Gems and their effect on human body

Our body is composed of cosmic radiations and seven colors (rainbow colors), which become in balance in the course of time. Astrological gems are carefully selected fro use to affect the body beneficially through their measured radiations.

"Gems increase the physical and psychic powers of an individual in addition to prevent the ill effects of planets by their curative powers"

A gem should be set in a right metal, size, weight and angles. It should be worn on the correct finger. Each gems with it constant source of specific ray gives rise to constructive vibration that have a therapeutic power.

All gems have magnetic powers in varying degrees and many of them are beneficial to us for their therapeutic cures. They emit vibrations and frequencies, which have strong potential influence on our whole being. They create strong energy fields, which enable us to change with their energies. Gems are used for healing, transforming ,balancing, and attuning the body, mind and soul. They are a manifestation of vibrancy, light and color, life, textures, transparency and clarity. They activate our abilities, soothe, comfort, heal and balance through the purity of their rays. The arrangement of the gems in a pattern is of significance, especially in Nawaratne sets. The changes in the cosmic law and in our life is altered and influenced by wearing the correct gems. Each gem has a particular ray and a special role to play.

The gems can be cleaned of the blemish by burying them in earth overnight and rinse them off by leaving them under running water for eight hours or keep them in the flame of a candle till the candle melts or under direct sunlight for six hours and sink them in a salt water for 12 - 36 hours. Then the gem will get clean, purified and energize.

Gemstones found in Sri Lanka

Gemstones Found in Sri Lanka:

Blue Sapphire (national Gemstone), Star Ruby, White Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Orange Sapphire, Alexandrite Cats Eye, Padparadscha Sapphire, Chrysoberyl Cats Eye, Color Change Alexandrite, Ruby, Chrysoberyl, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Beryl, Rhodolite Garnet, Spinel, Pyrope Garnet, Citrine, Topaz, Hessonite Garnet, Zircon, Moonstone, Almandine Garnet, Spessartite Garnet, Tourmaline.

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.

Facets - Sri Lanka International Gem Show

The 17th "Facets" Sri Lanka International Gem and Jewellery Show will be held at BMICH Exhibition and Convention Center, Colombo from August 30th to September 2nd 2007. The theme of the show is "Gemstones direct from the source...". Please contact event organizers for more details.

Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association
28, Haig Road, Colombo 04. Sri Lanka.
Tel: +94 11 2597226 / 2597470 Fax: +94 11 2597250 Email: facets@facetssrilanka.com
Website: www.facetssrilanka.com

Message from the Minister

This is the exact message from the Minister of Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion, Dr. Sarath Amunugama published on Gem Talk April issue.

It gives me much satisfaction to issue a message of good wishes for the 3rd issue of "Gem Talk" which I am happy to learn has become a useful, well worth reading and pleasing to look at publication, creating a thorough awareness of Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelry industry among both local and foreign entrepreneurs.

Sri Lanka has been celebrated for its gems from ancient times. Along with the mining of gems there were other aspects connected with the gem industry, which have been a great value to Sri Lanka. Foreign exchange earnings for the country, employment, opportunities, created by the industry, as well as the transfer of technology are among them.

I wish to urge the business community not to think with an "Island Mentality" and depend on the faith of the international community to reach the US $2.00 billion investment target projected for this year. I am confident that the unrest prevailing in some parts of the country would not hamper the achieving of this investment target; or even surpassing it.

It is pertinent to note, that US $500 million had already been collected in foreign investment in the first quarter of 2007. I am happy to state that a scheme has been formulated to identify & increase foreign investment in Apparel, Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Fisheries and Gem & Jewelry industry during the rest of the year 2007. It is important that we think big and remember that the world has not lost faith in Sri Lanka.

Through the combined efforts of the government of Sri Lanka and the private sector, Sri Lanka has become one of the major gem centers in the world. With sustained effort we could forge ahead to be a world leader.

Gem Talk - Reviews

Sri Lanka gem & jewelry industry has played a very significant role in the country's economy. It has been one of the top sources of foreign exchange earnings for several consecutive years with an annual growth of more than 7%. With the close co-operation of Government and the private sector, impressive growth figures are expected to continue for many more years. The National Gem and Jewelry Authority's role in facilitating & promoting the industry has built a strong foundation for it.

Knowledge management is another strategic factor in sustaining the success of Sri Lanka's gem and jewellery industry, under close consultation with the private sector representatives and trade associations. This is essential to meet the challenges posed by rapid globalization. In order to remain as one of the world's leading gem producing and jewelry manufacturing countries stake holders should take all aspects of the industry in to consideration.

They include knowledge in gemology, technology, fashion, trends, design and marketing. Knowledge management programs are intended to achieve specific outcomes, such as improving performance of SME's, skills up gradation at all levels, creating higher levels of innovation and competitive advantage for stakeholders.

Knowledge always exists in one form or another and it need to be managed and transfered to all stake holders at all levels of gem and jewelry industry in an effective, proper and most beneficial way. knowledge management is a continually evolving discipline, which include corporate libraries, workshops, seminars, on the job peer discussions and professional training programs.

Having realized the importance of knowledge management, National Gem and Jewelry Authority is committed to assist all the stake holders in what ever possible way to reap its optimum benefits.