FACETS Sri Lanka 2014, the International Gem and Jewellery Show, that showcases hundreds of local and foreign exhibitors is optimistic about a better international audience this year, according to a representative from the organizing committee.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), this year’s event held for its 24th year, will open from 4th to 7th September at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre.

The growth of the industry in the last 4 years which is contributing to the export sector under the non-traditional exports has been pretty comprehensive according to the SLGJA. In 2013 China together with Hong Kong became the largest market for gemstones from Sri Lanka, overtaking traditional markets such as the United States and Thailand.

Combined exports to Hong Kong and China were 4.04 million carats which was an increase of a staggering 738.3% from 880,397 carats. At the same time demand for sapphires and other colourful gemstones continue to grow in other markets too. As a result more buyers in the United States and Europe look forward to participate in this year's exhibition and several delegations from the US, Russia, Dubai, Myanmar and India have also confirmed attendance to FACETS  Sri Lanka 2014.

Juzar Adamaly, Chairman of FACETS Sri Lanka 2014 said, “FACETS Sri Lanka this year is in an significant position on the international trade fair calendar with a record number of exhibitors and visitors registered to participate this year". He further stated, "We have enhanced the showcases, introduced new lighting and plush carpets and totally improved the look and feel of the show".

Visitors from China are expected to top the list this year with several high-profile buying delegations from different regions in China confirming attendance.

These include a high-level delegation from the Guangdong Colored Gemstone and Jewelry Chamber of Commerce and the Guangdong Golden Jewelry and Jade Industry Association. In addition a number of buyers from Beijing, Kunming and Shanghai have confirmed attendance. Sapphires are the best selling gemstone in consumer markets and Sri Lanka remains a top supplier globally, and China, the fastest growing consumer market, has shown exceptional growth in demand for sapphires and other gemstones from Sri Lanka.

Another highlight of this year's exhibition is that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will be operating a mobile gem testing and certification laboratory on site, operated by gemologists from the GIA Gem Lab in Thailand. This enables the buyers to obtain GIA certificates for their gemstone purchases on site. According to the organizers new hassle-free export procedures for overseas visitors have been laid out this year. The new procedure implemented by Sri Lanka Customs permits non-resident travellers/buyers with overseas passports to take their gemstone and jewellery purchases out of the country without any restrictions, this move acts as another positive factor for international buyers visiting FACETS 2014.