Sri LankaExpedition
From pit mine to trading floor. Experience Ceylon's legendary gem fields, and one of the most important source markets.
Beneath the Surfaceof Ceylon
Sri Lanka — historically known as Ceylon — is among the world's oldest and most storied gemstone origins. The island yields an extraordinary diversity of precious stones from a uniquely concentrated geography: sapphires, spinels, chrysoberyls, moonstones, and more, all within a few hours of each other.
This five-day expedition moves from market to mine and back — visiting pit operations, riverbeds, and mechanised workings, learning heat treatment from the craftsmen who perfected it, and stepping onto the trading floor of one of Asia's most important source gem markets.
Who Should Join
This is not an expedition for professionals only. Whether you work in the trade or simply love gemstones, there is a place for you here.
Industry Professionals
Dealers, gemologists, jewellers, and buyers who want direct access to Sri Lanka's mine owners, understand source-to-market pricing, and build lasting relationships within the Ceylon trade network.
- Source procurement opportunities
- Meet reliable mine owners directly
- Understand heat treatment provenance
- Expand your professional network
Enthusiasts & Gem Buyers
Collectors and gem lovers who currently buy from jewellery stores — and want to discover what lies at the source. Learn what makes a fine Ceylon sapphire, and experience the thrill of buying directly from the market.
- Buy gemstones at the source market
- Learn to evaluate quality first-hand
- Understand what you're paying for
- No gemology background required
What You'll Encounter
Multiple Mine Types
Enter pit mines, explore riverbed workings, and visit mechanised operations — each a distinct window into how Sri Lanka extracts its legendary gemstones from the earth.
Heat Treatment Mastery
Learn traditional and modern heat treatment methods from the craftsmen who developed them. Understand how and why treatment elevates a stone's colour — and what it means for value and disclosure.
Gem Cutting & Polishing
Watch and participate in gem cutting and polishing at a Sri Lankan lapidary workshop. See the transformation from rough crystal to finished stone, and learn the techniques that define Ceylon craftsmanship.
Beruwala Market Access
Experience first-hand buying at Beruwala Gemstone Market — one of the most important source gem trading hubs in Asia. Navigate the market with expert guidance, and buy directly from trusted dealers if you choose.
Mine Owners & Leaders
Meet the people behind the stones — reliable mine owners, experienced traders, and industry leaders who have shaped the Ceylon gem trade. Build connections that few outside the industry ever access.
Open to All
Whether you are a professional gemologist, a jewellery buyer, or someone who simply loves fine stones — this expedition is designed to enrich your understanding and deepen your connection to the source.
The Route
Three of Sri Lanka's most important gemstone locations, each offering a distinct window into the island's gem heritage and living trade.
A coastal trading town of historic significance, Beruwala hosts one of the most important source gem markets in Asia — where buyers and sellers converge daily in a centuries-old tradition.
- Beruwala Gemstone Market — guided market experience
- Meet established gem dealers and traders
- First-hand buying opportunity at source prices
- Understand grading standards and negotiation practice
Ratnapura — literally "City of Gems" in Sinhalese — is the heart of Sri Lanka's gem mining industry. Its alluvial deposits have produced some of the finest coloured stones in recorded history.
- Pit mine visits — open-cast alluvial gem extraction
- Riverbed mine exploration — traditional panning methods
- Rough stone sorting and grading session
- Meet active mine owners and industry leaders
Elahara represents the modern evolution of Sri Lanka's gem industry — mechanised extraction methods operating alongside ancient heat treatment traditions passed down through generations of craftsmen.
- Mechanised mine operations — modern extraction
- Traditional heat treatment workshop — corundum firing
- Modern heat treatment facility — scientific methods
- Gem cutting and polishing demonstration
"From pit to trading floor — every step of the Ceylon gem cycle, in five days."
From Past Expeditions
A preview of what awaits — captured from GUILD's field programs.
Everything Taken Care Of
Every logistical detail is handled so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Program Pricing
Program fees are USD 2,900 (double room) and USD 3,500 (private room) per person, all-inclusive within Sri Lanka.
Double occupancy · Two participants share a room
Single occupancy · Your own private room throughout
Cancellation & Refund Policy
All deadlines are based on Hong Kong Time (UTC+8).
Frequently Asked Questions
