Sri Lanka is well known for its blue sapphires, red rubies, cat's eyes, alexandrites, tourmalines, zircons, garnets, moonstones, amethysts, topaz, among several other varieties that are in great demand.

Sri Lankan gems have found their way into the highest echelons in international society. A 400 carat Sri Lankan blue sapphire adorns the British Crown. Legend has it that King Solomon presented a Ruby from Sri Lanka to the Queen of Sheba.

The popular gem mining area is Ratnapura (meaning City of Gems) but, gems are found in most parts of the country. In the early days Sri Lanka was called Ratnadipa, the ‘Land of Gems’. Mining is done manually where the mined earth called illam is washed in pans in shallow flowing water to detect the precious stones among the pebbles.

Sri Lankan jewellery carry a complete range of head to foot ornaments that includes head and hair ornaments, earrings, chokers, necklaces, rings, bracelets, waist chains and anklets. They are made of gold or silver and very often studded with Sri Lankan gems.

Gem and Jewellery shops are found in almost all cities and towns in Sri Lanka. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority will assist the visitor in assessing the quality of the gems. A Star Sapphire weighing 393 carats called ‘Star of Lanka’ and a 105 carat chrysoberyl cat’s eye are the proud possessions of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Authority.

“ The island produces more beautiful and valuable rubies than are found in any other part of the world,and likewise sapphires, topazes, amethysts, garnets, and many other precious and costly stones.”
- Marco Polo, 13th century