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Sri Lanka, also known as the “Gem Island” or, in Sanskrit, “Ratna Dweepa,” is admired for its amazing treasure of precious and semi-precious gemstones. The island nation has a rich history of gemstones, mining, and artistry.
Over 2,500 years, Sri Lanka has produced some of the world’s most popular gems, including sapphires, garnets, rubies, spinels, cat’s eyes, and moonstones. About 90% of the country’s land contains metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian age, making nearly 25% of the total land gem-bearing. Gem mining in Sri Lanka has a history of over 2000 years. Inheriting rich historic roots in gem trading and winning a reputation for authentic stones, Sri Lanka remains a top choice among gem traders, collectors, and jewelry enthusiasts.
If you are searching for authentic Sri Lankan gems, it takes more than just visiting a jewelry store. To make sure you are paying for genuine stones, it’s essential to know where these gems come from, how they are mined, and where to buy them properly and securely. In this article, you can see a great insight into the history of gem mining in Sri Lanka, the best places to find authentic gems, useful tips for finding genuine stones, together with more interesting facts.
Into the History of Gem Mining Sri Lanka
When it comes to the history of gems, Sri Lanka’s gem industry runs back thousands of years. Olden travelers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta declared Sri Lanka a gem treasure in their kind of literature. As to the nation’s geology, the central and southern states support the formation of superior gemstones, with deposits that have constantly produced valuable stones for centuries.
Sri Lanka is best known for its Ceylon sapphires with a vibrant cornflower blue hue and remarkable clarity. And the country has also formed renowned gems, including the most popular Star of India, one of the biggest blue star sapphires in the world.
What are the main Gem Mining Regions in Sri Lanka?
If you are interested in authentic Sri Lankan gems, it is important to find out where Sri Lanka’s finest gems are excavated. We bring you the main regions where you find the best Sri Lankan gems, and also where you typically find the most reliable sellers and firsthand contact with precious stones.
Ratnapura – Hub for Gems
The name Ratnapura exactly means “City of Gems” in Sinhala. Ratnapura is located about 100 kilometers southeast of Colombo, which is the primary gem mining area in Sri Lanka. The state is full of traditional mines which are known as “illam”, where gems are mined from gravel layers deep concealed.
Why visit the city of Ratnapura?
- Can witness old-style mining practices
- Can purchase uncut or minimally cut stones from Local gem traders
- Hub for gem trading, with hundreds of traders and shops
- Offer tours and in-depth education through Museums and gemological institutions, especially about identifying gems
Elahera- North Central Gem City
The popular Gem City, Elahera, is situated in the North Central Province, which is identified as a key mining area for sapphires, garnets, and spinels. The city is less commercial compared with Ratnapura, but often produces the country’s premium quality stones.
Why visit Elahera?
- Less touristy
- Offer a more authentic experience
- Give a chance to buy straight from small-scale miners
Balangoda, Kahawatte and Nivithigala
These towns are located near Ratnapura, and each town has its active mining sites. Even though these areas are not as well-known as Ratnapura and Elahera, they often yield superior stones at more reasonable prices.
Where to find Authentic Sri Lankan Gems?
No matter where you are, you’ll find gem shops in several cities in Sri Lanka like Colombo, Kandy, Ratnapura, etc. However, not all of them offer authentic gems or properly sourced gems. So, what should you check before you buy a gem in Sri Lanka? Here we guide you.
Government-Certified Gem Shops:
The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) certifies and observes gem traders and exporters in Sri Lanka. Shops licensed by the NGJA should meet certain standards and offer certified gemstones, so you can ensure that what you purchase is authentic.
Find NGJA-licensed Gem shops:
Colombo: The commercial capital city of Sri Lanka has many reliable stores; mostly, you can find them in high-end shopping malls around Galle Road
Kandy: The cultural capital, Kandy, owns a thriving gem market with numerous NGJA-certified traders
Ratnapura: Just as same as mining, Ratnapura is the center for many certified sellers to find authentic gems
Gem Museums and Institutions
A visit to gem museums can be both educational and a safe way to shop. Some trustworthy institutions in Sri Lanka include:
Gem Museum, Ratnapura: The Best place to get fully guided tours and authentic stones
Gemological Museum, Kandy: To get deeper into stone grading and cutting, this is an ideal institute to cover in your tour
By visiting these places, you can gain a lot of knowledge about authentic Sri Lankan gems and also purchase certified gems or bring up to reliable sources. And occasionally, the NGJA systematizes gem exhibitions and auctions where you can find registered dealers and reserved buyers bidding on raw and cut stones. For graded gems and high investments, these visits are suitable.
How to Find Authentic Sri Lankan Gems: the island’s glittering legacy
Not everything you find is authentic, and with adequate knowledge, you can defend yourself from purchasing replicas.
- Warranty: Remember to check and request a certificate from a recognized authority like the NGJA (National Gem and Jewellery Authority), the Sri Lanka Gem Laboratory (SLGL), and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) – For high-value purchases
- Visual Indicators: There are some general signs of authenticity you can check on the outside and decide. Such as,
- Inclusions- Natural gemstones usually have minor inclusions, which are tiny cracks or spots. If a gem looks perfect, there is a big chance it can be synthetic
- Luster- An authentic gem should contain natural brilliance, which is lacking in synthetic stones or glass stones
- Weight- Original Gem stones are heavier than artificial ones of the same size
What are the Common Scams?
There can be Glass-filled stones that look similar to sapphires. But these are finished with cheap filler and are quite a common scam in the gem industry.
And the other thing is color-treated stones. These are not synthetic can be real stones with color enhancements. So if any stone undergoes this category, it should be disclosed clearly.
The other common scan is fake “mine visits”. Before you take any mine visit, check the background facts and verify that it is not a tourist trap under fake gem mines with the intention of marketing stones at overpriced rates.
What is Ethical and Justifiable Gem Buying in Sri Lanka?
Ethical gem mining is popular in Sri Lanka, and you can find that the mines are small-scale and community-run in common. This is to prevent many of the civil rights issues from happening in large-scale operations around.
Before you buy gems, go through the following facts to make it sustainable.
- Support local miners: Purchase from organizations and family-run productions to support
- Learn mining methods: Properly mined stones are found from open pits or traditional techniques, and do not go after dangerous tunnels
Useful facts:
- First, choose the stone you want and decide the design accordingly
- Assure the jeweler uses real gold or platinum for the jewelry
- If you ask for a piece to be made, make sure you allow 1–3 days or as required
What are the best authentic Sri Lankan Gems to buy?
- Ceylon sapphires
- Tourmaline
- Rubies
- Cymophane
- Spinel
Exporting Gems With authorization
If you are buying gems from Sri Lanka during your stay, you must know how to take your stones out of the country legally. Here you must state them to customs and certify that they have the correct certifications. And here, certified dealers mostly help you with this course.
Key instructions:
- Gain a valuation certificate and an export license from the NGJA
- Declare the gemstones at the airport
- Produce receipts and papers for customs in your home country
Sri Lanka is a gem lovers’ paradise. Whether you are an experienced collector or traveler, Sri Lanka offers an amazing array of gemstones immersed in culture, history, and natural charm.
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