More opportunities for jewellery designers

Sri Lanka is targeting to double gem and jewellery exports to over US$ 500 million-$1 billion this year as the industry remains resilient on its potential to become a large forex earner for the country.

Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Authority (SLGJA) announced that they are currently implementing plans to promote exports in 2023 encouraging all aspiring and current jewellery designers enter export markets via their novel creations, a spokesman of the authority revealed. 

With the global gem and jewellery sector valued at $200 billion per annum where Hong Kong and Thailand account for $27 billion and $13 billion respectively, he pointed out that Sri Lanka remains far behind with a miniscule export figure.

In order to catch up the success of Hong Kong and Thailand, he outlined that the industry must position Sri Lanka as a preferred supplier of choice globally for gem stones and jewellery and by ensuring efficient and free movement of items while focusing on value additions and striving to become global scale player.

In this context, the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association officially launched its jewellery design competition on March 18 with the intention of bringing Sri Lanka’s jewellery designing talent together.

Open to all existing and aspiring jewellery designers, the competition aims to encourage talented and creative individuals to get more involved with the jewellery sector.

The theme of this year’s competition is “Celebrate Sri Lanka”. Designs can be inspired by all things wonderful which the island has to offer, from its deep-rooted history, unique and vibrant culture, stunning natural attractions, sprawling beaches to its rich wildlife and rainforests, SLGJA official disclosed.  

Capturing the essence of this beautiful island through design is the key. jewellery designs should be in keeping with current global trends, as well as it being something a modern-day buyer would invest in, he added.

A total of 10 designs will be shortlisted and selected, with each design being manufactured by a local jewellery firm sponsoring the competition. The final three winning designers will be winning attractive cash prizes.

Competitors have been requested to register now at www.slgja.org. The competition closes on May 31.