Sri Lanka – A Multi-faceted Gem

Whether you are seeking the jewels in Sindbad’s treasure trove or hunting the gems in Aladdin’s cave, your search will take you to Sri Lanka.

By Sheriff Abdul Rahuman,

Even before Arab traders realised, circa 850 AD, that ancient Ceylon was rich in gems, precious stones from Ceylon (or Serendib, to use Sri Lanka’s even older name) were already known in the West, in particular among the Romans and Greeks – as early as 500 BC.

Romans and the Egyptians believed that the sapphire was the stone of truth and justice, and even today in India it is regarded as the symbol of fertility. Myth and lore apart, no other country has produced sapphires and rubies in large sizes, and for as long time, like Sri Lanka.

Despite claims on behalf of Madagascar, Kenya, and Tanzania, Sri Lanka’s reputation as a primary source of supply of the finest gems remains unmatched. As well as Sri Lanka being a rich resource for sapphires and rubies, about 50 different types of gem are endemic to the island, from the common Garnet to the unusual padparadscha, a pinkish-orange sapphire, and taaffeite, popular with collectors.

Sri Lankan gems were originally found by accident by an aboriginal ‘veddah’ hunter. Since then, the island’s precious mineral heritage has been nurtured by Sinhalese kings, and, along the way, enhanced and perfected with the aid of high-precision technology.

Even today, the gem-cutting centres of Bangkok cannot match the skills of Lankan lapidaries, as evidenced by the number of Swiss precision watchmakers who use Sri Lankan-cut gems. Additionally, making a fashion statement, high-value single stones in an array of colours find their way into well-known jewellery houses of the West.

For anyone tired of the colourless diamonds in their jewellery collection, Sri Lanka’s colourful gems will break the monotony. They can indulge themselves in colour, just as Wallis Simpson, controversial wife of the former Prince of Wales, did with a fabulous Cartier panther brooch featuring a 150-plus-carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire. Princess Diana, another controversial royal who was also the wife of a Prince of Wales, chose a magnificent Sri Lankan Blue Sapphire ring for her wedding. But ownership of Sri Lankan gems is not confined to royalty. Any resourceful jeweller will tailor a gem to suit individuals’ wallets.

Drawing on and combining interdependent traditions with the expertise of a high order, Sri Lanka’s leading jewellery houses have entered the international gem and jewellery wholesale and retail markets, opening branches outside Sri Lanka. They now cater not only to the rich and elite but also to royalty in the Far and the Middle East.

Exposure to world markets has also enabled reputed Sri Lankan jewellers to imbue their creations with the latest trends and innovative designs. A visit to their showrooms is evocative of King Solomon’s mines. From a beautiful unset gem – to be worked on later back home – or a superb piece of jewellery to wear right away, you will be rewarded by a visit to such reputed jewellers. 

FACETS 2016

This annual exhibition of gems and jewellery will be held at the BMICH Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo in September of each year... This event is a must for dealers looking for gems from the source. However, gem and jewellery buying in Sri Lanka is a year-round experience of which you will never tire.

Sheriff Abdul Rahuman obtained his gemology and
lapidary training in Germany before establishing his
testing lab and lapidary in Sri Lanka.He is also a GIA Alumni.