(Commonwealth_ The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore, in collaboration with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka (NGJA), organized the Sri Lanka pavilion at the Singapore International Jewellery Expo (SIJE) 2024. Held from July 11 to 14 at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, the event provided a prestigious platform for showcasing Sri Lanka’s renowned gem and jewellery industry. Four prominent Sri Lankan companies, namely Cara Jewellers, Ceylon Shine Gems, Raw Ceylon Sapphire, and Sunshine Gems and Jewellers, represented the country at the expo. These companies highlighted Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and expertise in the gem and jewellery sector, presenting an array of exquisite products to an international audience.
The SIJE 2024 featured more than 300 companies from 35 countries, displaying an impressive array of gems and jewellery valued at over $250 million. This year’s exhibition underscored the global appeal and economic significance of the gem and jewellery industry, attracting participants and buyers from around the world. The opening ceremony was a grand affair, with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Singapore, Senarath Dissanayake, participating in the ribbon-cutting alongside the Guest of Honour, Singapore’s Trade and Industry State Minister Alvin Tan, and other distinguished guests. This ceremonial event marked the commencement of the expo and set the stage for a vibrant showcase of international gem and jewellery artistry.
State Minister Alvin Tan took a special interest in the Sri Lanka pavilion, where he observed a stunning collection of Sri Lankan semi-precious and precious stones. The pavilion featured an array of gems, including the famed blue sapphire, ruby, amethyst, alexandrite, and tourmaline, each exemplifying the exceptional quality and beauty of Sri Lankan gemstones. Among the standout exhibits at SIJE 2024 was a Sri Lankan-origin natural royal blue sapphire of over 100 carats. This extraordinary gem, cut in Bangkok and showcased by a Singaporean jeweller, was the most expensive piece at the exhibition, valued at $3 million. Only five such sapphires are known to be available globally, highlighting the rarity and exclusivity of Sri Lankan gemstones.
The Singapore Jewellers Association noted that the jewellery market in Singapore has seen significant growth, driven by increasing demand for pieces that exhibit exceptional craftsmanship, unique designs, and a fusion of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. This trend bodes well for Sri Lanka, whose gem and jewellery industry is known for its skilled artisans and high-quality materials.
SIJE serves as a critical platform for countries aiming to expand their reach into regional and international markets. For Sri Lanka, the expo provided an invaluable opportunity to strengthen its presence in the global gem and jewellery market, showcasing its products to a diverse and influential audience.
In 2022, Sri Lanka exported goods valued at $144.58 million to Singapore, with semi-precious and precious stones accounting for 19% of these exports. This statistic underscores the significant potential of the Singapore market for Sri Lankan gems. The participation in SIJE 2024 is expected to further enhance trade relations and open new avenues for Sri Lankan exporters. The collaboration between the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore and NGJA underscores the country’s strategic efforts to promote its gem and jewellery sector on an international stage. By participating in high-profile events like SIJE, Sri Lanka not only showcases its rich heritage and craftsmanship but also explores new business opportunities and strengthens its economic ties with key markets.
The event served as a testament to Sri Lanka’s ability to produce world-class gemstones and jewellery, attracting international attention and fostering valuable trade connections. With its continued focus on quality and innovation, Sri Lanka is poised to further cement its position as a leading player in the global gem and jewellery industry.
