Sri Lanka Gems

 Sri Lanka world-famous gems

Sri Lanka has been known as the "Gem Island" due to its long history of gemstone mining and trading. The country is famous for producing a wide variety of precious and semi-precious gemstones, including sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and topaz.

The history of Sri Lankan gems dates back over 2,500 years to the time of ancient Sri Lanka's rulers, who valued gemstones for their beauty and believed in their mystical powers. The country's rich gemstone deposits were also sought after by traders from around the world, leading to a thriving gemstone trade.

Throughout the centuries, the gemstone industry in Sri Lanka has undergone many changes, influenced by factors such as colonialism, wars, and technological advancements. During the colonial period, the British took control of the gemstone trade, and many valuable gems were taken out of the country. However, after gaining independence in 1948, Sri Lanka reclaimed control of its gemstone industry and established regulations to protect its precious resources.

Today, Sri Lanka is one of the world's leading producers of gemstones, and its gems are highly sought after by buyers around the world. The country's gemstone industry is also an important part of its economy, providing employment for thousands of people and contributing significantly to the country's GDP.

Sri Lanka is known for its world-famous gems, which have been highly prized for centuries. 

Types of gems that are found in Sri Lanka

Here are some of the most famous gems that are found in Sri Lanka:

Blue Sapphire: Sri Lanka is known for producing some of the finest blue sapphires in the world. These gems are prized for their deep blue color and are often used in high-end jewelry.

Ruby: Sri Lanka is also home to some of the most beautiful rubies in the world. These gems are prized for their deep red color and are often used in high-end jewelry.

Yellow Sapphire: This gemstone is found in Sri Lanka and is prized for its bright yellow color. It's often used as an alternative to diamonds in engagement rings.

Cat's Eye: This gemstone is known for its unique appearance, which resembles a cat's eye. It's found in Sri Lanka and is highly prized by collectors.

Alexandrite: This gemstone is rare and highly prized for its unique color-changing properties. It's found in Sri Lanka, and its color changes from green to red under different lighting conditions.

Topaz: Sri Lanka is also home to some of the most beautiful topaz gemstones in the world. These gems are prized for their bright and vibrant colors.

Places to buy Sri Lankan Gems 

There are several places where you can find them. Here are some of the most popular places to find gems in Sri Lanka:

Ratnapura

This city, which means "city of gems" in Sinhalese, is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka and is known for its rich deposits of gemstones. It's the center of the gem trade in Sri Lanka, and you can find a variety of gemstones here, including sapphires, rubies, and topaz.

Elahera

This small town is located in the central part of Sri Lanka and is known for its high-quality sapphires. You can find a variety of sapphires here, including blue, yellow, and pink.

Is it safe to buy gems in Sri Lanka 

It's important to be cautious when buying gemstones in Sri Lanka and to purchase them from reputable dealers. Be sure to ask for certification and authentication for any gemstones you buy to ensure that you're getting a genuine and high-quality product.

National Gem and Jewellery Authority Official Website

Sri Lanka has a long and rich history of gem mining, and its gems are highly sought after by collectors and jewelry designers around the world.