In 2025, I had the opportunity to visit the famous gem market of Beruwala, a peaceful coastal town located about 60 kilometers south of Colombo, in Sri Lanka. Lined by the Indian Ocean, Beruwala moves to the rhythm of the waves and the trade in precious stones. It is home to the largest gem market in the country, a legendary destination for gemology enthusiasts.

 

Contrary to what one might expect, there are no mines in Beruwala or its immediate surroundings. The stones traded there mainly come from mining regions further east, particularly around Ratnapura, the country’s famed “City of Gems.” It is there, in riverbeds and deep within the moist earth, that the sapphires, spinels, chrysoberyls, and garnets that have built Sri Lanka’s reputation for centuries are extracted.

 

Upon arriving at the market, the atmosphere is immediately striking. Transactions take place everywhere, out in the open street, in small shops open to the outside, or inside modest offices and buildings lining the main roads. Men, often seated on simple plastic stools or on their scooter seats, spread out small paper packets filled with gemstones in front of them.

 

What makes this market particularly fascinating is its diversity. It is not limited to Sri Lankan gems: a large portion of the stones comes from Africa, especially from Madagascar and Tanzania.

 

Here, the art of negotiation is a spectacle in itself. Sellers typically start by quoting very high prices, sometimes up to ten times the stone’s actual value.

 

For gemologists and discerning enthusiasts alike, the Beruwala gem market is an unmissable experience.