roadside, traded simply as an exotic item.
Then, those stones gradually caught the attention of researchers and traders both domestically and internationally - Luc Yen was identified as one of Vietnam's major gemstone mining regions.
Since then, Luc Yen stone has become both a valuable economic resource and a subject of scientific research, appearing on the international gemstone market.
Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung, Vice Chairman of the Luc Yen Gemstone Association, who has lived here for over 33 years, recalled: “I first learned about Luc Yen gemstones in 1992, after my military service. At that time, mining and trading activities were small-scale and fragmented, but the potential was already evident. The stones here are very diverse, with many types not found elsewhere. From high-quality rubies and spinel, sapphires, to tourmaline and quartz…, each type of stone has many different varieties, with unique colors, clarity, and value.”
According to Mr. Hung, many rubies and spinels are priced at hundreds of millions of dong. In particular, rare stones like emerald green tourmaline, which can only be mined in certain areas like An Phu and Ta Dinh, further enhance the reputation of this gem-producing region.
It is this rare diversity that has built the brand of Luc Yen gemstones, bringing the name of this land beyond local boundaries, becoming a familiar destination for gemstone collectors and traders both domestically and internationally.
However, over time, gemstone reserves have gradually depleted, and market demand has changed. Now, the people of Luc Yen have chosen a different path: shifting from mining to processing, from selling raw materials to creating added value. Along with that, their business methods have become more flexible, adapting to the market and technology.
Ms. Kieu Quyen, representative of Phuc Son Ruby Stone Center, Hamlet 11, Luc Yen Commune, said: “Currently, my family both sells gemstones and crafts handicrafts. In addition to direct sales, the facility also livestreams sales on social media. Products under 2 million VND have quite a lot of customers. As for high-value products, customers still prefer to come in person to see and choose.”
This shift not only helped people adapt but also led to the formation of distinctive stone carving villages.
Currently, in Luc Yen commune, there are nearly 60 establishments operating in the field of producing and processing gemstones, ornamental stones, and feng shui stones. Of these, 33 establishments belonging to the recognized craft villages specializing in feng shui and ornamental stone processing have been officially recognized.
These establishments are providing regular employment for over 200 workers. The feng shui stone craft village alone employs over 40 permanent workers, not including seasonal workers in the area.
Two exemplary craft villages have been recognized: the stone carving village of Cay Mo hamlet (formerly Lieu Do commune) and the gemstone painting production village of Group 7 (formerly Yen The town), both now belonging to Luc Yen commune. These villages not only contribute to preserving the craft but also make a significant contribution to the local budget.
When mentioning Luc Yen, it's impossible not to mention the gemstone market – considered the "soul" of this gem-producing region. Every morning, the market bustles with buyers and sellers. The market is held regularly every morning of the week and closes around 11 a.m.
The market space is rustic and simple, yet sparkling with the colors of rough stones mixed with exquisitely crafted products. Precious stones here are sold like fruits and vegetables in a rural market, on tables and in trays, each stone bearing its own shade and story.
Ms. Vu Thi Hang, a small business owner in Hamlet 7, Luc Yen Commune, has been involved with the gemstone market for nearly 20 years. Ms. Hang recounted: “In the past, the market was makeshift, with sellers sitting on the ground. Now, it's more spacious and is undergoing new construction. The market has changed, but the gemstone trade remains the same, still the livelihood of many families.”
According to Ms. Hang, the value of a gemstone is determined by its clarity, purity, color, shape, and symmetry. Gemstones that retain their natural, untreated state are always highly valued by gemstone enthusiasts.
Luc Yen gemstones and their business practices have changed over time, but the core values remain. These are the skillful hands of the artisans, the spirit of adaptability to change, and the pride in a land that has risen from humble beginnings. Each gemstone in Luc Yen not only possesses material value but also embodies the story of the land and its people – sparkling, enduring, just like the land of gemstones that has weathered countless ups and downs yet retained its unique radiance.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/sac-ngoc-ben-bi-voi-thoi-gian-post890082.html
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