| A paradise land to many who have blessed the | | | | is truly a beauty to behold. Some of Sri |
| country on visit, Sri Lanka is home to many | | | | Lanka’s past discoveries of precious gems |
| wondrous gifts, one being that of dazzling gems | | | | now lie instilled all over the world; beauty cannot |
| and semi-precious stones. With a long standing | | | | be contained to one person but needs to be |
| history of gem-mining and trading dating back two | | | | shared. Originally from the paradise land, the |
| millennia, Sri Lanka then known by names such as | | | | Bismark Sapphire which is 98.6 Carats in size has |
| “Ceylon”, “Serendib”, and | | | | made its permanent home at the Smithsonian's |
| “Taprobane” has presented the world | | | | National Museum of Natural History in the United |
| with dazzling beauties residing all over the globe. | | | | States, along with the Logan Blue Sapphire which |
| The Ratnapura District which calls itself home to | | | | was gifted to the museum by Mrs. Logan. |
| the gem-mining and trading industry has uplifted | | | | With many splendid gems in the world that have |
| its local economy with Mother Nature’s gifts. | | | | been unearthed in Sri Lanka, the world has more |
| In towns such as Elahera, Okkampitiya, | | | | reason to sparkle. Visit the many Gem Museums |
| Kahawaththa, Balangoda, Kuruvita, Rakwaana and | | | | situated throughout the country such as the Gem |
| Ratnapura are places where gem are bountiful | | | | Bank & Gemmological Museum and the Ehelapola |
| and glorious. With ample supply of precious stones | | | | Museum in Ratnapura, as well as the instalments |
| such as Sapphires, Rubies, Cat’s Eye, | | | | at the Colombo National Museum which |
| Chrysoberyl, the town flourishes with merchants | | | | showcases many of the land’s gems and |
| who trade them for hefty but worthy amounts. | | | | treasures. |
| Also, most recently, the discovery of new types | | | | With glamorous gems and semi-precious stones, |
| of gems have given the mining industry of Sri | | | | the bullion, gem and jewellery industry has |
| Lanka a much needed boost, with the likes of | | | | flourished unremarkably. To find out more |
| Sinhalite gem, which is a rare brown precious | | | | information about the gemmology and jewellery in |
| stone found in the gravels of the district. | | | | Sri Lanka, visit Truly Sri Lanka and be amazed by |
| The blue sapphire which comes from Sri Lanka is | | | | the island’s kaleidoscopic attractions. |
| known the world over as the Ceylon Sapphire and | | | | |