Become a gem hunter on the roads of Sri Lanka !
Sri Lanka is one of the largest gem producers in the world. The sapphire is the first stone of the island. The stones are extracted and shaped on the spot, to be then exported towards the greatest jewelers of the world.
DISCOVERY Gems invites you to discover the island of Sri Lanka, its cultural richness, its luxuriant nature through its field sessions in gemology. Thanks to our knowledge on the spot, as well as our contacts, learn all the secrets of the precious stones of this marvellous country.
Through your gemology trip in Sri Lanka, you will discover the mines, the traders, the heating techniques, the stone cutters, as well as the trading techniques, and much more.
This program is for groups of 6 people maximum. (Stay possible between December and March).
Exclusive programme also possible for groups of less than or more than 6 people throughout the year, extension to Jaipur also possible from Sri Lanka. (upon request)
* This form does not commit you to us. You will receive additional information for registering for the stay.
Program :
Day 1 : Welcome at the hotel selected by us, close to Colombo airport, followed by your departure for Beruwala. Settle into your hotel, meet the suppliers and rest.
Day 2 : Day of courses on gemstones, fundamental principles, negotiation, and customs law.
Day 3 : Free morning, followed by a visit to the world famous Beruwala gems market with the suppliers.
Day 4 : Leave for Ratnapura, and check into your hotel.
Day 5 : Visit the rough and cut stone market in Ratnapura, followed by a visit to underground and alluvial mines in the Kiriella and Pelmadulla area. Your day will end with the discovery of local heat treatment techniques. (Burners and modern heating).
Day 6 : Meet with suppliers at your hotel and depart mid-day for Udawalawe.
Day 7 : Visit Udawalawe National Park, where you will see elephants, leopards, crocodiles and many birds in the wild.
Day 8 : Free morning and mid-day departure to Galle in the south of Sri Lanka, evening in town to visit the jewellers and shops of the town.
Day 9 : Day trip to the Gintota gems market near Galle, followed by departure to your hotel in Negombo.
Day 10 : Free day in Negombo to return to Colombo airport at your convenience, for your return to Europe or India to pursue a new adventure in gemology with us.
This price includes : hotel accommodation in single rooms (boutique hotels), breakfasts, ground transportation (650 km in A/C minibus), guides, all courses and visits, entrance and safari in Udawalawe National Park and administration fees.
This price does not include : the international flight from your country of origin (Return flight from Paris from 600 €/person), airport transfer to and from the hotel, lunches, dinners, drinks, visa fees (about 50$ USD), your personal expenses and additional stone purchases, tips and taxes, as well as individual insurance.
*For more information, please refer to our Terms and conditions.
Portrait
Benoît Charbonneau
Trained as a jeweler and gemologist at GIA, Benoît invites you to discover his passion for gemstones. Fascinated by stones since his childhood, he never ceases to carry you away in his world of colors and unique journeys.
With more than 20 years of experience in jewelry and gemology, as a trader for the most exclusives jewelers at Place Vendôme in Paris and with artisan jewelers between Asia and France, he puts all of his trading experience and expertise at your service
Vision
Gemology was an integral part of Benoît Charbonneau’s education, at the end of 6 years of jewellery studies. After obtaining his graduation and winning several awards in jewellery, the young gemologist first worked as a jeweller in the prestigious workshops of the Place Vendôme in Paris, then for the famous jeweller "Chopard" in St Barths during 6 years. Before its return to France, he spent 6 months at the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in the United States to perfect his technical expertise in gemology.
After his experience in St Barths with an elite clientele, this jeweller-gemologist settled in France, and several positions in the jewellery business, Benoît Charbonneau's experience, knowledge and personality found an effective way to express itself by specialising in the trade and opening his company GEM SELECTION in 2015 in France.
Your hotels
Because we believe that your gemology experience should be unique and unforgettable, we have personally selected each of your hotels with the utmost care.
Partners
