Sri Lanka Gems


The "Pearl of the Indian ocean" was one of names given to this resplendent isle. Perhaps owing to its physical location & small size or owing to the thriving pearl industry during the 'Silk Route' era when traders & merchants from China, Asia & Arabia were regular visitors in search of natural pearls, gem stones, spices & ivory.

Sri Lanka is famed for her precious stone deposits from time immemorial. The Ramayanaya (recorded history) states that, king Ravana had in his possession, very large amounts of precious stones. The Lord Buddha too had visited Kelaniya, Sri Lanka to resolve a dispute between two Naga tribal kings over a gem studded chair!

Precious & semi precious stones are found in many parts of the island but the Sabaragamuwa Province takes pride of place. Legends abound around Sri Lankan gem stones. Folk lore records the following. Villagers living in the mountains surrounding the Sabaragamuwa valley (Ratnapura- the gem capital) used to throw raw flesh into the valley. Eagles nesting on the mountain tops would swoop down, pick the flesh with gem stones stuck on them & get back to their nests. The villagers & traders would then collect the treasure from the nests! What natural abundance!

Statues of Gods in India are adorned with Sri Lankan gems. Many large gem stones are in the royal family in England. The large Blue, Star Sapphire known as the 'Star of India' in the British Crown, is a Sri Lankan gem stone!

A gem stone is an inorganic compound & a mineral, which evolves during the formation of rocks, over thousands of years. Three important qualities differentiate a gem mineral, from a normal mineral.
- Beauty: Color, Luster & transparency.

- Durability: Hardness, Toughness & lack of cleavage.

- Rarity: Difficult to find among other minerals.

Sri Lanka is blessed, with a dazzling array of over 60 varieties of precious & semi precious gem stones

Sapphire, Ruby, Cats- Eye, Alexandrite, Topaz, Beryl, Zircon, Garnet, Tourmaline & Moonstone are just a few.

With the advent of tourism as an industry, Sri Lankan gems too have come into scene, in no small measure. Gem stones are bought for many reasons & purposes. As jewellery, ornaments, for medicinal & healing purposes, collectors item but mainly as an investment.

The Gem Corporation (state body) in addition to having their own outlets has developed a system to classify & certify gems which ensures that the buyer gets the genuine item.

A visitor to this Treasure Island, blessed with such natural abundance, a glorious heritage & a sublime culture should not miss the opportunity of possessing ' A thing of beauty, that lasts for ever', Sri Lanka Gems.