On June 1, 2024, GUILD Gem Laboratory reached a "milestone" moment in its brand development —— GUILD Gem Laboratory (Sri Lanka) officially opened! The opening dinner was attended by gem industry elites from both China and Sri Lanka, fully demonstrating the profound cultural exchanges and industrial integration between the two countries.

There were 310 on-site guests, including Sri Lankan government officials, association representatives, and practitioners from both China and Sri Lanka. Among them, there were seasoned veterans who have been in the industry for over 60 years, as well as fresh talents who have just entered the industry for nearly a year. Additionally, there were 12,000 online viewers, covering representatives from all aspects of the domestic and international colored gemstone industry chain.

Every round of applause and every word of blessing have made GUILD's long-held concept of "Bring China to sources, bring sources to China" more tangible. Xiaoji, who often travels between Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuji and other places, was also touched and surprised to find that, thousands of miles away, there were so many old and new friends cheering for our arrival.

The opening of the GUILD (Sri Lanka) laboratory is not only an important expansion of GUILD's global layout but also the fruit of the careful preparation and construction by every GUILD member over the past 44 years. It officially marks the beginning of a new chapter in the brand's journey!

At the opening dinner, many distinguished guests showed their support. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industry and Health of Sri Lanka, Marjan Faleel, Chairman of CGJTA and Member of Parliament, Waruna Liyanage, Member of Parliament, Eran Wickaramaratne, Member of Parliament, Rizwan Naeem, Vice Chairman of CGJTA, Liu Lihong, President of GUILD Gem Laboratory, and Andrew Lucas, Senior Vice President of GUILD Gem Laboratory and Dean of GUILD Gemology Education Institute, as well as the chairmen and key members of major gemstone institutions and associations in Sri Lanka, such as the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, the Export Development Board, the Jewellers Association of Sri Lanka, the Ratnapura Gem and Jewellery Association, and the Gemmological Association of Sri Lanka, all attended the opening dinner.

They traveled thousands of miles and gathered at the Cinnamon Bentota Hotel, the best local hotel in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, to witness this glorious moment together. The dinner was attended by hundreds of guests from all over the world, including the United States, China, Thailand... They crossed long distances to participate in this grand event. On the day of the dinner, it was the rainy season in Sri Lanka, and many guests even braved the heavy rain to come from faraway places like Colombo and Galle.

The opening ceremony kicked off with the solemn and ancient Sri Lankan oil lamp ceremony. The distinguished guests lit the oil lamps one by one, and each flame seemed to carry endless blessings and expectations. The opening ceremony drew inspiration from classic movie scenes and used videos to showcase the splendid colors of colored gemstones and their unique charm that transcends races and countries. In the opening video, GUILD Gem Laboratory also presented years of gemological research and testing data.

"Establishing a branch in Beruwala is not only an important step in the development of the GUILD brand but also a significant step in our in-depth cooperation with Sri Lanka. The China Fort in Beruwala will become the forefront of our gemological research," said Liu Lihong, President of GUILD Gem Laboratory, in her welcome speech. "Although GUILD is a new face in Sri Lanka, everything here feels incredibly familiar to us. It is our responsibility and mission to provide professional gemstone testing and research services to the gemstone practitioners and the industry in Sri Lanka."

Ruby Liu, President of GUILD Gem Laboratory

President Liu Lihong's speech inspired every guest present, and everyone enthusiastically cheered for GUILD's new journey with applause and cheers.

A Flashback of GUILD's History

GUILD Gem Laboratory was established in Los Angeles, the United States, in 1980. Today, GUILD Gem Laboratory has become one of the world's leading gemological laboratories, enjoying authority in gemstone identification, grading, origin determination, and detection of enhancement and treatment. GUILD has rich on-site research experience and profound academic knowledge, and its comprehensive database covers all important gemstone types in the market.

From the initial gemstone testing institution to an authoritative brand that is based in the Asia-Pacific region and has a global reach, GUILD Gem Laboratory is renowned for its excellence, professionalism, experience, science, and innovation in the international colored gemstone industry. Currently, GUILD has branches in Los Angeles, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuji (the Pearl Capital), Bangkok, and Beruwala, providing professional gemstone identification services for domestic and international practitioners.

Global Focus, the Gemstone World Comes Alive Here!

After the opening speech, the Sri Lankan National Dance Troupe presented a traditional dance with Sri Lankan characteristics, transporting the audience to this gem kingdom located in the beautiful Indian Ocean.

Rizwan Naeem, Vice President of CGJTA, said in his subsequent speech: "For the entire gemstone industry in Sri Lanka, today is a moment filled with joy and celebration. Because we have been working hard for two years to introduce an internationally renowned world-class gemstone laboratory to Sri Lanka, and now our wish has finally come true. About two years ago, Ms. Liu Lihong approached us and proposed to establish a gemstone testing laboratory in China Fort, the busiest gemstone market in Sri Lanka. We immediately realized that this would be an opportunity to change the rules of the entire industry, and we fully supported the establishment of the GUILD Gem Laboratory, which has now been successfully accomplished."

"The gemstone industry in Sri Lanka is renowned globally as the Gem Kingdom. However, we have always needed a world-class gemstone testing laboratory to authenticate gemstones at the source. The arrival of GUILD is a great success for the gemstone industry in Sri Lanka."

