A Journey to the Coronary heart of Sri Lanka’s Gemstone Marvel with Ruwanpura Gems

Embarking on a glowing journey to the sapphire mines of Ruwanpura Gems in Sri Lanka was an expertise that crammed my associates, friends, and even myself with anticipation and a contact of envy. The journey started with a dialog missed through the pandemic with Fura Gems about visiting their ruby mines in Mozambique. This chat advanced into an thrilling invitation from Tracey Ellison whereas wandering the gorgeous streets of Arezzo. Earlier than I knew it, we had been planning our journey on the JCK Las Vegas present, main me to board a aircraft from Schiphol airport to Colombo, crammed with expectations and pleasure.

Schiphol to Colombo, Sri Lanka, the journey begins!

Touchdown in Colombo launched me to the colourful chaos of Sri Lankan streets, a far cry from the chilly winds of the Netherlands. The dynamic driving marked my first impressions, as did the omnipresent Buddha statues and the transition from the vivid streets to the luxurious coastal inns. Assembly Tracey, Instagram’s largest jewellery influencer with over 1.2 million followers, reaffirmed the journey’s significance. Her dedication to her craft and the in depth journey to satisfy consumer expectations highlighted the affect and exhausting work behind her success.

Ratnapura: The Gemstone Heartland

Our journey to Ratnapura, the gemstone capital of Sri Lanka, was an eye-opening expertise (and a difficult one; for example I used to be blissful I took my movement illness drugs!)Right here, we visited Ruwanpura Gems’ chopping manufacturing unit, the place the dedication to moral labor practices was evident. Regardless of the considerations about labor exploitation within the gemstone business, our go to dispelled these doubts, showcasing Ruwanpura’s dedication to honest labor practices and environmental sustainability. The manufacturing unit’s operations and the federal government’s rules on mine restoration underscored the stability between enterprise and nature conservation.

That night’s transition from our lodge to a private dinner invitation at one of many Ruwanpura homeowners’ houses was the prelude to an unforgettable encounter. The preliminary discomfort stemming from my Dutch inclination in direction of egalitarianism within the presence of family employees quickly gave strategy to a profound connection and understanding. Our host shared the poignant story of his household, notably about his son, a compassionate soul taken too early at 18 through the Covid pandemic. His legacy of modesty and altruism was palpable within the room that when was his, adorned with wood indicators bearing messages of kindness and charity.

The revelation that he started bidding farewell to family members with none forewarning of sickness struck a chord, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the depth of human instinct. Invited to witness the tangible reminiscences of his son’s life—his studying glasses, favored books, and the inspirational indicators that adorned his partitions—I used to be enveloped in a second of shared humanity that transcended cultural and geographical divides.

This intimate glimpse into our host’s world, marked by loss and enduring love, was a robust testomony to the hosts’ and their firm’s values. It underscored the common themes of household, compassion, and the influence of leaving a constructive imprint on the world, whatever the brevity of 1’s time inside it. This dinner, greater than only a meal, was an unforgettable reminiscence, etching a story of resilience, kindness, and the enduring energy of human connections.

The Sapphire Mines!

Venturing into the mining operations overseen by Ruwanpura Gems provided a revelation far faraway from preconceived notions. With stewardship over three mines and partnerships extending to 4 extra, Ruwanpura’s strategy to gemstone extraction is a lesson in sustainability and moral practices. The method, although seemingly easy, is a fragile dance with nature. A digging machine fastidiously locations soil onto a conveyor belt, transporting it to a big container the place a radical wash separates the dear from the mundane. This technique, designed to reduce environmental influence, culminates within the thrilling second when the seek for gem stones begins.

This mild excavation course of starkly contrasts with the stringent safety measures and meticulous checks I had heard had been frequent in mines in different nations, the place the concern of helpful stones being ‘by accident’ pocketed necessitates armed guards. As a substitute, Ruwanpura’s mines foster an setting of belief and transparency, emphasizing the moral retrieval of gem stones.

Opening a treasure chest

The revealing of the container was akin to opening a treasure chest.

Tracey and I, fueled by anticipation, delved into the search with zeal. The invention of sapphires embedded inside the earth’s palette was extra advanced than one may think. As a substitute, it required endurance and discernment, making every discover—a spinel or one other gem—a second of pure delight. The enjoyment of those discoveries, set in opposition to Sri Lanka’s pure magnificence backdrop, was a childhood dream realized.

The day’s depth was tempered by the straightforward pleasure of a refreshing coconut drink, shared within the firm of a pleasant canine that appeared to embody the welcoming spirit of the land—this second of repose highlighted the harmonious relationship between Ruwanpura’s mining practices and the encircling setting—a testomony to their dedication to moral mining.

One evening in Bangkok

After exploring the mines, we had been handled to a pleasant lunch in an imposing white constructing a stone’s throw away from the workplaces. This transient respite was a lot wanted, for we had been to embark on an in a single day journey to Bangkok later that night. Regardless of the anticipation, sleep was elusive, however the pleasure of the journey stored our spirits excessive. Our arrival in Bangkok was marked by luxurious as we traveled first-class, touchdown within the coronary heart of the town’s vibrant jewellery district.

Assembly Fon and her staff on the Bangkok headquarters was an expertise. With its breathtaking views and showroom nestled inside the Jewellery Middle, the workplace exuded sophistication and class. Immersed on this planet of gem stones, we captured content material, marveling on the myriad of stones that sparkled below the showroom lights. The staff’s ardour and dedication to their craft had been palpable, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

Among the many many treasures, two items caught my eye: the sapphire rainbow rings, a spectacle of shade and craftsmanship, and a star sapphire that was nothing wanting mesmerizing. It was love at first sight with the star sapphire; its magnificence was compelling, a gem that stood out for its aesthetic attraction and the story it whispered to those that beheld it. This encounter was a testomony to the attract of gem stones, a second the place admiration was a deep, lasting appreciation.

