Ratnapura

Ratnapura is known as the gemstone capital of Sri Lanka. Precious and semi-precious stones are dug by hand in the fields and hills surrounding the town, then cut and lovingly polished before being exported worldwide. Although topaz, rubies, amethyst, aquamarine and garnets are all mined here, Ratnapura is famous for its blue sapphires and claims the credit for both Princess Diana’s engagement ring and the sapphire featured in ‘Titanic’.