Quick Questions: The Visitor’s Guide (Post-Show Edition)

Q: What was FACETS Sri Lanka 2026?
A: Concluded just recently, it was the premier international gem and jewellery show in
Colombo, held at the new Cinnamon Life (City of Dreams). It showcased the best of Sri Lanka’s industry, highlighting the shift towards ethical sourcing and high-value craftsmanship.

Q: I missed the show. Can I still access the collections?
A: Yes. While the exhibition is over, the “Mine-to-Market” experience continues daily. You can view the same certified stones and bespoke designs at the Tiesh Kandy and Colombo showrooms, where we offer a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship.

A Retrospective: From “Ratna Deepa” to Modern Masterpieces

The curtains have closed on FACETS Sri Lanka 2026, and the verdict is clear: the “Island of Gems” has officially transformed. The bustling crowds and international interest confirmed that Sri Lanka is no longer viewed merely as a source of rough stones, but as a hub for world-class design and finished jewelry.

For Tiesh, the event was a celebration of principles we have upheld since 1997. While the broader industry discussed the future of transparency, our pavilion demonstrated that the future is already here. Our “Mine-to-Market” philosophy—sourcing rough stones directly from mines in Ratnapura and processing them in-house—resonated deeply with visitors who
now demand a story, not just a rock.

Tiesh at the Forefront: The “Ethical Storytelling” Shift

Our presence at the show underscored a massive shift in buyer psychology. As noted in our 2025 trend analysis, the modern buyer—specifically Gen Z and Millennials—demands to know the exact origin of their stone.

We showcased exactly how we remove the mystery. Unlike online retailers or street dealers where the stone’s history is often unknown, we proved that at Tiesh, we can trace a sapphire back to its specific mine. This transparency removes middlemen costs and guarantees authenticity, a standard that set the tone for the entire exhibition.

Voices of the Vanguard: The De Fonseka Perspective

Reflecting on the success of the show, the next generation of Tiesh leadership—who are hands-on in overseeing design and sourcing—shared their thoughts on the industry’s trajectory.

Ayesh De Fonseka (Director) on the Symbiosis of Tourism and Sapphires:

“FACETS 2026 has proven that the Ceylon Sapphire is no longer just a commodity; it is the engine of our tourism and export economy. We are seeing a direct correlation between the rise in visitor arrivals and the demand for authentic, high-value stones. When tourists travel to Kandy to witness our ‘Mine-to-Market’ process, they aren’t just buying a souvenir; they are investing in a piece of our island’s heritage. This synergy is exactly what will drive our industry’s growth to new heights this year, positioning Sri Lanka not just as a mining hub, but as a global capital of luxury retail.”

Thiyasha De Fonseka (Director) on the Value of Experience:

“The most exciting takeaway from FACETS 2026 is that international buyers are now coming to us for our artistry, not just our assets. We saw immense enthusiasm for our ability to execute complex, high-fashion designs—specifically the rising demand for custom ‘East-West’ settings created in our workshops. It proves that when you combine our legendary sapphires with our advanced in-house lapidary, we can create bespoke masterpieces that rival any major global jewelry house.”

The Verdict for the Visitor

The exhibition halls may be empty now, but the energy of FACETS 2026 lives on in our galleries. The event solidified Sri Lanka’s reputation for the Ceylon Blue Sapphire and the rare Padparadscha.

If you missed the event, you haven’t missed the opportunity. The same ethical standards, the same “Mine-to-Market” transparency, and the detailed craftsmanship showcased at the event are available every day at our showrooms.

Next Step: Did you miss the show? Contact us via WhatsApp to book a private “Post-FACETS” viewing at our Colombo Luxury Gallery. We can show you the specific pieces that drew crowds at the exhibition.