Tiffany & Co. placed an advertisement in The Washington Post congratulating the U.S. Congress for passing the “Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta’s Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008,” which bans the import of all Burmese jade and ruby into the United States.

Tiffany & Co., in accordance with its corporate standards and practices, stopped the purchase of all rubies mined in Burma on Aug. 28, 2003, with passage of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.

This new act, which awaits the president’s signature, closes a loophole that allowed stones to be recut outside of Burma and no longer be considered as “Burmese origin” when imported into the U.S. The ad, which appeared in Monday’s newspaper, reads as follows:

Tiffany & Co. Salutes
The U.S. Congress
For Passing A Strict Embargo
On Rubies From Burma
For many years, a dedicated few have rallied support for the
Burmese people in their desire for democracy.
Now, thanks to Congress and all those who worked so diligently,
we have a bill imposing an absolute embargo on
the importation of all gemstones that originate in Burma.
This sanction is an important step by the United States to help
secure basic freedoms for the Burmese people.

JCK