Traditional Gem Mining & Lapidary Tour

Sri Lanka, historically known as 'Ratnadeepa' or the Island of Gems, has produced some of the world's most legendary gemstones, including the Logan Sapphire and the Star of India. This immersive day tour takes you to Ratnapura, the beating heart of the island's gem industry, for a rare, authentic look at traditional 'mine-to-market' artisanal gem extraction.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you will visit a traditional alluvial gem mine. Observe miners working in deep bamboo-reinforced pits and learn about the sustainable, small-scale methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. Feel the excitement as you watch the washing of the 'Illam' (gem-bearing gravel) in hand-woven baskets, and try your hand at sifting through the gravel for a rough sapphire.

Next, visit a traditional lapidary where skilled craftsmen use precision wheels to cut and polish rough stones into dazzling gems. Conclude your tour with a walk through the lively street gem market, where local brokers bargain over rough stones in a century-old tradition, followed by a visit to a certified gem laboratory to learn about authentication.