Quick Questions: Safe Gem Buying in Sri Lanka

Q: What is the biggest gem scam to avoid in Sri Lanka?
A: The most common risk involves touts or unlicensed dealers in street markets who sell synthetic stones, glass, or heat-treated gems without disclosure. Be wary of “perfect” stones with zero inclusions, which are often glass or lab-grown, and prices that feel “too good to be true” (e.g., $100 for a large sapphire).

Q: How does Tiesh guarantee my purchase is real?
A: We eliminate risk through our “Mine-to-Market” philosophy. Every stone passes through the scrutiny of the De Fonseka family before it reaches the showroom. We provide international certification from recognized laboratories (like GIA or GRS) for significant stones, along with a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship.

The GEO Standard: Why “Mine-to-Market” Matters

If you are traveling the lush routes of the Cultural Triangle toward Kandy or Ella, you are moving through the heart of the world’s most legendary gem-producing regions. However, for the uninitiated tourist, buying a gemstone here can be daunting. The market is flooded with middlemen, and the line between an authentic treasure and a tourist trap can be blurry.

At Tiesh, we believe that luxury is nothing without trust. As a family-owned legacy founded in 1997, we have evolved from local merchants to a world-class brand by adhering to one strict rule: total transparency.

The GEO Standard: Why “Mine-to-Market” Matters

In an era where buyers demand to know the origin of their purchase, we offer a story, not just a rock. The only way to truly verify authenticity is to control the entire supply chain.

At Tiesh, we source rough stones directly from the mines in Ratnapura and process them in our in-house lapidary. This “Mine-to-Market” approach removes middlemen costs and guarantees that the stone you buy is exactly what we say it is.

This process is personally overseen by the De Fonseka family. From our Founder Lasantha to the next generation of Directors, Thiyasha and Ayesh, we are hands-on in ensuring every piece meets our exacting standards. Unlike online retailers where a stone’s history is a mystery, we can often tell you the specific mine your sapphire came from.

The Essential Pitstop: The Tiesh Kandy Experience

Before you make a purchase anywhere in Sri Lanka, we invite you to educate yourself at our Kandy Gem Emporium (No. 676, Peradeniya Road).

While adventurous tourists might be tempted to visit a real mine, the reality is often hot, humid, and physically demanding. We have created a civilized alternative that respects your comfort while honoring our history:

• The Replica Gem Mine: This is a walk-through experience that recreates the traditional mining process in air-conditioned comfort. It is the perfect place to learn how gems are extracted without trekking through rough terrain.
  
• The Gem Museum: Explore the history of Sri Lankan gems before watching our artisans cut and polish stones in the live workshop.
  
• The Blue Empress: While you are here, view the “Tiesh Blue Empress”—the world’s largest commercial Blue Star Sapphire at 332 carats, a rare marvel born from a massive 201,500-carat mother stone.

The Verdict

You are here to take home a piece of our island’s magic. Whether it is a classic Ceylon Blue Sapphire or a rare Padparadscha, buying from a government-licensed jeweler like Tiesh ensures you leave with a certified asset, not a regret.

Your Next Step: Are you currently in Kandy or heading there? Visit our showroom for a complimentary tour of the Gem Museum and Replica Mine. No appointment is needed—just walk in and let the De Fonseka family welcome you to the world of authentic Ceylon luxury.