Our Story of Precious Stones
Where Legends Are Born
Deep beneath the emerald hills of Sri Lanka lies a treasure trove that has captivated humanity for over 2,000 years.
The Sacred Mountains of Ratnapura
Our story begins in the mist-covered hills of Ratnapura, the “City of Gems,” where nature has been crafting precious stones for millions of years. Here, in the ancient alluvial deposits formed by countless monsoons, lie sapphires, rubies, and rare gems that have adorned the crowns of kings and emperors.
In 1892, our founder, Mudaliyar Don Carolis Perera, a descendant of Portuguese gem traders, established our first mining operation after discovering a vein of exceptional blue sapphires in his family’s ancestral land. Legend says he was guided by a dream where his grandmother showed him the exact location of the gems.
Today, five generations later, we continue to work the same sacred earth, using traditional methods passed down through our family, combined with modern ethical mining practices that respect both the environment and the local communities.
The Art of Discovery
Every morning before dawn, our master gem hunters, led by Appuhamy Bandara whose family has worked with us for four generations, venture into the mines. They read the earth like an ancient text, understanding the subtle signs that indicate where precious stones might rest.
The mining process is both art and science. Using traditional tools like the “mama” (a circular wicker basket) and “dulang” (wooden pan), our miners carefully wash the gem-bearing gravel, separating the precious from the ordinary with skills honed over decades.
We believe that each gem chooses its moment to be found. Some stones reveal themselves easily, while others wait patiently for the right hands to discover them. This philosophy guides our sustainable mining practices, taking only what the earth willingly offers.
The Master’s Touch
Once discovered, each rough gem begins its transformation in the hands of our master craftsmen. In our workshop in Rathnapura, established in 1923, third and fourth-generation gem cutters work with tools that have been in their families for over a century.
Master cutter Sunil Wickramasinghe, whose grandfather cut gems for the British Crown, examines each stone with a jeweler’s loupe that belonged to his great-grandfather. He studies the gem’s natural inclusions, its color zones, and its crystal structure to determine the perfect cut that will maximize its beauty and brilliance.
Our traditional cutting techniques, combined with modern precision tools, ensure that each gem achieves its maximum potential. We cut for beauty, not weight, often sacrificing size to achieve the perfect proportions that make our gems truly exceptional.
Ensuring Authenticity & Quality
Every gem that bears our name undergoes rigorous testing and certification. We work exclusively with internationally recognized gemological laboratories, including the Gemmological Institute of Colombo and international certification bodies.
Our commitment to ethical sourcing means we work directly with local mining communities, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. We’re proud members of the Responsible Jewellery Council and follow strict environmental and social standards.
We maintain detailed records of each gem’s journey – from the exact location where it was found, through every step of the cutting and polishing process, to its final certification. This traceability ensures complete transparency and authenticity.
Crafting Dreams into Reality
Our jewelry designers, led by award-winning artist Chamila Perera, work closely with clients to create pieces that tell personal stories. Whether it’s an engagement ring that will symbolize eternal love or a pendant that celebrates a milestone, each piece is crafted with intention and care.
We use only the finest precious metals – 18k and 22k gold sourced from certified suppliers, and platinum of the highest purity. Our traditional Sri Lankan jewelry techniques, such as the intricate “repoussé” work and delicate filigree, are combined with contemporary design sensibilities.
Before any piece leaves our workshop, it undergoes a final quality inspection by our master craftsman, who has over 40 years of experience. Only when he is completely satisfied does the piece receive our signature and certification.
Secure Journey to You
We understand that purchasing fine jewelry is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. That’s why we’ve developed one of the most secure and reliable delivery systems in the industry.
Every piece is individually photographed and documented before shipping. We use specialized jewelry packaging that protects against shock, moisture, and temperature variations. Each package is fully insured and tracked from our facility to your door.
We also provide a lifetime guarantee on our craftsmanship and offer complimentary cleaning and inspection services. Your relationship with us doesn’t end with the purchase – it’s the beginning of a lifelong connection to the extraordinary world of Ceylon gems.
Our Sacred Promise
When you choose CeyLur, you’re not just purchasing luxury items – you’re becoming part of a story that spans generations, connecting you to the ancient traditions of Sri Lankan craftsmanship and the natural wonders of our island paradise.
Authentic
Every gem certified natural
Ethical
Fair trade and sustainable
Personal
Each piece tells your story
Guaranteed
Lifetime craftsmanship warranty