Gem Museum Tours
Situated in central Colombo in the prestigious Cinnamon Gardens neighborhood, the Gem Museum is a 4th-generation family-owned gemstone and jewelry store with an adjoining small museum. Displays showcase many of Sri Lanka’s gemstones, from topaz and blue sapphires to rubies, moonstones, tourmaline, quartz, and alexandrite.
The Basics
First established in the 1920s, the Gem Museum welcomes visitors who want to view the museum displays and browse the precious and semiprecious gemstones for sale in the showroom. In addition to glass display cases filled with raw and cut gemstones, the museum’s attractions include a reconstruction of a Sri Lankan gem mine and a video revealing how the raw stones are mined, cut, and then set into gold, platinum, or silver to create rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.
The Gem Museum is one of an island-wide network of showroom-museums that feature as stop-offs on Colombo and Kandy tours—with travelers given time to explore their museum sections before viewing the gems and jewelry for sale. If you’re visiting one of these outlets on a tour, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with Sri Lanka’s gems beforehand so you know what to look for and can avoid overpaying for less precious stones.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Gem Museum is located at 43 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, in the center of Colombo. The nearest bus stop is the Public Library stop, but the easiest way to get to the museum independently is by car or cab. The museum has its own parking lot.
When to Get There
The Gem Museum is open 9am to 7:30pm Saturday to Thursday and 9am to 12pm and 1:45pm to 7:30pm on Friday.
Sri Lanka’s Prized Blue Sapphires
Sri Lanka’s gem industry dates back more than 2,500 years, and the island’s most coveted gemstones are its blue sapphires. Those with the most intense cornflower-blue (cerulean) hues are especially prized, but the sapphires come in a wide range of other colors, from yellows and pinks to white and even black.
The Basics
First established in the 1920s, the Gem Museum welcomes visitors who want to view the museum displays and browse the precious and semiprecious gemstones for sale in the showroom. In addition to glass display cases filled with raw and cut gemstones, the museum’s attractions include a reconstruction of a Sri Lankan gem mine and a video revealing how the raw stones are mined, cut, and then set into gold, platinum, or silver to create rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.
The Gem Museum is one of an island-wide network of showroom-museums that feature as stop-offs on Colombo and Kandy tours—with travelers given time to explore their museum sections before viewing the gems and jewelry for sale. If you’re visiting one of these outlets on a tour, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with Sri Lanka’s gems beforehand so you know what to look for and can avoid overpaying for less precious stones.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Gem Museum will appeal to gemstone and jewelry lovers.
- Sri Lanka has been known as the Land of Gems for centuries, so an authentic gemstone makes a wonderful and apt memento.
- Be sure to haggle: The first quoted price might be inflated.
- It’s sensible to check the day’s exchange rate before committing to any expensive gemstone purchases anywhere in Sri Lanka.
How to Get There
The Gem Museum is located at 43 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, in the center of Colombo. The nearest bus stop is the Public Library stop, but the easiest way to get to the museum independently is by car or cab. The museum has its own parking lot.
When to Get There
The Gem Museum is open 9am to 7:30pm Saturday to Thursday and 9am to 12pm and 1:45pm to 7:30pm on Friday.
Sri Lanka’s Prized Blue Sapphires
Sri Lanka’s gem industry dates back more than 2,500 years, and the island’s most coveted gemstones are its blue sapphires. Those with the most intense cornflower-blue (cerulean) hues are especially prized, but the sapphires come in a wide range of other colors, from yellows and pinks to white and even black.
Address: 43 Ananda Kumaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Gem Museum
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Private City tour in Colombo By tuk tuks or Cars
Colombo’s signature sights are scattered across a surprisingly large area. Spare yourself the city’s hectic traffic and relax on this private door-to-door tour of its star attractions. See the historic Buddhist temples of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya and Gangaramaya; admire the grand architecture of the Old Parliament Building and Independence Memorial Hall; and soak up the atmosphere at waterfront Galle Face. Upgrade to include shopping at bazaars and markets.
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From
$26.67
Price varies by group size
From
$26.67
Price varies by group size
Colombo City Tour By Tuk Tuk
Ditch the crowded coach tours and travel like a local on this intimate, half-day sightseeing trip through Colombo in a traditional three-wheeler tuk tuk. Tick off the capital’s top attractions as you weave your way down winding streets, from bustling Hindu temples to Dutch-built landmarks. You’ll also enjoy a shopping stop in the market-filled district of Pettah.
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$40.00
From
$40.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour Highlights
Make the most of your time in Colombo by booking a private shore excursion. You’ll travel via private transportation and skip the hassle of dealing with crowds or multiple pickups and drop-offs. Follow a comprehensive itinerary designed to show you the best of the city, asking questions and enjoying personalized attention along the way. Highlights include the National Museum, Gangarama Seema Malakaya, Beire Lake, Jamiul Alfar Mosque, and other landmarks.
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From
$35.00
From
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Private Kandy City Tour Including Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
Visit UNESCO-listed Kandy on a private day trip from Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikada, or Waikkal with a personal guide. Venture into Sri Lanka’s old royal capital, and visit the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy market, and a folklore show. After lunch (own expense), take some time to explore the scenic Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. If time permits, take a visit to Pinnawala City, and possibly see elephants. Price is per vehicle.
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From
$68.00
Price varies by group size
From
$68.00
Price varies by group size
Discover Kandy -Spice Garden visit Tea Factory and Kandy city tour (Vehicle Only Private Day Trip From Colombo)
Visiting Kandy in a day from Colombo is near-impossible independently. Ideal for those short on time in Sri Lanka, this private vehicle-only day trip lets you experience this UNESCO-listed former capital and more in a convenient, hassle-free day. Enjoy time in Kandy to visit its sacred Temple of the Tooth and other sites, and take in Sri Lanka’s lush tea country, a tea plantation, and a spice garden on route.
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From
$35.00
From
$35.00
Shore Excursion Colombo City Tour
Exploring Colombo independently and the risk of getting lost or delayed. Make things easy with a private shore excursion that whisks you around the sights smoothly and comfortably. Travel by Shared Bus/Coach, visit top sights such as the Seema Malakaya Temple,shop for souvenirs and handicrafts emporiums and hear tales of local life from your guide that you'd miss if alone.
• Explore Colombo with ease on a Shore Excursion from the Cruise Port.
• Forget cabs or buses,sightseeing stress-free by air-conditioned vehicle
• See the sights, shop at markets, and hear about local life and history
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From
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