HUB 生产基地 GEMSWORLD | 44 | 2026 Regarded as one of the most prolific gemstone sources and trading centres in the world, Sri Lanka produces highly sought-after Ceylon sapphires alongside 75 other gems including Padparadscha sapphire, cat’s eye chrysoberyl, ruby, spinel, tourmaline and moonstone, to name a few. Known as Ceylon until 1972, the country has five top gem-producing regions, the main one being Ratnapura. Dubbed the “City of Gems,” Ratnapura has been producing sapphires for more than 3,000 years. Today, the island’s gem industry employs approximately 600,000 people, including miners, cutters, polishers, dealers and jewellers. Gem and jewellery exports remain stable but are somehow stagnating, reaching US$282.06 million in 2024 from US$388.16 million in 2023. As of September 2025, exports in this category are at US$267.11 million, government data showed. Its major markets are Switzerland, Israel, the US, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Belgium, France and Japan. According to gem traders, the country is banking on global expansion and the inherent allure of Sri Lankan gems to sustain its edge in the global trade. Market appetite Business is steady but could be better, according to Armil Sammoon, chairman of Sapphire Capital Group. While traders still fulfil regular orders for single stones of 1 to 5 carats, resistance to current prices is building up, particularly at trade shows. Consistent demand coupled with tighter supply at the mines are putting pressure on Sri Lankan gem prices, which have risen by around 20 to 30 per cent between 2023 and 2025, revealed Sammoon. Sameen Ariff, director of Sales & Marketing of Regal Gems (Pvt) Ltd, explained that supply is not enough to meet extremely high demand for nicer-quality goods, hence the spike in prices. “The market has slowed down due to uncertainties, but we do not see prices for premium goods dropping,” he explained. “Prices are up by almost 100 per cent from around three years ago.” Regal Gems’ top-selling products are unheated blue, green, yellow, purple and Padparadscha sapphires. It focuses on finer, cleaner stones as these are what buyers look for now, added Ariff. Home to beloved Ceylon sapphires and other coveted gems, Sri Lanka is preparing for the next phase of growth through global expansion. 斯里兰卡是锡兰蓝宝石和其他珍贵宝石的主要产地。该国现正通过全球扩张为 下一阶段的发展做好准备。 | Bernardette Sto. Domingo 杜明高 | SRI LANKA: In the land of gems 斯里兰卡：宝石之国
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