Inside the Gem Mines of Ratnapura: Discovering the Heart of Sri Lanka’s Sapphire Trade

At Brilliyond Jewellery, we pride ourselves on sourcing ethically mined natural gemstones, especially sapphires from Sri Lanka. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to visit Ratnapura, widely known as the gem capital of Sri Lanka. Though I have visited Sri Lanka before, I had never explored these fascinating gem mines firsthand. This visit opened my eyes to the realities of gem mining, the people behind the scenes, and the incredible effort it takes to unearth these sparkling treasures.

A Journey into the Heart of the Gem Trade

Ratnapura, which literally means "City of Gems," is a vibrant region filled with lush tropical greenery, small hills, and beautiful rivers and streams that crisscross through residential and lowland farming areas. The gem mines here are surprisingly small-scale and often hidden in humble agricultural plots or village backyards.

How Small-Scale Mining Works in Ratnapura

Mining typically begins when a group of 10 to 15 locals team up to dig a small patch of land, often just a corner of a paddy field or unused residential land. Funding is key: usually one or two individuals act as financial backers, covering costs like food, basic accommodation, electricity, and other essential needs. This is a high-risk venture, sometimes they go months without finding anything valuable.

If gemstones are found, the group follows a pre-agreed profit-sharing arrangement. The landowner, the financiers, and the labourers (miners) all receive a share of the proceeds. It's a community-driven model that sustains many local families.

From Mine to Market: A Dynamic Ecosystem

Once gems are uncovered, miners have several paths forward:

They may take the stones to regional markets in Ratnapura.
Some choose to work with local gem cutters to polish and shape the stones for increased value.
If they’re lucky enough to find a premium-quality gemstone, they may sell directly to reputed gem merchants, many of whom have standing capital and are ready to purchase immediately.

The gem trade in Ratnapura is a vibrant, almost theatrical affair. Street markets pop up on specific days, with buyers and sellers gathering in clusters, showcasing stones to one another, negotiating prices, and making deals on the spot.

It’s worth noting that it’s not practical to visit with a specific gem in mind. The process is far more organic, you see what’s available, assess its value and authenticity, and make decisions based on the day’s market. The energy is palpable and the trade is fast-moving and spontaneous.

What This Means for You – The Customer

Understanding this behind-the-scenes process allows us at Brilliyond to set realistic expectations for customers seeking natural sapphires. Each gemstone has a journey, a story, and not every stone is readily available on demand. Instead, we offer carefully selected, ethically sourced sapphires, handpicked either in person or through trusted sourcing agents directly in Sri Lanka.

This visit reminded me that finding the right gem isn’t just about money, it’s about timing, patience, and understanding the rhythms of the gem trade.

If you’re ever curious about the origins of your sapphire or want to inspect a gemstone in person, you're welcome to visit our Melbourne showroom. For those outside Victoria, we can arrange secure delivery for at-home inspection.

Damian Sylvester

As the Lead Content Developer and Digital Marketer for Brilliyond Jewellery, Damian has a keen interest in the gemstone industry and business development. His posts educate readers on the jewellery industry and precious stones, blending historical insights with current trends. With a background in business and professional writing, he brings an analytical approach to content creation, covering topics from buying guides to the history of precious stones and exotic subjects. His content caters to buyers, jewellery enthusiasts, and industry professionals alike, offering valuable perspectives for a wide audience.