Industry to capitalise on Dubai Expo hype for Lankan sapphire

Pix by Nisal Baduge

After coming into spotlight at Dubai Expo 2020 with a US $ 100 million worth sapphire masterpiece, Sri Lanka’s gem jewellery industry eyes to build up on the momentum and promote the Sri Lankan 
sapphire brand. 

The Sri Lankan pavilion at the recently concluded Dubai Expo 2020 created much buzz, attracting visitors to wittiness the largest single assortment of sapphire masterpiece worth and estimated US $ 100 million.
Spearheaded by the Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), the country’s gem and jewellery industry took part in the Sri Lanka pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 this year by investing their own funds around Rs.100 million in insurance costs, travel expenses and other expenses.

Renowned jewellery specialist Helen Molesworth made a walk-through of the exhibition, explaining the importance of the gemstone in Sri Lanka.

The gem and jewellery industry is considered to be one of the oldest industries in the country with references to Sri Lankan gems dating back as far as the second century.

Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry, which possesses international standard lapidaries coupled with highly talented craftsman, is gearing to cater to the mass market as well as the high-end luxury market, adding lustre to the country’s global positioning.

“We are now on a journey to give the Sri Lankan sapphire the prominence it deserves in the global arena with the goal of increasing the appreciation and desirability toward our gems in order to earn the much-needed forex to the country and support the local economy,” Sri Lanka Project Chairman and Promotions and Trade Fairs Vice Chairman Altaf Iqbal told a press briefing in Colombo on Tuesday.

He announced that the association is planning the well-known FACETS show on September 30 this year and the details of the event are currently being finalised. 

After considering the success of ‘Day of Sapphires’ event held at the Sri Lankan pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020, the SLGJA is also planning to move ahead this concept to promote Sri Lankan sapphires and other gems with the support of Sri Lanka Tourism and the Export Development Board (EDB).  Iqbal noted that this concept is at its preliminary stage at the moment and would be finalised after concluding consultations with the stakeholders.

Sri Lanka has been renowned for its sapphires and these precious stones have adorned some of the world’s most famous jewellery pieces and have also featured in museums around the world. The SLGJA believes that the country stands to gain significant financial rewards with the strategic building of ‘Sri Lankan Sapphire’ brand.