Srilanka has been known to be the Island of Gems for centuries. Some of the world’s finest sapphires are derived from there. The country will always remain one of the most important places for the global gemstone industry.

From Vivid Royal Blue to conflour Blues to rare padparadscha sapphires, Srilanka’s mines have always produced quality gems and have attracted miners, manufacturers like ourselves, traders from around the world.

                                       New Production of Natural Ceylon Sapphires from Sri Lanka

At NGM, we have always been transparent about our mining areas, ethical sourcing so as we recently launched a new production of Ceylon Sapphires we wanted to show you our journey from mines to market with our NGM team.

A typical mining day in SriLanka starts early, the mining areas in Srilanka are Ratnapura, Elahera, Balangoda and Rakwana among the most prominent ones. Ratnapura among them is popularly known as “City of Gems” and considered as a heart of sapphire mining industry.

Here, we are on a 4hr drive from Ratnapura, a beautiful mining pit on a bright sunny day with an atmosphere filled with energy and anticipation. Local miners prepared their tools while rough gravel from deep underground was brought to the surface for washing and sorting. 

For the NGM team, this was more than just a visit. It was an opportunity to connect directly with the origin of natural Ceylon sapphires and understand the craftsmanship behind gemstone mining. Looking and experiencing the mining process NGM team got deeper appreciation for the hard work and patience involved in the process.

One of the most exciting moments of the day was watching miners carefully wash the gem-bearing gravel. Using traditional sieves and flowing water, miners searched closely for:

• flashes of blue
• transparent crystals
• unusual gemstone colors
• sapphire rough hidden within the gravel

Every scoop carried the possibility of discovering something extraordinary. For the NGM team, seeing natural sapphire rough emerge directly from the earth was an unforgettable experience.

The NGM team’s visit to the sapphire mines of Sri Lanka was more than a mining experience — it was a reminder of the incredible journey behind every natural gemstone. From deep mining pits to polished sapphires, every gemstone carries a story shaped by nature, craftsmanship, and human efforts.Understanding this journey creates a stronger appreciation for the beauty and rarity of natural Ceylon sapphires and highlights why Sri Lanka continues to play such an important role in the global gemstone industry.