Sri Lanka: The Island of Jewels Imagine standing at the edge of a muddy pit in Ratnapura as a miner lifts a basket of gravel from the earth. It is washed in a pool of water, and among the pebbles a flash of blue appears. This is how Sri Lanka's gems have been found for more than two thousand years. Whether you are a gemology student , a gem collector , a gem cutter , a jewellery designer , or a traveller who wants an experience unlike any other, a gemological tour of Sri Lanka lets you see the whole journey of a gemstone, from the ground to the showcase, in one small island. Why Sri Lanka Is a World-Class Destination for Gemology 1. Remarkable gem density. Sri Lanka is widely regarded as one of the world's leading sources of gemstones, with an exceptionally high concentration of gems for its size. More than two-thirds of the island is believed to hold gem deposits, yet only about 20% has been explored, so the potential is still enormous. 2. Over 130 gem varieties. ...