HUB 生产基地 GEMSWORLD | 45 | 2026 Fresh demand With demand from China almost coming to a halt, Sri Lanka is training its sights on other export destinations such as India and the Middle East. “There is a new generation of buyers in India who are starting to understand and enjoy coloured gemstones, and this bodes well for gemstone producers like Sri Lanka,” remarked Sammoon. He said the Middle East also presents glowing potential, with appreciation for coloured gems in the region growing from strength to strength as consumption trends point to heightened preference for colour. Safraz Jabir, founder of Safaiyers, agreed, citing tremendous opportunities specifically in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, which have established jewellery markets. Jabir also represents Sri Lanka's Ceylon Gem and Jewelry Trade Association (CGJTA). “There is a lot of buying activity in the Middle East’s gem and jewellery trade. Due to trade restrictions in China, the ultra-rich are also relocating to Singapore and Dubai,” he explained. “Similarly, emerging buyers are more educated and receptive to coloured gems. These are the markets we want to tap.” Given an ongoing instability in the diamond market, some diamond traders are looking to diversify by offering coloured gems, which is creating fresh demand, said Jabir. Then there is the affluent, mature consumer who understands the market and is willing to invest in top-tier stones, he added. Both Sammoon and Jabir said limited production only adds to the rarity of these gems. Apart from quality, buyers are increasingly seeking bigger stones, specifically blue sapphires of over 10 carats, revealed Ariff. Regal Gems sells mainly to the US, Europe and China. Smaller calibrated stones, meanwhile, are moving faster in China, said Tharaka Uduwara of Ellawala Exports Pvt Ltd. The company, which has been around for 70 years, focuses on unheated blue and Padparadscha sapphires and other gems. It exports mainly to Europe but is eyeing to strengthen its business in China. Irradiated gems In early 2025, the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) raised concerns over undisclosed irradiated rubies and sapphires entering the market, particularly from Sri Lanka. These gemstones are reportedly unstable, with colours fading to almost white or light pink or becoming dark red in the case of rubies. AGTA also reported that vendors could be using radiation from various sources to create such temporary, undisclosed treatments. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) defines irradiation as exposure of a gem to an artificial source of radiation to change its colour. With demand from China almost coming to a halt, Sri Lanka is training its sights on other export destinations such as India and the Middle East. Natural unheated Ceylon star sapphires 天然未经加热处理的锡兰星光蓝宝石 Gemstones from Ratnapura, Sri Lanka 来自斯里兰卡拉特纳普勒的宝石
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