Sri Lanka Pavilion Showcasing a Collection of Historical Treasures
“Exhale Day” at “Expo Dubai” .. A journey with the magic of precious stones
The Sri Lankan Pavilion invited visitors to learn about the history of the artifacts that will be revealed the day after tomorrow.
From the source
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The Sri Lanka Pavilion in the Opportunity District provides visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai an opportunity to explore the masterpieces of this island famous for its history of trade in precious stones and jewels.
Sri Lanka will display for the first time, the day after tomorrow, a unique selection of sapphire stones, as part of a special initiative to explore its national treasures and arts.
The National Gemological and Jewelery Authority of Sri Lanka confirmed that "Sri Lankan jewelry is among the oldest items that have been traded over the years in the world, as our island is famous for precious stones, the most important of which is sapphire, which adorned rare jewelry displayed in a group of museums around the world," expressing her Her pleasure to celebrate this special journey, to give Sri Lankan sapphire the prominent place it deserves in the world arena, and to highlight this group of gemstones in the international exhibition.
The “sapphire day” transports guests through the ages, by reviewing historical treasures, such as a ring from the 14th century AD, decorated with a sapphire stone from the 10th century AD with an Arabic inscription, and it is believed that it dates back to the period when Arab jewelers were famous for traveling to Sri Lanka to develop their trade since year 1130.
Renowned jeweler Helen Molesworth, guest of honor, will explain during a tour the importance of gemstones in Sri Lanka, their historical and commercial significance, and their timeless charm throughout the world.
Molesworth, an expert in the gem and jewelry industry, said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to connect with the guests of the Sri Lanka Pavilion and share my views on the magical world of gemstones in Sri Lanka.
Throughout history and for thousands of years, Sri Lanka has produced gemstones of quality and diversity, a testament to the continuing global importance of the true 'Gem Island'.”
Molesworth added that sapphire is the island's most famous and most appreciated stone, expressing her pride in being part of this show of the finest sapphires in her country, which is a natural miracle in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Helen Molesworth's career in the global gem and jewelry industry spanned across multiple paths, from leading auction houses and jewelry, to academic positions, and worked for 10 years as a jewelry specialist at Sotheby's and Christie's in London and Geneva, where she supervised the operations of global sales.
• Sri Lankan gemstones and jewelry are among the oldest items that have been traded over the years in the world.
• Sri Lanka is famous for its “sapphire” that adorned the most famous pieces of jewelry in history, which are displayed in museums around the world.
Prominence
There are records around the world confirming Sri Lanka’s prominent historical position as an island of precious stones, as the Western Roman Empire had been trading Sri Lankan gems since the first century AD, as these riches were mentioned in Sri Lanka by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century, and the Italian adventurer Marco Polo in the 12th century , the famous Arab explorer Ibn Battuta in the 14th century, and the English captain Robert Knox in the 17th century, including sapphire, beryl, topaz, amethyst and agate.