I’ve just returned from the most inspiring trip to Sri Lanka - a journey that took me deep into the beating heart of the gemstone world. After a five-hour, winding drive into Ratnapura, known as Gem City, I found myself in a place alive with colour, movement and energy. A typical Sri Lankan city on the surface - yet every corner revealed someone polishing, cutting or trading sapphires. Even the car parks were full of people selling stones from their pockets.

What struck me most was the sense of safety, trust and community. Yes, there was the joyful chaos of negotiation, but never the feeling of being taken advantage of. This was my first time visiting an alluvial deposit - buying stones not directly from a polished dealer, but at the very source - and it opened my eyes to an entirely new part of the process.

One of the highlights was meeting a local heat-treater, an unforgettable character working in a tiny, bare room down a muddy track. He showed me the traditional method of blowing through a narrow metal pipe into a small fire pit to gently enhance a sapphire’s colour. I even had a go myself - a small moment I’ll treasure.

One of the highlights was meeting a local heat-treater, an unforgettable character working in a tiny, bare room down a muddy track. He showed me the traditional method of blowing through a narrow metal pipe into a small fire pit to gently enhance a sapphire’s colour. I even had a go myself - a small moment I’ll treasure.

I left Sri Lanka with stones I’m incredibly excited to work with - many sourced directly from this mine - and a handful of new relationships I know will grow into something long-lasting. I’ll definitely be returning.