Ratnapura gem market pavement trade: Monday and Thursday morning rough sorting?
5 Answers from travellers
The Ratnapura pavement gem market (operating actively on Monday and Thursday mornings along Main Street and Demuwawatha) is an iconic traditional rough gem trading exchange. Local miners, brokers, and international buyers gather on veranda steps and sidewalks to negotiate parcel sales. Buyers inspect unpolished stones using natural north-facing daylight (avoiding artificial lights that distort color) and 10x achromatic loupes. Negotiations occur in strict privacy using hand-shake finger codes hidden beneath cloths or towels.
Parcels are sold as "all-in" lots; buyers assess average stone quality, inclusions, and yield potential across the entire parcel before making cash offers.
Carry a battery-powered 365nm UV penlight to screen synthetic stones or check for fluorescence in ruby and spinel parcels instantly.
Respect local traders and brokers; maintaining courteous relationships is essential for gaining access to superior unheated gem parcels.
High-value stone parcels can be verified at the adjacent National Gem and Jewellery Authority regional laboratory before completing financial transfers.
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