Gem Mining Ratnapura: The City of Gems

Sri Lanka, historically known as Ratnadweepa (The Island of Jewels), is world-renowned for producing some of the highest quality sapphires and rubies ever found—including the sapphire in Princess Diana's engagement ring. The epicenter of this trade is Ratnapura (The City of Gems).

Traditional Mining Methods

What makes the Sri Lankan gem industry unique is its reliance on traditional, low-impact mining methods rather than massive, environmentally destructive open-pit operations.

• Miners dig narrow, deep vertical shafts lined with rubber tree logs and fern leaves to prevent collapse.
• The gravel (illam) is hauled up manually in woven baskets.
• The gravel is then washed in nearby rivers using conical wicker baskets to separate the heavier precious stones from mundane river rocks.

Visiting the Mines

Ratnapura sits in a wet, lush valley about 2.5 hours southeast of Colombo. Visitors can arrange tours to active mining pits to see the grueling manual labor involved and then visit the gem cutting and polishing workshops in the city center.

A High-Value Stopover

If you are serious about purchasing a certified Ceylon Sapphire directly from the source, Ratnapura is the place to do it. Because you will potentially be carrying high-value items afterward, ensure your security by traveling in a vetted, secure private taxi back to your hotel or onward to the airport.