The first book in a unique new travel series targeting holidaymakers – Buying Gemstones & Jewellery in Sri Lanka (Filament Publishing, £12.99) – launched at a glittering reception at the Sri Lankan High Commission in West London on Thursday 4thOctober.
More than 70 people, including His Excellency, Acting High Commissioner Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, joined London-based professional photographer and gemmologist, Kim Rix, to mark the launch of a comprehensive series of 15+ travel guides, due for release over the next three years, aimed at helping tourists better understand the unique gemstone and jewellery markets in their next holiday destination. The debut in the series focuses on Sri Lanka, but three books (Thailand, Australia and a general global guide) are due for release in January 2019 (with a launch to be held at the Institute of Directors on 22nd January 2019, please save the date!).
His Excellency, Acting High Commissioner Sugeeshwara Gunaratna (pictured right with author Kim Rix, photo credit: Xanthe Nimmo), welcomed guests to the Sri Lankan High Commission said: “Sri Lanka has historically been famous for its gems. Today in Sri Lanka the industry employs more than 200,000 people across the chain from retailers to miners, and valued stones are very much a part of the cultural traditions that are associated with Sri Lanka; it’s an important part of our country and heritage. Around 200,000 tourists visited Sri Lanka from the UK last year, and many tourists like to return with a souvenir of their time in our country. Kim has taken the trouble and time to visit, talk to people and get to really know the Sri Lankan jewellery and gemstone industry. It is hoped that Kim’s book will shed some light on the different gemstones we offer and allow visitors to buy an authentic piece of Sri Lanka.”
Each book in the Gemstone Detective travel guide series is a mine of expert advice, insider information and practical tips to help tourists better understand the unique gemstone and jewellery market in their next holiday destination. As well as offering country-specific background and up-to-the-minute, well-researched advice, the Gemstone Detective series is a ‘how to’ guide for anyone who wants to experience the fun, excitement and romance of buying unique and beautiful gems or jewellery in countries around the world renowned for their natural gemstones.
