CAIRO: Ragab Sarhan Ismail has been selling gems for more than 15 years. He said this trade made him aware that everything in this world is full of secrets. Ragab said Egypt's market for gems has been influenced by the January 25 Revolution. Most gem shops are located in the bazaars that surround the al-Hussein and al-Azhar mosques, which specialize in tourist goods. He added that the decline in tourism has caused a decline in the demand for gems. However, he said some citizens of Cairo like buying gems. Ragab said Egypt imports gems from China. He said it is difficult to manufacture gems in Egypt because of high costs and the necessity for large work forces, which in turn increase the price. He said wearing garnets helps people with their problems, while turquoise protects them from danger. Peridot is meant to solve problems and increase fertility. He said when people engrave the phrase, “Lord, do not deprive me of children” in a stone, they will have boys. According to Ragab, the el-Dur el-Nagafy stone protects people from demons, while cat eye provides them with relief, happiness, and security. It also helps them make friends and protects them from the evil eye, he added. Amber also protects people from the evil eye and repels magic, and moonstone strengthens one's sexual ability, increases fertility and cures sterility for both men and women, said Ragab. Ragab said he wishes to create a market for gems in Tahrir Square in order to bring blessings to the square and stop the protests, which will increase tourism again. He said millions of Egyptians depend on tourism, and that he will start his preparations for the market during the holy month of Ramadan.
