Facets show begins today

Ruzaik Farook, Colpetty correspondent

GEM SHOW: The 16th International Gem and Jewellery Show - Facets Sri Lanka 2006 with over 150 stalls will showcase a wide array of gemstones and elegant jewellery produced both locally and abroad will be held from September 6 to 9 2006 at the BMICH, which is the largest convention and exhibition centre. There will be many foreign participants among the stallholders and many international buyers are expected to visit this glamorous national event.

A walk along the isles of the two exhibition halls will prove to be a truly unforgettable experience. In Hall A, buyers could discover a glittering array of the most beautiful and colourful gemstones from 'cornflower blue' sapphires to star rubies that show off with their 'sharp rays', to honey coloured Cats Eyes with their 'milk and honey' effects to Alexandrites that change distinctly from 'Raspberry red to olive green'.

A wide range of calibrated gemstones cut to the highest levels of precision using modern machinery and cutting edge lapidary technology to facet the stones to bring out their brilliance and lustre will be on display for visitors to feast their eyes on. Some of these calibrated gems are destined to be set into the finest Swiss watches.

Sri Lanka has been renounced, since ancient times for its exquisite jewellery that has adorned Kings and Queens locally as well as overseas.

The jewellery section of the exhibition will be in Hall B where buyers will be dazzled by exquisite craftsmanship and stunning designs. Hall B is a must seen area for those who would like a state of the finest in jewellery "Made in Sri Lanka".

Therefore, the Jewellery Section of the exhibition is a must visit area for those who would like a taste of the finest Sri Lanka Jewellery crafted by the most skilled craftsmen in the Island.

The Organisers are also planning to have competitions and present awards for the Best Booth, Best Gem Cutter, Best Jewellery Designer and several other surprise events at the Show.

Adding to the international flavour of this trade show, Facets 2006 will include foreign exhibitors from Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, India, Hong Kong and Myanmar. In addition to the numerous new and regular buyers from overseas, the organisers are making special arrangements to welcome trade delegations from Thailand and India.

For this year's show, the organisers have planned to allot a booth each to the Gemmologists' Association of Sri Lanka and the Gem and Jewellery Institute to showcase their educational activities, and the Lapidary Segment of the SLGJA to display innovative gemstone cuts and techniques.

In addition the Gem Miners' Association will be afforded an opportunity to display their rough gemstones.

Three booths have been allocated at a discounted rate to be given out to small and medium Scale Enterprises (SME), that were affected by the recent tsunami.

The principal sponsor of FACETS 2006 will be the National Gem and Jewellery Authority. The Sri Lanka Export Development Board, with a wealth of experience and expertise in trade show management will assist the Facets Secretariat.

SriLankan Airlines will function as the official airline for the show. Their flights from major destinations will bring in visitors to the show on a special package that is now on offer.

The Organisers acknowledge and appreciate the vital encouragement and support given by the various government departments, particularly the Sri Lanka Customs, Department of Exchange Control and the Department of Fiscal Policy, as well by the local and foreign exhibitors and buyers, who have all contributed to the growth of this exhibition over the years.