At SPR Gems, we believe that the beauty of a gemstone should never come at the cost of human dignity or environmental sustainability. Our commitment to ethical practices runs as deep as the mines from which we source our precious stones.
Sri Lanka's gem industry has a heritage spanning over 2,000 years, and with this rich history comes a profound responsibility. The gemstone trade affects thousands of families across the island nation, from the miners who carefully extract these treasures from the earth to the skilled artisans who cut and polish them to perfection.
Our approach to ethical sourcing is built on three fundamental pillars: fair trade practices, environmental stewardship, and community development. We work directly with mining communities in Ratnapura, Elahera, and Kataragama, ensuring that the people who discover these natural wonders receive fair compensation for their labor.
"We believe every gemstone has a story, and that story should be one of dignity, fairness, and respect for both people and planet."
Unlike many gem dealers who work through multiple intermediaries, we maintain direct relationships with mining cooperatives. This approach eliminates exploitative middlemen and ensures that a greater share of the value reaches the miners themselves. Our partnerships with local communities span generations, built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
Every miner we work with receives fair market rates for their discoveries, along with access to safety equipment, training, and healthcare support. We believe that ethical business practices are not just morally right—they result in better relationships, more reliable sourcing, and ultimately, superior gemstones.
Traditional gem mining in Sri Lanka is remarkably low-impact compared to industrial mining operations elsewhere in the world. Most mining is done by hand or with minimal mechanization, and miners are required to rehabilitate sites after extraction. We actively support reforestation programs and water conservation initiatives in mining regions.
"Sustainable practices today ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from Sri Lanka's geological treasures."
Our commitment extends beyond the mines. We work exclusively with lapidaries who avoid harmful chemical treatments, preferring stones in their natural state or with only traditional heat treatment—disclosed transparently to our clients.
A portion of every sale goes directly back into the communities that make our work possible. We support educational programs for miners' children, fund local infrastructure improvements, and provide microloans to help mining families diversify their income sources.
In partnership with local NGOs, we've established skills training programs that teach jewelry making, gemstone identification, and business management—empowering community members to capture more value from their natural resources.
Every gemstone we sell comes with complete documentation of its origin, including the specific mining region and the community that sourced it. Our pieces are accompanied by internationally recognized certifications from GIA, SSEF, Gübelin, or GRS, ensuring you receive exactly what we promise.
We maintain detailed records of our supply chain and welcome inquiries from clients who want to know more about the journey their gemstone has taken from earth to their hands.
"Ethical luxury means knowing not just what you're buying, but who it supports and how it was created."
The gemstone industry faces challenges—from ensuring worker safety to combating synthetic stones marketed as natural. We're committed to being part of the solution, working with industry organizations, government agencies, and fellow ethical dealers to raise standards across the sector.
When you choose SPR Gems, you're not just purchasing a beautiful gemstone—you're supporting an entire ecosystem of ethical practices that benefit miners, artisans, and their communities. This is the true value of Ceylon gemstones: beauty with a conscience.
Traditional mining practices in Ratnapura
Mining communities we support
Fair trade evaluation process