Forgoing relaxation for journey, our afternoon was spent navigating the bustling streets in a tuk-tuk, an expertise crammed with laughter and slight apprehension concerning the legal guidelines of physics as they pertain to a tall Dutch girl in a small car. Regardless of my fears, the trip was easy and crammed with pleasure, a testomony to the colourful life that pulses by means of the town’s veins. We loved a fab therapeutic massage and the pure luxurious of our 5-star lodge.

My buddy Tracey

Together with her commanding presence on Instagram and a piece ethic that will humble probably the most diligent amongst us, Tracey proved to be the best journey associate. Her dedication to crafting the best content material for her shoppers, and on this occasion for Ruwanpura Gems, showcased a powerful stage of group and creativity. Her means to light up the great thing about our experiences by means of her lens left me in awe, enriching our journey with each shared second. I realized lots from her, however most of all, I treasure her friendship!

The night culminated on a lodge rooftop, overlooking Bangkok’s nocturnal magnificence, cocktail in hand, feeling the mild caress of the evening air. It was so surreal that I discovered myself in disbelief on the magnificence and serenity of all of it.

Returning to Sri Lanka

Our return to Colombo was marked by a pre-dawn departure, the tranquility of our latest reminiscences juxtaposed with a go to to the elephants of Sri Lanka. Whereas the ethics of elephant sanctuaries stay a posh concern, with some situations of exploitation marring the noble intent, our encounter was with real moments of pleasure because the elephants, together with the youngest amongst them, made their every day trek to the river. Witnessing their unbridled happiness as they splashed and performed, trumpeting gleefully, was a profoundly shifting expertise. But, seeing some elephants nonetheless in chains was a stark reminder of the continued struggles for animal welfare.

With its breathtaking landscapes and wealthy biodiversity, Sri Lanka sits at a crossroads of magnificence and challenges. The distinction between the pure wonders and the socioeconomic realities of its individuals highlights a broader dialog on conservation and moral tourism. Via my eyes, the journey was not only a travelogue however a name to motion, reminding us of our duty in direction of advocating for the unvoiced, guaranteeing that our explorations contribute positively to the narratives of each youngsters and animals alike.

This journey with Ruwanpura Gems was greater than a visit to the mines; it was a journey by means of the guts of Sri Lanka’s gemstone business, marked by unforgettable experiences, the heat of latest friendships, and a deeper understanding of the moral concerns in gemstone mining. I’m grateful to my buddy Tracey, who invited me on this magnificent journey. I’m grateful to Ruwanpura for this enriching expertise, which has left me with lasting reminiscences and a profound respect for his or her dedication to moral gemstone manufacturing. Ruwanpura Gems embodies the spirit of innovation, high quality, and duty, making this journey an unforgettable chapter in my life.

About RUWANPURA 

Ruwanpura Gems’ meticulous course of of choosing and chopping gem stones and their dedication to high quality and sustainability units a excessive commonplace within the gemstone business. The dedication to crafting every gem with precision and care, from the uncooked stones to the ultimate lovely gems, displays their dedication to excellence and moral practices. 

Uncover the Dazzling Legacy of Ruwanpura Gems: A Journey from Gold to Gems

• Established Legacy: Since 1985, Ruwanpura Gems has carved a distinct segment within the gold and gemstone business, beginning its journey with a robust basis in gold jewellery below the title Ruwanpura Gold Home and Ratnapura Gold Home.

• Progressive Transition: Embracing innovation, the founders envisioned integrating coloured gem stones into their 22KT pure gold jewellery, overcoming preliminary resistance from craftsmen and employers accustomed to conventional gold craftsmanship.

• Meticulous Craftsmanship: The transition to incorporating coloured gem stones was marked by detailed choice processes, guaranteeing solely the best stones had been used, setting a brand new commonplace in jewellery manufacturing.

Strategic Growth:

• By 1998, Ruwanpura Gems expanded its horizons, exporting gems internationally whereas sustaining its status for high-quality gold jewellery.
• The early 2000s noticed additional development with establishing department gross sales workplaces in Bangkok, adopted by an growth to Hong Kong by 2010.

International Presence:

• Administrators Arshed Aroos, Sharik Sailani, Ishfaq Lahir, and Mushtak Nadeem lead Ruwanpura Gems with a imaginative and prescient of world outreach, establishing branches in strategic places together with Colombo, Ratnapura, and worldwide markets.
• Investments in gemstone mining in Madagascar and Mozambique by 2012 and the institution of a North American department within the Better Chicago Space by 2014 spotlight Ruwanpura’s dedication to development and exploration.
• Dedication to Sustainability: A dedication to socially and environmentally accountable sourcing is on the coronary heart of Ruwanpura Gems’ success. 

The corporate ensures

• Strict adherence to labor and environmental requirements in its mining operations.
• A clear chain of custody for his or her gem stones, guaranteeing moral sourcing and manufacturing.
• Ruwanpura Gems’ journey from a pioneering gold home to a globally acknowledged title within the gemstone business is a testomony to the ability of innovation, high quality, and moral enterprise practices. Be part of us in celebrating the wealthy legacy and vibrant way forward for Ruwanpura Gems, the place custom meets modernity in each glowing creation.

www.ruwanpuragems.com