Is Ratnapura the best place to buy raw gemstones.

Ratnapura is the historical epicenter of the gem trade, but it is not necessarily the best place for a casual tourist to buy stones. The market there is primarily geared towards wholesale gem dealers trading raw, unpolished stones. Unless you are a highly trained gemologist, it is incredibly easy to be scammed there. For a standard tourist looking for a beautiful, certified, cut sapphire set in jewelry, you are significantly safer buying from a reputable, certified boutique in Colombo.