The Colombo Gold Centre is an architecturally modern-looking four-floored structure built in no particular shape whatsoever. It is our own attempt at building something akin to the famous Gold Souk in Dubai but with a rather more Lankan touch to it. Approaching it from the outside, one sees a small lawn with a few trees here and there to break the monotony and a structure with smooth surfaces, the lower sections of the building a rather darkish-orange-gold in hue while much of the rest of its magnificent body remains white. In design, it is one of the more modern-looking buildings in this part of Colombo. The idea behind Colombo Gold Centre being on Sea Street-and conversely, the refurbished St. John’s Fish Market- Pettah was part of a plan to, as most put it; support the poorer jewelers working in this area, to allow them greater freedom and to sell their wares in a much more professional manner.

As for the items on display in their glass cases, labels as diverse as Gitanjali, Aurea, and Charleston Gems share their wares with the world. Among the gems in this veritable cornucopia of beauty are amethysts, sapphires, aquamarines, and rubies, and given that many of the world’s most precious gems come from Sri Lanka itself it is quite easy to find local products crowning their golden frames with pride and gusto.

Written by Vasika Udurawane for Travel Lanka Compass