International Standard Sri Lanka Gem Laboratory

The city of Beruwala was chosen for the opening of an international-standard gem laboratory as Tourmaline Lanka Gem Lab (TGL) was officially launched in May of this year. The lab was declared open by the Chief Guest Mr. Ajith Siriwardena who is the senior gem and jewellery appraiser of gem branch of Sri Lanka Customs. The Founder of TGL is Kasun Gamithri Madivila, a US-qualified gemologist who is also the Chief Editor of this magazine.

The Tourmaline Lanka Gem Lab (TGL) is a state-of-the-art gemological laboratory offering international standard services to the gem industry. TGL aims effectively at disclosing the identity and authenticity of a gemstone – if applicable – arriving at an opinion on the presence or absence of any treatments. The lab’s Gemstone Reports include simplified wording to make it more understandable to gem trade and lay persons.

Kasun Madivila graduated as a gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and was working as a Valuer Gemologist at the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka when he was chosen for the Consultant Gemologist position at Belle Etoile Gem and Jewellery Company in Japan. This gave him the opportunity to expand his knowledge into another area of gemology via the “special energy division” of Belle Etoile, Ginza, Japan. He has practiced his skills and studied the latest gem testing instruments such as FTIR, LIBS and Raman Spectroscopy in both Hong Kong and Bangkok. Additionally, he is doing research in gemology with French and Hong Kong gemologists.

The TGL team consists of highly-qualified and experienced specialists that include a graduate gemologist, a chemistry specialist and a software engineer. Each member of the team has qualifications in the relevant field together with specialized training in his or her field of work such as chemistry, gemology and photography. “We are proud of our experience and our skills which, complimented with each individual’s unique personality, contribute to the strong core service we offer to our valued clientele. The team at TGL is able to analyze and interpret the various scientific characteristics of gemstones and disclose this analysis information to their clients through a detailed Gemstone Report,” stated Madivila. The lab is equipped with the latest technological instruments such as FTIR and LIBS. “Such advanced equipment, in the hands of our specialists, ensures that we are of international standards and that all our clients get the best quality at all times,” he added.

Prices for a TGL Gemstone Report vary between roughly LKR 2500 to LKR 15,000 depending on a variety of factors such as the type of gemstone, type of certificate (Memo or Full Certificate), carat weight and the turnaround time. More comprehensive reports for over 10 cts best quality Ruby and Sapphire pieces may be more expensive. Generally, the lab requires at least two working days to complete the identification. This does, however, depend on the workload at the time of handing over of the gemstone(s). “We contact clients well in advance if it seems likely that more than the standard two working days will be required to perform all the analysis and printing. An express service (turnaround within one or two working days) is offered by payment of a supplementary fee,” Madivila claimed.

Expressing his views on why Beruwala was selected for this lab, Madivila stated, “For decades, Beruwala has built a reputation as a place that has produced many famous gem cutters and traders. Today, “Patte Kade”, the gem market in China Fort, Beruwala is one of the most popular gem trading markets in Sri Lanka. Everyday thousands of traders from all over Sri Lanka as well as foreign buyers come together to interact and do business in Patte Kade – China Fort. Given this background, we realized that Beruwala is the perfect location to setup TGL.”

With the growth of the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka, Tourmaline Lanka Gem Lab is confident that its state-of-the-art lab operated by highly-qualified professionals together with its professional service will enable the lab to become one of the leading labs not only in Sri Lanka but also the Asian region in years to come.

Sunday Observer News

A state-of-the-art-gemological laboratory, Tourmaline Lanka Gem Lab (TGL) will be opened in Beruwala this week.

Tourmaline Lanka Gem Lab (TGL) is an independent laboratory managed by Kasun Gamithri Madivila, a US qualified gemologist.Madivila is also the chief editor of the first-ever gemological magazine Tourmaline Lanka, which provides professional advice on identification of coloured stones and diamonds, gem treatment methods, grading and gemstone photography.

“Our commitment is focused on excellence and integrity. Our aim is to achieve better disclosure and thus improve the challenging industry of gemstones,” he said in a press release.\The advantage in setting up the lab in Beruwala is that it is one of the best markets for gems in the world, he said. This gemological laboratory has been set up according to international standards.

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