FACETS Sri Lanka 2006, the 16th Annual International Gem & Jewellery Show with over 150 booths, showcasing a wide-array of gems and jewellery, was held from 6th – 9th September 2006 at the BMICH Exhibition Centre, the largest exhibition and convention center in Sri Lanka, was a roaring success.
The show was a tremendous success despite the prevailing uncertain security situation in Sri Lanka. The participants also showed a great deal of confidence in the annual-show by the fact that a large number of them have already confirmed spaces for booths for the FACETS 2007 show.
This year’s event saw exhibitors from Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, India, Hong Kong, and Myanmar followed by trade delegations from Thailand, India and the United States of America. There was 100% participation by the registered foreign-buyers. A total of 153 registered foreign-buyers and 350 potential foreign-buyers visited the exhibition.
In addition, the local participation at the show totaled well over 5,000 visitors, that included over 400 Sri Lankan buyers. A number of local gem merchants displayed their value-added gem and jewellery products and ornamental gift items at the show.
Most stall-holders were extremely happy with the sales generated at the show, while many of them were successful in establishing many important linkage, obtaining steady orders and contracts for future supplies.
Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama who was the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the show, while highlighting the significant progress made by the industry in the last two years said: “I have been holding this office for the last two years and today we could proudly announce 2006 will become the highest foreign exchange earned year from the Gem & Jewellery Industry in Sri Lanka.”
“We need a greater degree of value development in terms of our exports, to be competitive in the world market. Fortunately we have managed to grab the two important markets India and Pakistan. Today the Indian and the Pakistan iFree Trade Agreements has zero-rated gem and jewellery in terms of export. We fervently hope to earn around Rs.40 billion through gem and jewellery exports.”
Mr. Hasitha Tillekeratne, Chairman, National Gem and Jewellery Authority, said that the NGJA has been with Facets since its inception. “We have been helping the trade by way of providing finances to promote the Facets Show. Since the first Year, Facets has done exceptionally well and we are happy to be part of this great event,” he said.
Mr. Brian Angunawela, Chairman, Export Development Board, said that the EDB is happy to play a major role in this event, being the premier export organization in the country.“As a state institution, we support and encourage our gem and jewellery industrialists to gain more recognition and find new international markets the world-over and we will continue to do so in the future too.”
FACETS Organising Committee Chairman M. Macky Hashim looking back at the FACETS history stated that the show originated in 1991 with the Sri Lanka Gem Traders Association having 50 stalls. “The heavy demand for booths prompted the organizers to shift the show to the BM1CH. The show has largely contributed to the advancement of the industry,” he said.
In conclusion, the Chairman said that this success from 1991 to 2006 was possible due to teamwork and the exceptional growth that rests on four pillars – dedication, innovation, focus and dynamism.
Hall A of the BMICH Exhibition Centre, was packed with a glittering array of the most beautiful and colourful gemstones from ‘cornflower blue’ Sapphires to Star Rubies that show-off their ‘sharp rays’, to honey-coloured Cats-eyes with their ‘milk and honey’ effect, to Alexandrites that change distinctly from ‘raspberry red to olive green’.
The Jewellery Section of the exhibition, Hall B, was dazzled by exquisite craftsmanship and stunning designs comprising traditional, classic and contemporary settings.
Awards were presented for the best booth, the best gem-cutter, the best jewellery designer and several other surprise events also encouraged the participants of the show.
The Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka ceremonially launched their website: www.gemtnoiog.lk ,on the opening day of the Show under the patronage of Hon. Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, which is conducted by the Gem and Jewellery Institute to showcase their educational activities.
The Lapidary Segment of the SLGJA displayed their innovative gemstone cuts and techniques at the show. In addition, the Gem Miners Association displayed their rough gemstones.Last but not least, it is noteworthy to mention, that three booths which were allocated at a discounted rate to Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMES) that were affected by the recent tsunami, displayed their beautifully-crafted jewellery, which was well patronized by both buyers and visitors. This worthy-cause was sponsored by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce with the assistance of the UNDP, Sustainable Recovery of Micro Enterprise Sector Project – Viyaparika Diriya.
The principal sponsor of FACETS Sri Lanka 2006 was the National Gem and Jewellery Authority while the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, with its wealth of experience and expertise in trade-show management, assisted the Facets Secretariat.
SriLankan Airlines, the official airline for the show, offered special packages aboard their flights from major destinations to bring-in visitors to the show. -FINANCIAL TIMES
Aquamarine is the blue, or perhaps more correctly, blue-green or aqua variety of the mineral beryl. Other gemstone colour varieties that belong to beryl include emerald, morganite, and heliodor. Other colours of beryl are simply referred to by their colour, such as red beryl. Most gem aquamarines have been heat treated to produce the popular blue-green varieties from less desirable yellow or pale stones.
