Two of Sri Lanka’s key gem trade events were once again running back-to-back in Colombo this week, giving international buyers and dealers a concentrated look at the market from two complementary perspectives — and under the stewardship of two different trade organizations. It also gave suppliers a chance to pick up inventory before the later January shows, IJT in Tokyo (January 14-17, 2026), VicenzaOro (January 16-20 2026), in Vicenza, Italy, and the big Tucson gem & mineral shows in the U.S. coming up the first week of February.
FACETS Sri Lanka, produced by the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association (SLGJA), traditionally opened the January calendar (January 3-5) with a broad, international presentation of Sri Lankan gemstones and finished jewelry. The 33rd edition of FACETS brought together exporters, manufacturers, designers, and overseas buyers, with an emphasis on polished goods, jewelry collections, and long term relationship-driven trading.
Early feedback from exhibitors pointed to solid attendance and a familiar mix of established buyers and returning international visitors, reinforcing FACETS’ role as a cornerstone event.
Just days later, Gem Sri Lanka, organized by the Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA), follows with a more sourcing-oriented focus. Positioned squarely as a business-to-business platform, the 3rd edition of Gems Sri Lanka emphasized direct access to gemstones and production-level trade, appealing to buyers interested in fresh material and face-to-face negotiations. Day 1 of Gems Sri Lanka reportedly was considered a success, welcoming over 2,000 attendees.
Together, the two events create a natural progression for visitors in Colombo: FACETS offering a wide-angle view of the market and finished goods, followed by Gem Sri Lanka’s tighter concentration on sourcing and trade activity. For buyers already on the ground, the pairing continues to make early January one of the most efficient windows of the year for doing business.
Tap here to go to FACETS’ website
Tap here to go to Gems Sri Lanka’s website
