Discover the World’s Most Precious Jewels on an Unforgettable Gem Tour
History of Gems in Sri Lanka
The historical narrative surrounding the gem trade in Sri Lanka traces its roots back some 3000 years. As recounted in the esteemed Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamsa, the island was referred to as ‘Ratna Deepa’ in Sanskrit, translating to ‘the land of jewels’. Its fertile lands, abounding in mineral wealth, have yielded a consistently abundant harvest of top-tier precious and semi-precious gemstones. The city of Ratnapura, whose name translates to ‘city of gems’ in Sinhalese, boasts a diverse array of gemstones, renowned for their exceptional clarity compared to stones sourced elsewhere.
In addition to the extraction of these valuable gems, Sri Lanka has long been renowned for its expertise in mining, faceting, and refining. Possessing deep-seated knowledge of gem varieties and lapidary techniques, Sri Lankan artisans meticulously cut and polish each gemstone destined for international markets. The Ceylon Moors, descendants of Arabian traders, played a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s gem industry. Their adeptness in multilingual communication and extensive global trade networks facilitated the procurement and exchange of commercially significant commodities.
In the aftermath of the civil conflict that concluded approximately a decade ago, Sri Lanka has witnessed remarkable strides in its service, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Regulatory reforms governing gem mining and exportation have been relaxed, fostering a conducive environment for the expansion of the industry.
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Did you know?
The world’s largest sapphire – weighing 42 pounds, was found in the gravels of Sri Lanka.
A British millionaire purchased from Sri Lanka the following:
Blue Giant, weighing 500 carats
Blue Belle of Asia, weighing 400 carats
Touring Sri Lanka for its gemstones is a captivating experience. Sri Lanka is renowned for its rich gemstone deposits, including sapphires, rubies, cat’s eye, garnets, and more. Here’s a brief guide to experiencing a gem tour in Sri Lanka:
Start in Colombo: Begin your journey in Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, which serves as a hub for gemstone trading. Visit gemstone markets and shops to see a variety of gemstones on display.
Visit Gem Mines: Explore gem mines in regions like Ratnapura, which is known as the City of Gems. You can witness traditional gem mining methods and perhaps even try your luck at gem hunting.
Learn about Gem Cutting and Polishing: Visit gem cutting and polishing factories to observe the process of transforming rough gemstones into dazzling jewels. You can also learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating exquisite gemstone jewelry.
Gem Museums and Exhibitions: Visit gem museums and exhibitions to learn about the history of Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry, as well as the different types of gemstones found in the country.
Attend Gemstone Workshops: Participate in workshops conducted by gemstone experts to gain insights into gemstone identification, grading, and appraisal techniques. You can also learn about the factors that determine the value of gemstones.
Shop for Gemstones: Explore gemstone shops and markets to purchase certified gemstones directly from dealers. Whether you’re looking for loose gemstones or finished jewelry, you’ll find a wide range of options to choose from.
Explore Gemstone Heritage Sites: Visit historical sites related to Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry, such as ancient mines, royal gem collections, and temples adorned with gemstone decorations.
Experience Gemstone Festivals: If your visit coincides with a gemstone festival or fair, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and witness dazzling displays of gemstones.
Consult Gemstone Experts: If you’re serious about investing in gemstones, consider consulting with reputable gemstone experts or gemologists who can provide valuable guidance and assistance.
Remember to exercise caution and do thorough research when purchasing gemstones to ensure authenticity and value. Enjoy your gem tour in Sri Lanka!
Gem varieties available in Sri Lanka
Since the early times of gem production, some off the common gemstones produced in Ceylon are:
Sapphires
Ruby
Cat’s eye
Alexandrite
Garnet
Star sapphire
Zircon
Tourmaline
Spinal
Topaz
Beryl
Quartz
Moonstone
Serendibite
Ekanite
The Blue Sapphire is one of the most supreme gems that Sri Lanka is renowned for. Some of the finest blue sapphires in the world are found here, one of which was gifted to Princess Diana by Prince Charles! Being second to diamond in hardness, this premium stone is amongst the highly prized of all gems.