Inside the Gem Mines of Ratnapura, Sri LankaDavud Akhundzada · 2.3 lakh views
Home › Why Sri Lanka › Gems and Jewellery
Why Sri Lanka for gemsRatnapura literally means city of gems. Ceylon blue sapphires, yellow sapphires and the rare pink orange padparadscha are mined from its gravels. For Indian jewellers and the jyotish market, Sri Lanka is the source, not the middleman.
National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka.
Rough and cut stones direct from Ratnapura and Beruwala dealers.
The National Gem and Jewellery Authority tests and certifies stones. Insist on it.
A skilled lapidary trade that works alongside Jaipur and Surat.
Jaipur and Mumbai jewellers, Surat cutters and gemstone astrology retailers all source Ceylon sapphires. Buy only certified stones, declare them correctly at Indian customs, and work with an introduced dealer, not a beach tout.
Ceylon blue sapphires are among the most sought after for Neelam because of their bright, even blue. Always ask for a certificate from a recognised lab such as Sri Lanka's National Gem and Jewellery Authority.
Mainly around Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa province, with trading also centred in Beruwala and Colombo.