Galle: Traditional Jewelry Making Workshop with Pickup
ID: GYG1115508-1712867
Category:
Country: Sri Lanka
Duration:
03:00 hours
Description
Melt silver, gauge, solder and polish metal,and gain insight into the island's renowned gemstones.You'll actively participate in the process to craft your very own silver souvenir at an aditional cost
Immerse yourself in the dazzling world of traditional Sri Lankan jewellery making with an authentic, hands-on workshop right near the historic heart of Galle. More than just a class, Sri Lanka—or Ratna-Dweepa ("Gem Island")—famous for centuries.
Your experience begins with the utmost convenience: a complimentary private pickup and drop-off service from your central Galle location, extending up to a 5km radius from the city centre, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to your creative adventure.
Step into the family-run artisan workshop, a true haven where the generations-old craft of silversmithing is still alive. Here, you'll be greeted warmly and introduced to a skilled local master craftsman, your personal guide for this transformative 3 to 4-hour experience.
The journey begins with an insightful introduction to Sri Lanka's globally renowned gemstone heritage. You’ll get to touch, examine, and learn to identify various genuine stones sourced from local mines—from the fiery blue of Ceylon sapphires and mesmerising moonstones to glittering garnets and peridots. Discover the historical significance and value of these treasures, gaining an invaluable skill in distinguishing authentic gems from imitations.
Next, the real magic begins as you delve into the Galle Tradition of jewellery making, which places a strong emphasis on showcasing the beauty of the precious stones. Under the expert guidance of your artisan, you will actively participate in every foundational step of crafting a unique silver piece, typically a ring or a pendant.
You will become intimately familiar with traditional silversmithing techniques:
Melting: Watch, and even assist, as raw silver is melted down in a small furnace.
Gauging & Hammering: Use traditional tools to measure, shape, and hammer the silver, turning raw metal into a foundation for your design.
Soldering & Finishing: Learn the delicate art of joining pieces together and then smoothing and polishing your creation until it shines with brilliant luster.
Crucially, the workshop is designed to be highly hands-on. You will be actively involved in the process, from choosing your design and selecting your gemstone to personally contributing to the crafting, ensuring that the piece you take home is genuinely yours.
As a priceless memento of your time, you will leave with the unique piece of jewellery you helped to create (though the cost of precious metal and selected gemstones is typically an optional, separate charge), or in some cases, a complimentary handcrafted silver ring WITH GEMSTONE, a tangible reminder of your immersion into Sri Lanka’s artistic legacy. This intimate, personalised workshop offers more than a souvenir—it offers an authentic connection to the island's culture and a newfound appreciation for the exquisite craftsmanship behind every piece of Sri Lankan jewellery.
Highlights
- Learn the difference between fake and real gemstone
- Watch, and even assist, as raw silver is melted down in a small furnace.
- Use traditional tools to measure, shape, and hammer the silver
- Soldering & Finishing
- Take home your own unique piece of jewelry
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
As a guest, my goal is to fully embrace the experience with humility, appreciation, and respect for my host's home, traditions, and way of life. This is not just a place to sleep, but an opportunity for a genuine cultural exchange.
Head towards the western ramparts of the Galle Fort—the walls that face the Indian Ocean. The temple is situated directly on the road that runs along this section of the wall. It's close to the sea-facing bastions in the middle of the western side. If you're walking the ramparts, you will easily spot the only Buddhist temple inside the Fort, identifiable by its white facade and its serene position facing the water. The Driver will be there in tuk tuk
INCLUDED
- Seamless VIP Service: Complimentary 5km Transfer Your experience begins with absolute comfort and convenience. We provide private Pick-up and Drop-off, all included at no extra cost, from any hotel, villa, or location within a 5-kilometer radius of Galle City Centre (including areas like Unawatuna, Thalpe, and Koggala). Our dedicated transport ensures a relaxed journey to and from the artisan’s traditional family workshop, allowing you to fully de-stress and focus on the craft ahead.
- A Taste of Sri Lankan Hospitality: Refreshments Included In the spirit of warm Sri Lankan hospitality, your session includes a traditional Tea and Snack Break. These refreshments are complimentary. Savor a refreshing cup of world-renowned Ceylon Tea alongside delicious local short eats (sweet or savory snacks). This is a perfect moment to relax, converse with the artisan about their craft, and recharge your energy for the next creative phase.
NOT INCLUDED
- Your Personal experiences
- Tips for the guide
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
