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All field expeditions

GEMSTONE HERITAGE · MINING EXPERIENCE · LOCAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Ratnapura Gem Trail

Visit a working artisanal gem mine, explore Ratnapura’s gem market and museum, and discover traditional cutting and polishing.

Ratnapura

In partnership with Nice & Curry Travels

Explore the Ratnapura Gem Trail
The Ratnapura Gem Trail
Duration
Half day · 2–4 hours
Format
Guided field experience
Cost
Enquire for pricing
Location
Ratnapura

Experience overview

Step inside Sri Lanka's gemstone capital and discover where the journey of a gemstone begins. Visit a working artisanal gem mine, explore Ratnapura's gem market and museum, and discover how rough gemstones are transformed through traditional cutting and polishing. Meet the people behind Sri Lanka's gemstone heritage and gain insight into the mining traditions, craftsmanship and local livelihoods that shape the industry.

What you’ll experience

  • Visit a traditional working gemstone mine.
  • Discover the history of Sri Lanka's gemstone industry.
  • Explore Ratnapura's local gemstone market and museum.
  • Observe traditional gemstone cutting and polishing.
  • Learn about the journey of gemstones from mine to market.

Experience outline

  1. 01

    Working artisanal gem mine visit

  2. 02

    Ratnapura gemstone market

  3. 03

    Gemstone museum and local heritage

  4. 04

    Traditional cutting and polishing workshop

Continue exploring

Seven-Day Gemstone Sustainability Field Expedition

Field expedition

Seven-Day Gemstone Sustainability Field Expedition

Ratnapura · Meetiyagoda · Beruwala · Colombo

Explore Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry through an immersive seven-day educational expedition combining field visits, expert-led seminars and hands-on learning.

Duration
7 days
Cost
To be announced
Who it’s for
University students, postgraduate researchers, academics, gemmologists, sustainability professionals, jewellery industry representatives, development practitioners and anyone interested in responsible gemstone supply chains and artisanal mining.
Explore programme