Importance of High Value Jewelry

Very few Sri Lankans have stepped into the high value international jewelry market. Leaders in this field like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Harry Winston, Mouwad, Carl Faberge have attracted multimillionaires worldwide. Whether it is in Europe, U.S.A., Japan, Middle East, Hollywood USA or Bollywood India, the super rich never think twice on acquiring this kind of jewelry since it is not only vogue, but also a reflection of their wealth and social status.

Leading high value jewelry manufacturers run their main showrooms in the metropolitans like Paris, Geneva, New York, Rome and Tokyo. They continuously expand their outlets in the booming markets where ever they are.

We Sri Lankans need to meet certain requirements before stepping in to this area.

1. Market
   There should be a way to communicate with the relevant markets and customers or to have direct contacts with those who supply high value jewelry. If we have the right product trade shows in many parts of the world can be used to build up contacts and publicity.
   
   
2. Technology
   There is sophisticated equipments that helps to make the production process easier and safer when working with high value gems. Technology plays a major role in reducing the production cost and time as well as improving quality.
   
   
3. Precious Stones
   There should be a continuous flow of precious stones in many shapes, sizes and cuts, apart from diamonds which is a must. Sri Lanka has a great potential to provide some of the world's finest gems. Even at this moment hundreds of skilled lapidaries are busily preparing then in state of the art factories to be exported to many parts of the world.
   
   
4. Craftsmen
   Ordinary goldsmiths do not have the capability to do this. It need patience, concentration and on most of all the experience of making those silky smooth jewelry. Having had the opportunity to work for some of the biggest high value jewelry producers, especially in the middle east and i other parts of the world, highly skilled Sri Lankan craftsmen are ready to train others so the they can use their skills to benefit both industry and the country.
   
   
5. Design
   This is the key factor in capturing markets. If the design is unique, goes with the trend and stands out from the rest it will have its own value and momentum. The handful of Sri Lankan designers who have worked for years in the high value jewelry industry in foreign lands are looking forward to test the best of their creations. The manufacturers or the investors, both locally and internationally have the opportunity to obtain their services.

But Sri Lankan jewelry manufacturers who possess all the capabilities have not touched even the tip of this promising market. Although a few have tried to do something, they have a very long way to go. Time has come for them to rethink their strategies of marketing the product and employing people to achieve the goal. Opportunity has always been there to supply top quality high value jewelry to the world's leading manufacturers, but no one has exploited it yet. Great potential remains untouched.

A countless number of precious stones and diamonds make their way through the Sri Lanka Customs throughout the year. many skilled craftsmen and designers fly to many parts of the world and the result is a brain drain. Our country looses great potential, skills, ability and creativity. We ought to have a clear strategy in this. There is a great opportunity for leading foreign manufacturers and the investors to open their factories in Sri Lanka and make the best use of talents and resources available here.