Sri Lanka

Nineteen48 sources its Sri Lankan gemstones through its partner company, Crown Gems, which is run by Janaka Abayawickrama.

Sri Lanka, an island with a rich history of gemstone mining, is renowned for its abundance of gem varieties. The most celebrated among them is the Ceylon Sapphire, though other gemstones such as topaz, spinel, garnet, and moonstone are also commonly found.

Mining operations in Sri Lanka are exclusively artisanal or small-scale, typically carried out by small teams using hand tools and minimal mechanisation. These traditional methods have been refined over generations and are part of what makes Sri Lankan mining practices unique.

The gem mining industry is regulated by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, a government body responsible for issuing mine licences and ensuring the proper restoration of land following mining activities.

Sri Lanka is widely recognised as one of the best and safest examples of artisanal and small-scale gemstone mining in the world, thanks to the expertise of its miners and the deeply rooted mining traditions that continue to guide the industry today.