FACETS 2019 set to shed much-needed optimistic light on Sri Lanka

 Altaf Iqbal

The stage is set to host the iconic exhibition in the gem and jewellery industry of Sri Lanka, FACETS 2019, which will commence on 29 August and continue until 1 September at the BMICH. FACETS has become the face of the local industry to the global market by creating a platform that not only attracts international and local buyers and sellers in huge numbers, but also as a stepping stone to many an SME that is engaged in one of the oldest trades that Sri Lanka is world-renowned for. Leading the FACETS committee this year is Altaf Iqbal, who is steadfast in his belief that FACETS will shed the positivity that Sri Lanka needs at present. Here he shares his thoughts on the important event:

Q: How far has FACETS grown during the past 28 years?

 The event has expanded in numerous ways over the years. The number of exhibitors have definitely increased with international delegations adding every year. We have grown beyond a mere exhibition by incorporating all the aspects of the gem and jewellery industry; such as lapidary, educational training, seminars and most importantly, the inclusion of the SME sector. Most importantly, the quality of visitors, both local and international, has improved very much. Today, FACETS is not an event that happens annually. It is a promotion of the whole gem and jewellery industry of Sri Lanka. 

Q: How does the international gem and jewellery industry respond to FACETS?

 FACETS Sri Lanka is being spoken of at all gemmological societies and associations across the world. It is also highlighted in the international gem and jewellery calendar where buyers look forward to the ‘September Show’, as it is well-known in the global circle. 

Q: What impact does FACETS have on the local industry and the economy of the nation?

 The industry will continue to grow if there is free and easy movement of stones, both in rough as well as cut and polish form, in and out of the country. As such, FACETS becomes a perfect platform for these transactions to take place. The export of gems has been highly facilitated by FACETS by attracting foreign traders. There are buyers who have visited Sri Lanka for the first time, purely due to FACETS, and then continued to do so annually after that. 

Furthermore, the event creates a benchmark for the local industry. The access they gain to international delegations through FACETS makes them aware of ethical trading and the importance of maintaining the reputation of the industry. This is especially beneficial to retailers who cater to the tourist market. 

FACETS also acts as a grooming ground for SMEs, where they are exposed to the larger market, and get the opportunity to stand side by side with the bigger players of the industry. There is much for them to learn and improve.

Q: With the current situation in the country, what is the role of FACETS in re-building the image of Sri Lanka?

 We believe that aggressive and continuous promotion of the industry is the need of the hour. Government agencies such as the EDB, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and Sri Lanka Tourist Board should play a leading role in carrying this forward.

As for FACETS, we see this as an ideal platform to build optimism within the industry and Sri Lanka as a whole. We will be having Lewis Allen as our Guest of Honour, whose life story is not only closely linked to our country, but is also a narrative of unwavering optimism. 

Lewis Allen began trading in coloured stones a few decades ago to fund his travels, during a brief stint as a scuba diving instructor in Trincomalee. The stones made him fall in love with the country and industry to the extent that today, he is one of the biggest buyers of Sri Lankan sapphires. 

Despite experiencing a personal tragedy in this same country months before, where he lost his beloved wife to the terrorist attacks on Easter morning, Lewis has graciously agreed to come back for FACETS 2019. He sees so much of potential in the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka, thereby setting an example to the local trade about re-building what we lost to something far better than what we had before.