Ratnapura gem market: a guide for buyers and dealers
· GemColony
Why Ratnapura
Ratnapura means city of gems in Sinhala. It is the centre of the Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka's main gem-mining district, and a market city where many of the country's gem dealers operate. Pelmadulla, Rakwana and Eheliyagoda are named among the other main mining centres in the district.
What is found and sold
The district's river gravels, called illam, yield blue and fancy-coloured sapphire, star sapphire and many other stones, including spinel, garnet, zircon and chrysoberyl. Stones are bought as rough, as cut stones and in mixed lots.
How buying works
Miners sell to local dealers, who sell on to cutters, other dealers and exporters. Prices are negotiated, so knowing the going rate for your type of stone matters more than any list price.
Buying with confidence
Ask where the stone was mined, whether it has been heated or otherwise treated, and whether it comes with a laboratory report. If a seller will not answer clearly, walk away. Photograph and record every stone you buy the day you buy it.
For dealers based in Ratnapura
Stock moves quickly between dealers, so tracking which stones are in the safe, out on memo or in the lab saves arguments. GemColony is built for this workflow.