Gem markets in Sri Lanka

There are a number of gems markets in Sri Lanka. Out of them some are specialized for rough gems while others are for cut and polished gems.

Rathnapura gem market

The most sought after district for mining operations, everyday starting from 6 am, miners and brokers of gemstones bring their freshly mined gems to be sold to buyers. The market that's called "amba gaha yata'' ''under the mango tree is the famous spot for buying rough gems. here you can reserve a table for a day charge and view all kinds of rough gemstones.

Be warned if you're a first time buyer. The situation could be freighting sometimes as gem sellers flock around you to show their gems. But assured that once you get to know them you will understand that, that's how the market works. You can negotiate with sellers.

After about 10 am sellers move to another place called DEMUMAWATHA or MARA-GAHA-YATA where there is shade from the burning sun. Here you can find many gem shops. gem lapidaries and gem labs.

Rathnapura Demumawatha Gems Market

Gem buyer on a gem market

If you're buying cut and polished gems, its better to agree with the seller to get a certificate for the gems and get it verified as there are many synthetic gems roaming in the market.

Other gems market such as nivithigala, rakwana. haraniyawaka are mostly specialized for rough gems.

Beruwala gem market is specialized in cut and polished gem stones. My suggestion is that if you need to buy loose gemstones, Beruwala market is a good place to begin. The population there are Muslim dominated and people there are friendly. You can also find lapidaries and gem labs to get your gem gem certificates. You can also see many foreign buyers mainly chinese at the market inside shops. Please keep in mind that certain shops charge both buyers and sellers a commission for doing business inside their shops. If you're a serious buyer try reserving a table inside a shop to avoid the hustle and bustle and inspect gems in a more comfortable way.

Note , the market usually operates 12pm onwards everyday but operates at peak level on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Images attached here are downloaded from google search. Video ownership is mine.

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