FACETS 2026 concludes successfully, showcasing strong international participation and industry confidence

A foreign buyer takes a closer look at a Ceylon Blue Sapphire at the FACETS 2026 exhibition held in Colombo over the weekend
PIC BY PREADEEP DILRICKSHANA

FACETS Sri Lanka 2026, the country’s premier international gem and jewellery exhibition, concluded successfully at The Forum, Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from the stakeholders, exhibitors, international buyers and visitors.

FACETS 2026 recorded over 4,500 registered visitors, including approximately 450 foreign buyers and international visitors, reaffirming its position as a key sourcing and networking platform for the global gem and jewellery trade.

Held across two well-curated floors at The Forum, the exhibition featured multiple pavilions and a thoughtfully designed layout that created a vibrant and engaging atmosphere throughout. The scale of the set-up, combined with the seamless flow between spaces, contributed to what many participants described as one of the most enjoyable and well-organised editions of FACETS to date.

The exhibition showcased an exceptional collection of gemstones, highlighting Sri Lanka’s world-renowned sapphires alongside a diverse range of coloured gemstones. With over 100 boothholders on display, the exhibitors presented a wide variety of precious and semi-precious stones and jewellery, catering to a broad spectrum of buyers and visitors. The presence of the Gübelin Gem Lab further strengthened international confidence, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a trusted global gem source.

FACETS 2026 also introduced enhanced facilities designed to elevate the buyer experience, including a dedicated open viewing room for buyers, a tea and coffee lounge hosted by Barista and Akbar Brothers, as well as an on-site travel counter to assist international visitors.

A series of signature events added depth and character to the exhibition. Sapphire Night, Power Breakfast for Women and Story Corner brought together industry leaders, designers, buyers and storytellers, creating meaningful conversations and memorable experiences beyond the exhibition floor.

Commenting on the success of the event, Akram Cassim, President of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), the organising body of FACETS, said, “FACETS 2026 has been a tremendous success and a real boost for the industry. The strong participation from the exhibitors, international buyers and visitors reflects the growing global confidence in Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector. I thank everyone who contributed to making this edition such a meaningful and impactful showcase.”

SLGJA Vice President and COO Shezan Mansoor added, “We are delighted to see the highly impactful outcome of this year’s event. Working closely with all stakeholders, including our partners and sponsors, we are gratified to have successfully raised the bar in profiling Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry on an international stage. With over 100 boothholders showcasing a vast range of precious and semi-precious stones and jewellery, the show catered to a wide spectrum of visitors and buyers and this was clearly reflected in the positive responses received from all stakeholders.”

FACETS Chairman Armil Sammoon also highlighted the strong response from the international buyers and exhibitors, noting the quality of engagement and business interactions throughout the exhibition.

FACETS 2027 will be held on January 5, 6 and 7, 2027, once again at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, building on the momentum created by the successful 2026 edition.