Galle: Traditional Open-Air Gem Market Guided Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Galle's traditional open-air gem market on a guided tour. Discover the art of gem trading and learn about the history of Sri Lanka's gem industry.
Step into the Galle gem market, a vibrant open-air market where the scent of ancient spices mingles with the salty breeze of the Indian Ocean. Discover a living testament to Sri Lanka’s identity as the "Island of Gems".and it is situated 6 km faraway from Galle Town and takes 15 rides by Tuk Tuk.

Arrive at the market as it transforms into a bustling hub of activity. Watch as traders arrive with small, unassuming pouches tucked into the folds of their sarongs. See how villagers carry small squares of white paper or polythene packs, which they unfold with a practiced flick of the wrist to reveal the gems.

By mid-morning, the market is a sea of color. Sri Lanka is home to over 70 varieties of gemstones, and in the Galle market, you see them all in their raw and semi-polished states. Admire the crown jewel of the market, the famous "Ceylon Blue" sapphire, as well as the rare, salmon-hued Padparadscha, yellow sapphires, and star sapphires that display a six-rayed star under the sun.

See spinels, zircon, and garnets in vibrant reds and pinks, and discover rare varieties of gemstones like cobalt spinels, taffeeite color change gemstones, and bicolor gemstones.

As the midday heat intensifies, witness the serious business of negotiation. In the Galle gem market, there is no such thing as a "fixed price." The initial price quoted by a trader is merely an invitation to a dance.

Watch as buyers and traders engage in a masterclass in negotiation, where patience and a "poker face" are key. See how deals are often sealed with a quiet conversation and a final, firm handshake. By 1:30 PM, as the overhead sun becomes too harsh for accurate color grading, the parcels are folded back up, and the traders begin to disperse into the nearby tea shops to discuss the day’s wins.

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