Home

News

Politics

Issues

Focus

Editorial

Spotlight

Insight

Sports

Business

Review

Arts

Letters

Nutshell

Interviews

Fashion

Archives

AGTA report a negative image
on Lankan gem industry

By Shezna Shums 

A statement by the American Gem Traders' Association's (AGTA) Gemological Testing Centre declaring some of the Sri Lankan sapphires reaching the US market have been treated by a new technique has damaged the island's image as one renowned for its precious gems.

The microscopic observations of these gemstones, according to the AGTA had indicated heating and immersion in methylene iodide, revealing a pale blue shimmer close to being colourless following the girdle outline. In other gemstones, a much deeper rim of light blue core is seen.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Chairman, National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Tennekone Rusiripala said that the AGTA's declaration regarding the observation of an 'unusual phenomenon' has tainted the reputation of several countries that are known for their precious gemstones, particularly the sapphires.  

In this backdrop, the AGTA is not issuing reports on Sri Lankan sapphires that show the features described.

Rusiripala said that these reports are like certificates confirming the authenticity of a stone. "If Sri Lankan sapphires are not issued reports, buyers would lose confidence and that could be a tremendous blow to the country's gem industry, particularly its exports."

The authority, it is learned had contacted the AGTA and offered to assist investigations into the treating techniques of gemstones and ascertain whether an unusual phenomenon exists. The perturbed authorities have also reportedly pointed out that the AGTA should not make public accusations without hard evidence.

Following a letter from the authority inviting the AGTA to investigate the new heat treatment method, two members of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Christopher P. Smith and Mathew Hall recently visited Sri Lanka and have reportedly attended experiments by the gemologist, P. Tennakoon, who developed the new heating technique to enhance a particular geological feature discovered in some of the Sri Lankan sapphires.

The accusations of unethical modification and culturing of gems are likely to rest with the AGTA accepting the visiting researchers' report filed after a detailed microscopic examination which declared the new technique blame free and exculpated Sri Lanka from the allegation of producing synthetic sapphires.

Rusiripala told The Sunday Leader that the negative publicity could have had a drastic effect on the island's economy which enjoys a Rs.5 billion worth export market. "It has been averted just in time."

The US is a major buyer of Sri Lankan sapphires and constitutes 40% of the market.

Headlines