If you have a craftsman's soul and want to master the ancient art of transforming Sri Lanka's world-famous sapphires and rubies from rough earth to brilliant gemstones — lapidary is one of the most uniquely Sri Lankan crafts in the world.”
About This Role
Cuts, shapes, and polishes rough gemstones into faceted gems or cabochons. Sri Lanka's gem cutting industry is concentrated in Ratnapura, Beruwala, and Colombo. Skilled lapidaries command premium pay for precision cutting of high-value stones. NVQ pathway available.
A Day in the Life
Cut, shape, and polish rough gemstones using lapidary equipment to produce faceted gems ready for jewellery setting or export, working at a gem workshop in Ratnapura, Beruwala, or Colombo.
- Examine rough gemstones to determine optimal cutting plan and orientation
- Use dopping wax to mount stones on dop sticks for grinding
- Grind and shape stones on silicon carbide and diamond grinding wheels
- Facet stones using a precision faceting machine to achieve optimal brilliance
- Polish finished stones on polishing laps (tin, lucite, ceramic)
- Inspect finished gems for symmetry, polish quality, and correct angles
- Record stone weights (before and after) and maintain production logs
Work Environment
Workshop or factory environment in Ratnapura (gem capital), Beruwala, or Colombo export zones. Requires precision hand-eye coordination, patience, and mastery of lapidary equipment.
Typical hours: 45h/week · WLB score 7/10 · OCCASIONAL overtime
Workshop hours are structured. Skilled cutters can work independently and manage their own pace. No extreme overtime culture.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Tools & Software
Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)
Typical progression: 3yr to mid · 8yr to senior
Global Salary (USD / year)
Top Markets
Market Outlook
STABLE
Sri Lanka is the world's most prolific supplier of blue sapphires and produces rubies, alexandrite, cat's eye, and spinel. Skilled lapidaries are in constant demand from the 3,500+ gem businesses registered with the NGJA.
Hiring: MEDIUM
STABLE
Skilled lapidaries are sought globally — particularly in Thailand (Bangkok gem cutting hub), USA, UK, and Hong Kong.
Entry Requirements
Sri Lanka
Preferred
Global
Preferred
Helpful Certifications
Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
Freelance earnings: $500–$3000/mo (USD)
Platforms (SL)
Business Ideas
- Own gem cutting workshop in Ratnapura
- Gem cutting and polishing service for miners and dealers
- Custom faceting for jewellery designers
Side Income Ideas
NGJA supports gem industry SMEs; EDB provides export facilitation for gem exporters
Risks & Challenges
AI / Automation Risk
LOW
LONG TERM
Burnout Risk
LOW
Job Security (SL)
HIGH
High-value coloured gemstone cutting requires human artistic judgment for optical quality. Automated cutting exists for diamonds but Sri Lankan coloured stones demand hand-cutting expertise.
Burnout Causes
Physical Health Risks
Mental Health Risks
How to Mitigate
- Always wear dust mask when grinding
- Use water-cooled grinding to minimise dust
- Obtain GIA or FGA certification to access international markets
Is This Career For You?
Patient, detail-oriented person with good manual dexterity and an artistic eye. Ideal for someone who loves working with natural materials and wants a globally rare, highly skilled craft.
Personality Types
Core Motivations
What You'll Love
- Transforming rough stones into objects of beauty
- Globally rare skill
- Working with some of the world's most valuable minerals
What's Challenging
- Long apprenticeship
- Eye strain from precision work
- High stakes when cutting expensive rough