From Craft to Global Impact: Rethinking Jewellery’s Future
At Sippi, we are driven by the belief that honouring craftsmanship helps communities thrive culturally and economically.
Sri Lanka is in the midst of a significant economic transition. The country is recovering, but the effects of the recent economic crisis are still felt across communities, businesses, and industries. Despite these challenges, the country’s creative talent continues to work with skill and resilience, yet much of it remains under-recognised, as the spotlight often falls on the trade of cut or polished gemstones rather than on the craftsmanship behind locally made jewellery.
At Sippi, we believe jewellery should create value that reaches beyond the object itself. When gemstones are transformed into finished pieces by local artisans, the impact is greater, the craft is honoured, livelihoods are strengthened, and more value remains within the community. This belief guides our decision to work locally and transparently, contributing in a meaningful way to an industry whose talent deserves to be seen and appreciated. In a world where fast fashion dominates, choosing jewellery that is thoughtfully crafted ensures that the hands, stories, and communities behind each piece are valued and supported.
I spoke with Shehan Daulagala (GG, GP, AJP) of Aabharana Sri Lanka, a respected gemmologist, advisor, and advocate for the Sri Lankan gem and jewellery sector, to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.
Shehan and I first met at Jewels Talk 2024, where we were invited to present our business model, mission, and vision and to connect with industry experts. Since then, Shehan has been incredibly generous with his time, offering guidance and sharing invaluable insights from his years of experience in the industry.
I asked Shehan about the current focus on raw gemstone exports versus finished jewellery, and whether there might be opportunities to increase value-added production.
He responded “Absolutely. When rough gemstones are transformed into finished jewellery, the value increases significantly. While rough stones will always be important, the global market demands jewellery, not just gems. Focusing on producing finished pieces allows Sri Lanka to earn more revenue and create more job opportunities.”
His insight reflects a wider truth: value addition is not just an economic strategy, it is a cultural investment. It keeps skills alive, supports livelihoods, and strengthens the country’s economic resilience by ensuring that more of the value created here contributes directly to national growth rather than leaving the country as raw material. As Shehan elaborates, “Value addition creates stronger income streams, but it also boosts employment, from designers and craftsmen to retailers and exporters. It improves the lives of people across the supply chain and contributes to national economic growth.”
When I asked whether Sri Lanka is producing enough finished jewellery today, Shehan noted, “Not quite. I’d estimate the market is still 80% focused on loose gemstones. Most jewellery exports we see are silver pieces from small to medium local brands. There are also regulatory hurdles and licensing restrictions that make jewellery exports more challenging. Without easing these barriers, growth will be slow.”
Discussing craftsmanship, Shehan said, “Our artisans are hands-on and deeply skilled. They combine traditional methods which have minimum environmental impact with modern techniques, giving each piece a personal touch.” This human touch sets Sri Lankan jewellery apart. In a world flooded with machine-made pieces, it still carries a distinctly human signature.
Shehan highlighted the challenges artisans face: “ It’s not a lack of talent — Sri Lanka is home to some of the world’s finest artisans, with Sri Lankan gemstones featured in Lady Diana’s engagement ring and many other internationally renowned jewellery pieces. The main challenges remain export limitations and limited access to financial support and global exposure”
On the role of international collaboration with Sippi, he said, “ Sri Lanka’s domestic market is small, so partnerships with global designers are essential to reach new audiences. We already have the craftsmanship, what we need is access.”
Shehan’s vision for the future is clear: “Sustainability, storytelling, and value addition. When we link each piece to its history, its people, and its purpose, Sri Lankan jewellery can stand proudly on the global stage. Brands like Sippi Jewellery demonstrate the potential of purpose-driven design. By ethically and sustainably sourcing local materials, they create meaningful jewellery while supporting the communities behind these resources. This approach strengthens the local economy, highlights skilled craftsmanship, and promotes responsible, sustainable jewellery, showing that design and purpose can go hand in hand.”
For Sippi, this vision is deeply connected to our mission to create jewellery that is not only beautiful but meaningful, grounded in heritage, respectful of nature, and shaped by the hands that define the industry.
With our upcoming collection, we aim to highlight the power of craftsmanship and community, to show how responsible choices shape the world we create together, and to champion a fairer way of making, where every hand involved has the opportunity to thrive. Each design reflects the stories of the artisans who brought it to life, the materials that inspired it, and the values that guide us — sustainability, transparency, and creativity.