About Rainbow Gems: Authentic Sri Lankan Sapphires Since 1980

About Us

Celebrating Sri Lanka’s rich gemstone heritage by crafting timeless beauty with integrity, precision, and passion.

Our Journey

From the Heart of Sri Lanka, Crafting Brilliance for the World.

Since 1980, our family has been dedicated to sourcing the world’s finest sapphires from the heart of Sri Lanka. With generations of craftsmanship and a deep respect for our heritage, we transform nature’s rare treasures into timeless pieces of brilliance, bringing the beauty of Sri Lanka to the world.

For more than 40 years, we have remained dedicated to meeting the needs of the global colored stones industry—delivering well-cut, certified gemstones that reflect both the natural brilliance of our land and the values we stand for. At Rainbow Gems, every stone tells a story, and we are honored to share the beauty of Sri Lankan sapphires with the world.

Our Legacy

Rainbow Gems Legacy,
A timeless celebration of nature’s finest colors

Rainbow Gems is a trusted wholesale gem export company with over four decades of expertise in the global colored gemstone trade. Founded in 1980 by Mr. D.V Dangedara, a visionary young entrepreneur from Sri Lanka, the company has grown from humble beginnings into a respected name in the international gemstone market.

Specializing in exquisite colored gemstones and custom-made fine jewelry, Rainbow Gems is proud to present the world with the unparalleled beauty of ethically sourced, natural sapphires from the heart of Sri Lanka. Our deep roots in the island’s gem-rich heritage, combined with our commitment to integrity, quality, and craftsmanship, have made us a preferred supplier for jewelry designers, retailers, and collectors worldwide.

Our Story

Where We Are

Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Rainbow Gems is proudly located in the beautiful isle of Sri Lanka—a land long celebrated as the “Gem Island” of the world. This tropical paradise, with its golden beaches, lush mountains, and fertile valleys, holds a geographic significance as a gateway between East and West, connecting cultures and trade routes for centuries.

At the heart of our work lies the sapphire—Sri Lanka’s most celebrated gemstone. Known historically as “Ratnadeepa,” meaning Island of Gems, Sri Lanka has been a source of some of the world’s most sought-after sapphires for over 2,500 years. Rainbow Gems continues this legacy by sourcing only natural, ethically mined Sri Lankan sapphires, meticulously cut and polished to reveal their full brilliance. We work closely with trusted miners, lapidarists, and craftsmen who share our values, ensuring that every gem we offer meets the highest standards of quality.

From its humble beginnings, Rainbow Gems has grown into a globally respected wholesale gem export company, specializing in fine colored gemstones and custom-made jewelry. For over four decades, we have proudly catered to the needs of the international colored stones industry, serving jewelry designers, retailers, and private collectors across the globe. Our commitment to excellence, transparency, and customer satisfaction has been the cornerstone of our success.

Today, with decades of experience behind us, Rainbow Gems continues to evolve, blending time-honored traditions with modern expertise. Our legacy is built not only on the beauty of our gemstones but on the trust, we have earned from our clients around the world. As we look toward the future, our mission remains unchanged—to share the timeless elegance of Sri Lankan sapphires and colored gemstones with those who value rarity, beauty, and authenticity.

Global Presence

Exquisite Gems,
Global Footprint

Our craftsmanship is deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s centuries-old heritage of gem cutting, a legacy that has made the island world-renowned for producing some of the finest finished gemstones. Each stone is handled with care, precision, and artistry, ensuring it reflects both natural beauty and exceptional value.

Rainbow Gems has grown from its roots in Sri Lanka to a trusted name in the international gemstone trade. Over the decades, we have built strong relationships with clients, collectors, and jewelers across the world, proudly showcasing the brilliance of Ceylon sapphires and other fine colored stones on a global stage. Through wholesale exports, bespoke jewelry creations, and partnerships with leading international gemstones fairs, Rainbow Gems continues to serve a worldwide clientele who value authenticity, craftsmanship.

Gem Minning

Treasures Carried
Through Time

Sri Lanka’s gem mining history spans over two millennia, making it one of the oldest known sources of precious gemstones in the world. Ancient chronicles such as the Mahavamsa and early foreign records mention the island’s wealth in gems. Sri Lankan sapphires, rubies, garnets, and other stones were highly prized by traders who traveled the Silk Road and maritime routes, linking the island to markets in India, Persia, Arabia, and later Europe. Historical accounts suggest that Sri Lankan gems adorned the crowns and jewelry of kings, emperors, and royalty across the world.

For centuries, mining was carried out using simple, traditional methods – hand-dug pits and riverbed panning – which remain in practice even today in many regions. These techniques were passed down through generations, preserving both skill and sustainability.

By the colonial period, Sri Lanka’s gem trade became more organized and internationally recognized, with Ratnapura (meaning “City of Gems”) emerging as the country’s main mining and trading hub. Today, while modern tools and global trade have expanded the industry

Mines are built with multiple layers and tunnels, supported by rubber wood for safety. Conditions inside are often harsh—slippery, muddy, and difficult to work in. Miners carefully dig through the earth to reach the gem-bearing gravel layer, known as illama.

The illama is brought to the surface and washed to separate and recover the gemstones. This traditional process, still widely used today, is the foundation of Sri Lanka’s reputation as a world source of fine gemstones.