Family-Owned · Ratnapura & Colombo · Est. 1987

Our Story & Heritage

Three decades of passion for Sri Lanka's extraordinary gemstone heritage. Mine-to-market transparency, unmatched expertise, and a family promise since 1987.

Ceylon Gems heritage — Ratnapura gem fields

Est. 1987

Ratnapura, Sri Lanka

NGJA

Certified

Our Story

A Legacy Built on
Trust & Authenticity

Founded in 1987 by gem prospector and NGJA-certified expert Mr. Sunil Artygala, Ceylon Gems began as a small gem trading operation at the heart of Sri Lanka's legendary gem belt in Ratnapura — the "City of Gems." What started with a handful of rough stones and an unshakeable belief in mine-to-market transparency has grown into one of Sri Lanka's most respected gem houses.

Today, Ceylon Gems operates from Colombo's Marine Drive, welcoming private collectors, institutional buyers, jewellers, and gem-curious travellers from over 50 countries. We maintain direct relationships with licensed mine operators across Ratnapura, Elehara, and the southern coastal fields, ensuring every stone we sell carries complete provenance documentation.

Our lapidary studio — one of the finest in Colombo — takes rough stones through every stage from grading and identification to cutting, polishing, and setting. Visitors can witness this extraordinary craft in person during a showroom visit or a guided mine tour.

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Why Choose Us

Our Core Values

Every gem we sell is backed by these four principles, built into our process from the mine to your hands.

Authenticity

Every gem is graded and certified by NGJA-registered experts. Full provenance documentation accompanies each stone we sell.

Transparency

We believe you should know exactly where your stone came from. Mine-to-market traceability is not optional — it's our standard.

Expertise

With over 35 years in the Sri Lankan gem industry, our team has evaluated hundreds of thousands of stones. That experience is your assurance.

Integrity

Fair pricing, honest grading, and no pressure. Our reputation is built one satisfied collector at a time — and we've been doing this since 1987.

Our Journey

A History of Excellence

1987

The Beginning

Mr. Sunil Artygala establishes Ceylon Gems in Ratnapura, building direct relationships with mine operators in the legendary gemfields.

1994

NGJA Certification

Ceylon Gems becomes an officially registered and certified member of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka.

2002

Lapidary Studio

Our state-of-the-art lapidary studio opens in Colombo, offering custom cutting, polishing, and gem setting services to collectors worldwide.

2010

Guided Mine Tours

Launch of our signature guided gem field tours, taking international visitors from Colombo to active alluvial mines in Ratnapura and Elehara.

2018

Global Reach

Ceylon Gems serves buyers across 50+ countries, exporting certified sapphires, rubies, alexandrite, and rare collector stones to six continents.

2024

Digital Expansion

Launch of our online gem shop, bringing certified Sri Lankan gemstones directly to collectors and jewellers worldwide with full provenance documentation.

Meet Our Expert

The People Behind the Gems

Head Gemologist

NGJA Certified Expert

Mr. Sunil Artygala

With over 35 years of experience in the Sri Lankan gem industry, Mr. Sunil Artygala is one of the country's most respected gem experts and NGJA-certified evaluators. His deep knowledge spans the full range of Ceylon's natural gemstone varieties — from iconic blue sapphires and cat's eye chrysoberyl to rare alexandrite and padparadscha.

Mr. Artygala personally authenticates every stone that bears the Ceylon Gems certification. He has worked with buyers from the UK, USA, Japan, Germany, and across Southeast Asia, and is frequently consulted by international gem laboratories and auction houses.

Blue Sapphire Cat's Eye Alexandrite Star Ruby Padparadscha NGJA Certified

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Recognised & Certified

Our Certifications & Affiliations

NGJA Certified

Registered with the National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka. Every stone is graded and documented by certified, licensed evaluators.

Mine-to-Market Traced

Full provenance documentation for every gem. We maintain direct relationships with licensed mine operators in Ratnapura and Elehara.

International Export

Licensed for gem export to the UK, EU, USA, Japan, and all major markets. CITES-compliant documentation available where required.