Chinese buyers captivated by Ceylon Sapphires' splendour

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The "Sri Lanka Pavilion" at the China International Jewellery Show held recently was a huge success, National Gem and Jewellery Authority said.

Sri Lankan Pavilion at the China International Jewellery show

The show was organized by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) with the collaboration of Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association and with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing. This was held for the third consecutive year and setting a record, the Sri Lanka Pavilion showcased the products of forty six Sri Lankan gem and jewellery companies which was a huge success, NGJA Chairman and CEO General Rohan Daluwatte told Daily News Business.

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association had arranged a special promotional campaign on "Ceylon Sapphire" - The Royal Gem Stone and the Sri Lanka Pavilion was designed to highlight the splendour of the royal wedding ring worn by Lady Kate Middleton in April 2011, which was mounted with an exquisite Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka.

The exhibition was organized by the Gem and Jewellery Traders Association of China with the collaboration of the National Gem and Jewellery Technology Administrative Centre. Continuing last year's success, the recently concluded event attracted over 1100 exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan within a space of 23,000 sq.m. to feature their exclusive products.

The National Pavilion was opened by Ambassador for Sri Lanka in Beijing Ranjith Uyangoda, with the participation of Commercial Councillor of Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing, General Manager and Exhibition Manager of the Gem and Jewellery Association of China. Boosted by rapid growth in the retail market and in the overall economy in recent years, Beijing is the administrative city of China, where there is high demand for luxury goods and fine jewellery in particular. A vast variety of magnificent jewellery products of excellent craftsmanship showcased at the five day event included glistening gold jewellery, fashionable platinum and silver jewellery, prestigious pearl, diamond, jade and gemset jewellery, fine diamonds and fine quality gems. Packaging and display materials and related products and services were also displayed, making it a highly professional platform for the jewellery industry.

The NGJA considers facilitation of Sri Lankan gem and jewellery trading community for participation in international trade fairs held throughout the world, as its major promotional activity, General Daluwatte said.

The NGJA is scheduled to organize Sri Lanka Pavilions in three leading international gem and jewellery exhibitions in China during 2012, by emphasizing Sri Lanka as the leading producer of high quality Sapphires to the world.