The Gemmologists’ Association of Sri Lanka (GASL) will hold its annual gem and jewellery trade exhibition and competition ‘Jewels 2017’on December 15 and 16 2017 at the Hotel Taj Samudra Colombo.
This event is conducted for the 10th consecutive year by GASL, the only professional organization in the field of gemmology in Sri Lanka.
The highlight of the exhibition will be the conference themed ‘Legendry gems – ruby and sapphire - challenges and opportunities’. The talk will be delivered by Richard W. Hughes on December 17. He is a world-famous gemologist with specialized knowledge on corundum and author of a number of well- known gemology books. Therefore, participants can acquire a knowledge of rubies as well as padparadscha which belong to the category of corundum. Participants would also get the opportunity to gain from the knowledge and experience of veteran businessmen in the field,” GASL President Udaya Senerath Yapa said.
‘Jewels 2017’ is organized to increase enthusiasm for gems and jewellery and to enhance knowledge on the industry. It also aims at promoting gem studded jewellery in Sri Lanka while measures will be taken to upgrade the standards of the gem and jewellery industry, he said.
“We expect 500 to 1,000 foreigners including buyers and around 5,000 locals to participate. Every one who has an entry ticket is eligible to a free gem stone as a measure of promoting local gems,” he said. ‘Jewels 2016’ was held at the BMICH with over 5,000 visitors to the exhibition. This year there will be 50 stalls including government institution stalls of the Gem and Jewellery Authority, Gem and Jewellery Training and Research Institute, Geological Survey and Mining Bureau and Gemmological Association of the University of Moratuwa.
“We provide Gemmology students stalls at a nominal fee to support gem and jewellery entrepreneurship. We will be conducting competitions to encourage more students in to the industry. The competition will be conducted under five categories - fine crystal of high gemmological interest, best fashioned gem, lapidary art, gem studded professional jewellery and photographs related to gemmology or gem industry. This will be an ideal opportunity for those who are interested to take part,” he said. The exhibition and competition are expected to provide knowledge of the latest fashions, techniques and educational aspects to visitors.