Sapphires worth $100 million on display at Expo 2020 Dubai

Sri Lanka pavilion will host exhibition of rare gems dating back centuries this weekend

The Sri Lanka pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will host an exhibition of rare sapphires on Saturday. Photo: Sri Lanka Expo pavilion

Expo 2020 Dubai will host a dazzling display of sapphires worth $100 million this weekend.

The Days of Sapphire exhibition at the Sri Lanka pavilion on Saturday will feature treasures including a gem more than 1,000 years old, known as the Kufic Arabic, which originates from the 10th century.

Renowned jewellery specialist Helen Molesworth will be leading a walk-through of the exhibition, explaining the importance of the gemstone to Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka has not only produced gemstones of remarkable quality and variety, but has done so consistently over millennia, a testament to the continual global importance of the true ‘Island of Gems’,” she said.

“The island’s most famous and revered gems are the sapphires of Sri Lanka, rightly so as much today as throughout history.

“I am honoured to be part of this wonderful showcase of Sri Lanka’s finest sapphires – these miracles of nature from one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”

References to the gems of Sri Lanka go back as far as the 2nd century, while famed Arab explorer Ibn Battuta wrote about the country’s rich array of valuable stones in the 14th century.

“The country’s precious gems and ornate jewellery were among the oldest items traded over the years,” said a representative of the Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Association.

“Renowned for its sapphires, these precious stones have adorned some of the world’s most famous jewellery pieces and have found their way to museums around the world.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visited Sri Lanka's vibrant pavilion with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, in the company of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in December.

Admission to the sapphire show at the Sri Lanka pavilion is free to anyone with an expo ticket from 10am until 9pm on Saturday.

It is the latest visitor attraction to be announced for the final weeks of the world's fair.

The mega event will close its doors on March 31, with organisers expecting people to flock to the sprawling site as the countdown continues.

More than 14.7 million visits have been made to Expo to date, with visit numbers topping 1 million for the past two weeks.

The sapphire exhibition is not the only way to see a precious jewel in Dubai this week, as one of the rarest diamonds in the world is going on display in the emirate.

The De Beers Cullinan Blue, valued at more than $48 million, was unveiled at the Dubai Diamond Exchange on Wednesday.

The rare blue diamond will be on display at Sotheby's DIFC Gallery until Friday.