Sri Lanka is a tiny island in the Indian Ocean aptly named in the olden days as the “Ratna Dweepa” which in Sanskrit means “Island of Jewels”. The Arab traders called it the “Serendib” and it is also known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. The Gem Industry in the country has a long history. As far back as 2500 years in history and to-date, Sri Lankan exquisite gems have been known to adorn countless pieces of exquisite jewelry of kings and queens around the globe. Of the 200 minerals that have been classified as precious gemstones, 75 are found in abundance in the deep, rich soil of Sri Lanka. The country is best known for the best Blue Sapphires with the unique colour of “cornflower blue”, among the others belonging to the Corundum family , with Chriysoberyl, Spinel , Garnet and Tourmaline following close behind. All these glorious gems found in the river beds of Sri Lanka have created a very unique brand recognition worldwide. Ranging from precious to semi-precious, Sri Lankan gems have made the world sparkle in glorious hues for the last 30 centuries and would continue to do so. A gemstone receives its luster and value only when it is properly cut and polished. Therefore, the lapidary industry in the country has a history equally long as the gemstone mining.