By: Staff Writer
September 29, Colombo (LNW): With just three months to go, anticipation is building for FACETS Sri Lanka 2026, the 33rd edition of Asia’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition.
Organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) in collaboration with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, the event will take place from 3-5 January 2026 at Cinnamon Life- The City of Dreams, unveiling a bold, two-floor showcase that merges heritage with innovation.
This year’s edition marks a new era for the global gem trade, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s position as the “Island of Gems”. The event will feature immersive experiences that trace the gemstone journey from mine to market, including interactive displays, VR showcases, and Story Corners where exhibitors narrate their brand legacies.
A major highlight is the formation of the Sapphire Sponsorship Circle, comprising 11 of Sri Lanka’s top gem and jewellery exporters.
The elite group includes Colombo Jewellery Stores, Domico Gems, Ellawala Exports, Gem Paradise, Mushan International, Regal Gems, RnR Fine Gems, Ruwanpura Gems, Subash Gems, Trust Gems, and Zam Gems. Their collective support underscores industry unity and commitment to positioning FACETS as the region’s most influential gem showcase.
SLGJA President Akram Cassim hailed the Sapphire Circle as a milestone for the sector. “Their support is a powerful endorsement of our shared vision to showcase Sri Lankan gemstones and craftsmanship on a global stage,” he said. “FACETS has always been more than an exhibition — it’s a celebration of our heritage and a bridge to the world.”
FACETS 2026 Chairman Armil Samoon emphasised the exhibition’s enduring legacy. “Since 1991, FACETS has carried Sri Lanka’s gem story across the globe. This edition builds on that history with a futuristic vision connecting our past to the opportunities of tomorrow,” he said.
Adding further value, Universal Travel Bureau (UTB) joins as the event’s Official Travel Partner, curating exclusive pre- and post-show experiences for delegates. These include gem mine tours offering a rare look into Sri Lanka’s centuries-old mining traditions and sustainable practices — transforming the exhibition into a cultural journey blending heritage, hospitality, and discovery.
FACETS 2026 also places strong emphasis on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and design innovation, ensuring alignment with evolving global standards and consumer expectations. Over the past three decades, FACETS has grown into a hallmark of excellence, drawing traders, collectors, and jewellery enthusiasts from around the world.
As Sri Lanka prepares to open its doors in January, FACETS 2026 promises to be its most dynamic and visionary edition yet a dazzling celebration of tradition, creativity, and the enduring brilliance of Sri Lanka’s gem heritage.
