Facets 2003 reached another milestone when it opened for public view at the Hilton in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sept. 8, 2003. Facets 2003 attracted thousands of local and foreign buyers and registered total sales of approximately 1,000 million Sri Lankan rupees, a record.

The event was organized by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association. A record 80 exhibitors participated in this year’s exhibition, a 33% increase over last year’s figures.

The theme of this year’s exhibition was “Blue and More—Direct from the Source.” In consonance with this theme, Sri Lankan blue sapphire was given pride of place.

Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, said that the Sri Lankan government has decided to declare the blue sapphire as the official precious stone of the country.