With the gloom and darkness of terror removed in the North and East of the country, Sri Lankan artisans are now doubling their efforts in making jewellery with glimmer and glitter using traditional methods, inherent craftsmanship, cultural diversity and rich natural resources of the country.
The expertise and experience of dedicated craftsmen passed on from generation to generation preserving the traditional craftsmanship in turning out jewellery.
The demand for jewellery made by using traditional methods is increasing rapidly more than machine cut jewellery, an official at Lakmedura said. Lakmedura Ltd is assisting traditional craftsmen and the result is an impressive collection of jewellery — earrings, brooches, rings, bracelets and necklaces, pendants and bangles. — that showcases both the creative talents of the people working in the sector and the country’s resources of precious gems. The country has earned Rs.722.5 million from jewellery exports during the first half of this year.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) was charged with developing a marketing campaign for gems and jewellery. It has launched a project to export jewellery to European Union markets, Chairman EDB Janaka Ratnayake told the Business Times.
"This is with a view to support traditional artisans to develop new designs/products to cater to the niche international market," he added. A 6-member European Jewellery Designer team including Natalie Dissel, a well-known UK based Jewellery Designer is now working in Sri Lanka to create awareness on latest trends among local craftsmen and help them adapt their original designs into new lines.
They also providing training on how best to prepare and present collections and how to design exclusive pieces of original, real and handmade jewellery for the European market, he said.
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