Rizwan Naeem, Vice President of CGJTA

Mr. Rizwan also recalled his trip to Shenzhen last September in his speech: "When I participated in the Aurora Brilliance Awards Ceremony last year, I had the opportunity to visit the GUILD Gem Laboratory in Shenzhen and observe their equipment and working methods on-site. I was very excited that GUILD has introduced all these advanced equipment and all the professional skills of gemstone testing to Sri Lanka."

"GUILD also recruited 4 gemologists in Sri Lanka (now the number has reached 10) and brought them to the GUILD laboratory in China for world-class skill training. They have now returned to work at the GUILD laboratory in Sri Lanka. This transfer of knowledge and sharing of skills will be invaluable for the long-term development of the Sri Lankan industry in the future, elevating the industry to a new level and further promoting the cooperation in gemstone trade between Sri Lanka and China. This makes me very happy."

On this unforgettable night, gemstones became the emotional medium for communication among the guests. From the depths of the earth to the cutting tables of skilled craftsmen, gemstones have captured human imagination for thousands of years. They are the masterpieces of nature, and each one is a unique combination of beauty, mystery, and scientific wonder. Whether it is the blazing brilliance of diamonds, the enchanting colors of sapphires, or the profound charm of emeralds, gemstones are cherished not only for their aesthetic value but also for their long history and symbolic significance.

Subsequently, Andrew Lucas, Senior Vice President of GUILD Gemology Laboratory and Dean of GUILD Gemology Education Institute, shared the importance and future plans of GUILD's official entry into the Sri Lankan market in his speech. He said: "GUILD has a deep friendship with the colored gemstone industry in Sri Lanka, and this friendship has grown deeper with every gemstone journey. With the official opening of the GUILD Gem Laboratory in Sri Lanka, we will look towards an even brighter future."

Andrew Lucas, Senior Vice President of GUILD Gemology Laboratory and Dean of GUILD Gemology Education Institute

"At the same time, based on on-site gemological research, collecting A-type standard samples from the world's major mining areas is the foundation of the GUILD Gem Laboratory. In the future, we will conduct more research and exploration in Sri Lanka and many mining areas around the world together with our partners in Sri Lanka, bringing the most precious gifts of nature —— gemstones —— to more people."

Andrew Lucas, Senior Vice President of GUILD Gemology Laboratory and Dean of GUILD Gemology Education Institute

Andy's speech brought the opening ceremony to a climax. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industry and Health of Sri Lanka, even said in his speech: "Today is a very important day for the gemstone industry in Sri Lanka. The GUILD Gem Laboratory has officially arrived at China Fort in Beruwala, Sri Lanka. Thousands of colored gemstone practitioners gather here, and the arrival of GUILD is of great significance to the overall development of the colored gemstone industry in Sri Lanka."

Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industry and Health of Sri Lanka

As the Minister of Industry and Health of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana also emphasized: "Sri Lanka has a history of gemstone mining of over a thousand years, and countless colored gemstones have reached the world through gemstone trading centers like China Fort. The arrival of GUILD has shown me the various possibilities for the future development of the gemstone industry in Sri Lanka. Once again, thank you to the gemstone practitioners from all over the world who have come to Sri Lanka. Your presence makes the gemstones even more brilliant."

Subsequently, the grand opening dinner began amidst applause. The opening ceremony was also live-streamed on major mainstream media platforms in China, and more than 12,000 colored gemstone industry professionals witnessed this exciting moment.

Integration and Connection, All in the Name of Gemstones

GUILD Gem Laboratory (Sri Lanka) is located in the center of the China Fort market in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, which is the highest point in the area. When you open the curtains, the waters of the Indian Ocean are like a sapphire full of vitality unfolding before your eyes. This is a wonderful coincidence and also a destiny. As an international gemstone laboratory, GUILD will be committed to providing efficient testing services to gemstone practitioners from China, Sri Lanka, and around the world, and practicing the concept of continuous gemstone research and information disclosure.

A seed is sown, watered with hope and perseverance. In 2015, Liu Lihong, President of GUILD Gem Laboratory, first came to Beruwala, Sri Lanka, and there were very few Chinese faces at the gemstone trading market. In 2024, when Xiaoji set foot on this magical land, scenes of enthusiastic communication between practitioners from China and Sri Lanka could be seen everywhere.

From 1980 to 2024, during this gemstone-like journey, "44" is no longer just a number but a tribute to every practitioner and team member who has chosen to walk with GUILD. A new starting point, a new journey —— Sri Lanka, this dazzling gem on the Indian Ocean, has officially started its story with GUILD.

With the continuous development of the gemstone trade between China and Sri Lanka, domestic and international practitioners will discover more industry opportunities in communication and exchanges. The arrival of GUILD will achieve a high-density integration of gemstone testing, origin exploration, and core market research, making these opportunities within reach.

The GUILD (Sri Lanka) laboratory officially opens its doors to gemstone practitioners in Sri Lanka and international buyers. GUILD has always been fulfilling its brand mission. "Bring China to sources and bring sources to China" will be the brand gene that every GUILD member will always adhere to.