FACETS 2026 to debut at Cinnamon Life, ushering new era for Sri Lanka’s gem showcase

• Top gem and jewellery show scheduled from 3-5 January 2026 will showcase island’s centuries-old gem heritage, famous sapphires and sustainable mining practices
• Event expands to two floors with immersive “mine-to-market” experience, live gem-cutting, rare gemstone displays and design showcases
• SLGJA President Akram Cassim recalls 1991 debut with 50 booths, now global platform for local industry bridging tradition and innovation
• FACETS 2026 Chairman Armil Sammoon calls industry “living heritage” linking miners to luxury markets; trade show as launchpad for emerging entrepreneurs
• Cinnamon Life CEO Sanjiv Hulugalle says venue’s gemstone-inspired architecture and hospitality will elevate event into multisensory global experience

Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association President Akram Cassim

FACETS 2026 Chairman Armil Sammoon

Cinnamon Life CEO and GM Sanjiv Hulugalle  - Pix by Ruwan Walpola

Sri Lanka’s premier gem and jewellery showcase, FACETS 2026, is set to return for its 32nd edition from 3 to 5 January 2026, marking a bold new chapter for the internationally acclaimed exhibition. Moving to its new home at The Forum, Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, the event promises a vibrant transformation, whilst preserving the rich heritage that has made it a hallmark of the country’s gem industry for over three decades.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association (SLGJA), the exhibition will spotlight the country’s centuries-old legacy in gemstone mining, cutting, and design, while embracing contemporary innovations and sustainable practices. Sri Lanka, known globally as the “Island of Gems,” has produced some of the world’s most celebrated sapphires — with seven of the 10 most famous sapphires in history traced back to its soil.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, SLGJA President Akram Cassim reflected on Sri Lanka’s enduring reputation, noting how Sri Lankan gemstones have adorned royal crowns, passed through the treasuries of kings, and now feature in world-class collections. 

He recalled the inaugural FACETS exhibition in 1991, which began with just 50 booths at the Hilton Colombo, and highlighted how the event has since evolved into the flagship platform for the country’s gem and jewellery sector, bridging tradition and modern design.

“FACETS 2026 will expand its scope with a two-floor showcase at Cinnamon Life, presenting an immersive ‘Mine to Market’ experience. Visitors will witness master gem-cutting, innovative jewellery designs, and displays of Sri Lanka’s diverse gemstone varieties, from the deep royal blue sapphire to the rare Padparadscha,” he added. 

Cassim said the exhibition will also highlight the island’s sustainable mining heritage, an integral part of its identity, ensuring environmental preservation and community support.

FACETS 2026 Chairman Armil Sammoon underscored the deeply human story behind every gemstone, describing the industry as a “living heritage” that connects miners, cutters, designers, exporters, and customers in a shared narrative. 

“Sri Lanka remains one of the few countries where sapphires are both mined and masterfully crafted locally, making them highly sought after by luxury houses across the globe for their beauty, authenticity, and ethical origins,” he added.

Beyond being a trade fair, Sammoon emphasised, FACETS serves as a launchpad for emerging entrepreneurs, enabling them to access international markets. Over its history, it has been the starting point for Sri Lankan businesses now exhibiting at major gem and jewellery shows in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Geneva, Las Vegas, and beyond.

Cinnamon Life CEO Sanjiv Hulugalle said hosting FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 will truly stage City of Dreams as one of the most wondrous experiences in Sri Lanka. “Interestingly, the architecture of Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams actually incorporates design elements inspired by sapphires and gemstones. The late, great architect Bill Bensley, who designed this masterpiece, brought these elements in with incredible detail,” he added.

Hulugalle noted that it is an absolute honour to announce a partnership that is more than logistics or sponsorship. “We at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams are proud to come on board as the official hospitality partner for FACETS Sri Lanka 2026. For over 30 years, FACETS has been the crown jewel of Sri Lanka’s international trade showcases. But this year is different. FACETS 2026 is not just a continuation, it is a reinvention,” he said.

He said they are moving beyond the traditional trade show model to create a multisensory, globally relevant experience that tells the entire “mine-to-market” journey. “As a hospitality partner, our role is not only to provide an incredible venue, but also to create an experience that ensures international buyers, designers, and exhibitors leave with more than admiration for the gems they see. We want them to leave with a deeper connection to the stories behind the stones, the craftsmanship, and the spirit of Sri Lanka,” Hulugalle said.

The 2026 edition will feature more than 100 exhibitors, targeted buyer delegations, and curated events such as Sapphire Night, a Power Breakfast for Women of Influence, and High Tea Fashion Shows, blending business networking with cultural celebration. Special zones will offer visitors interactive experiences, from virtual reality tours of gem mines to displays of historical mining tools and cutting-edge lapidary innovations.

As Sri Lanka seeks to reclaim its prominence in the global gem market, FACETS 2026 positions the country not only as a source of extraordinary gemstones, but as a leader in ethical craftsmanship and creative excellence.

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