Facets 2015 marks philatelic milestone

The 2015 edition of the Facets Sri Lanka international gem and jewellery show, which commemorated its 25th anniversary, recently saw a philatelic milestone with the launch of four stamps depicting Sri Lanka’s prized gemstones and the ceremonial launch of the first day cover.

Speaking of the occasion, Facets Sri Lanka 2015 Chairman Juzar Adamaly cited that the launch of the stamps is an endorsement from the state of the vital role the local gem and jewellery industry plays, which in 2014 accounts for US $ 384 million in revenue.

“Facets gem show has been spearheading the promotion of our prized gemstones from our own country to the many promotions we’ve held overseas,” he said. “The depiction of these precious stones on the stamps demonstrates the value it brings.”

The set of stamps depicts four main gemstones, the star sapphire, blue sapphire, cat’s eye and the padparadscha. The stamps range in the denomination of Rs.10, Rs.25, Rs.35 and Rs.50 and were designed by Pulasthi Ediriweera and Sanath Rohana Wickramasinghe. The stamps were issued by the Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts.

Sri Lanka is world renowned for its gemstones, particularly the abundant supply of the multi-coloured sapphires. Out of about 200 varieties of gemstones found in the world, Sri Lanka is host to over 70 of them.

Meanwhile, the industry employs over 500,000 persons including miners, dealers, gem cutters, designers, jewellery craftsmen and sales persons.

The i ndustry, which is a vital component of the export economy and an important source of employment as well as foreign exchange generation, was emphasized at the launch of Facets 2015.

The stamp first day covers are available for purchase at the SLGJA Secretariat, No: 38, Frankfurt Place, Colombo 4.