Ratnapura Gem Museum
Sabaragamuva paḷāta
The Ratnapura Gem Museum, also known as Aakarsha Gem House, is Sri Lanka's most comprehensive private collection dedicated to Ceylon gems and minerals. Founded in 2011 by Shaminda Arthanayake, it is housed in a heritage building in the Sabaragamuva province, the heart of Sri Lanka's gem industry. The museum offers visitors an educational journey through the complete lifecycle of gemstones, covering four main stages: formation, mining and extraction, gem cutting, and trading. It features over 50 varieties of gems, including blue sapphires, star sapphires, rubies, star rubies, white sapphires, and diamonds, all sourced from Sri Lanka's rich gem-bearing soils. Beyond the museum, the facility includes a showroom with an extensive jewelry collection and offers gemological tours to mining areas for professionals and enthusiasts. The museum is a unique destination that combines education, heritage, and commerce, attracting international visitors from over eight countries. Its knowledgeable staff provide guidance for selecting gemstones and jewelry, making it a hub for collectors and traders alike.
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Tip: Visit on weekdays or weekends between 9am and 7:30pm for the full experience. Foreign passport holders enjoy free admission to the museum. Consider joining a gemological tour to explore mining areas and purchase rough stones below market prices. Advance booking is recommended for specialized tours and educational sessions. The knowledgeable staff can assist in selecting gemstones and jewelry, enhancing your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The museum showcases over 50 varieties of gems sourced directly from Sri Lanka's gem-bearing soils.
- •Foreign passport holders are granted free admission to the museum, encouraging international tourism.
- •The facility serves an international clientele from more than eight countries including Europe, USA, UK, Australia, Russia, Thailand, Japan, and China.
- •The museum demonstrates the complete gemstone journey from formation to trading across four stages.
- •Visitors can participate in gemological tours that include visits to active mining areas where rough stones can be purchased below market prices.
History
The Ratnapura Gem Museum was established on June 1, 2011, by Mr.
Shaminda Arthanayake as part of his vision to showcase Sri Lanka's rich gem heritage.
Since then, it has grown into a premier destination for gem enthusiasts and traders worldwide.
The museum highlights the traditional gem mining and cutting techniques unique to Sri Lanka, preserving and educating about the country’s centuries-old gem trade legacy.
Over the years, it has expanded its services to include gemological tours and educational programs, reflecting the evolving interest in gemology and Sri Lankan cultural heritage.
Place Guide
Gemstone Formation Exhibit
An educational display explaining how natural gemstones form in the earth’s crust, highlighting crystal structures and mineral properties unique to Ceylon gems.
Mining and Extraction Section
A detailed overview of traditional and modern gem mining techniques used in Sri Lanka, including interactive displays and videos.
Gem Cutting Workshop
A live demonstration area where skilled artisans showcase lapidary techniques such as faceting and cabochon cutting, transforming rough stones into polished gems.
Trading and Showroom Area
A curated showroom featuring a vast collection of handcrafted jewelry including sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and other precious stones sourced from Sri Lanka.
