Gamini Gem & Jewellery
Gamini Gem & Jewellery
3.5
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
About
Since 1995, we've grown to four branches with 100+ passionate team members, crafting timeless treasures of joy and beauty.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
57 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
12
Average
6
Poor
4
Terrible
11
ALBEN Sigamani
Bengaluru, India2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This was a stop as part of the plan to visit Kandy. Unknowingly it’s real worth I have purchase two stones; one aquamarine and one topaz. After thought and some research, I don’t feel too confident about the genuineness of their claim about the quality of their stones. Upon checking with a friend’s collaborator, I learnt that I may have paid nearly 2x the actual price of the stones.
Having read the mixed reactions posted here, it makes me wonder if I just became the “bakra” or I just donated to a country struggling with inflation and a drowning economy. Either way I have learnt my lesson; never buy precious stones without a trusted source who could not have a conflict of interest.
Gamini Gems, if you’re monitoring this site and the reviews, I would love to hear your side of the story. Once I am back to my own home, I will find out the truth.
Having read the mixed reactions posted here, it makes me wonder if I just became the “bakra” or I just donated to a country struggling with inflation and a drowning economy. Either way I have learnt my lesson; never buy precious stones without a trusted source who could not have a conflict of interest.
Gamini Gems, if you’re monitoring this site and the reviews, I would love to hear your side of the story. Once I am back to my own home, I will find out the truth.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are a reputed Gem & Jewellery dealer in Sri Lanka. That’s why we issue Gem Identification Certificates for our Gem Stones. Sri Lanka is the ideal place to buy genuine Gem Stones.
Written November 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
aspirebern
Bern, Switzerland104 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
At the time of visiting we were unsure as to the prices of gems and as to the honesty and authenticity of the sales people.
Since our visit and purchases we have discovered that we have paid 30% more than we should have paid.
Stupid we are although at home we probably still have a good deal. When your intuition tells you that something is too smooth , walk away, it’s better with no bad taste in the mouth.
Recomodation stay away Kandy it would appear has a reputation for deception , be warned.
Since our visit and purchases we have discovered that we have paid 30% more than we should have paid.
Stupid we are although at home we probably still have a good deal. When your intuition tells you that something is too smooth , walk away, it’s better with no bad taste in the mouth.
Recomodation stay away Kandy it would appear has a reputation for deception , be warned.
Written January 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arul R
Bangalore, India209 contributions
May 2018 • Family
Well Sri Lanka is known for their Coffee, Rubber, Sea food , Spices and ofcourse Gem Stones which are world renown. Now as a tourist is there a way to know who is better than who.. may be not since most of us will visit them en route our journey and then take a call on judgmental basis.
So if you are in plan to buy some jewelry then make some research, which will save you some monies. Well I did a bit of my RND how ever did not pick this place as this was taken by my driver who surely was getting paid some perks.
This is huge place, merely 1st floor is that of a studio tour on how they extract the different varieties of stones and a non functional model and other side of the store has a working factory where different people are working on different stages of the stones.. they are part of the selling process since they are placed as a museum tour and not necessarily are working on the live work.
then the walk to the 2nd floor will reveal the store.. which is well laid and big. There are plenty of staff who will walk around and guide you with what you need... one matter I did like was that they would not hawk you to buy but would leave you at peace for you to decide and then help. There are GEM cards available with them which will help you buy stones by your birth month and stars etc.
you can then chose the stone that you would like and hey.. dont forget to bargain and bargain hard. Even then the store would have made 50-80% profit :)
Gamimi Gem is also know as Handuni's Gem and you can check them out at handunisgems.com
We bought some rings and turned out to be good.. I did had them checked once home and they are indeed genuine. They have staff who took care of the kids so while the adults shopped the kids were totally engaged.
So if you are in plan to buy some jewelry then make some research, which will save you some monies. Well I did a bit of my RND how ever did not pick this place as this was taken by my driver who surely was getting paid some perks.
This is huge place, merely 1st floor is that of a studio tour on how they extract the different varieties of stones and a non functional model and other side of the store has a working factory where different people are working on different stages of the stones.. they are part of the selling process since they are placed as a museum tour and not necessarily are working on the live work.
then the walk to the 2nd floor will reveal the store.. which is well laid and big. There are plenty of staff who will walk around and guide you with what you need... one matter I did like was that they would not hawk you to buy but would leave you at peace for you to decide and then help. There are GEM cards available with them which will help you buy stones by your birth month and stars etc.
you can then chose the stone that you would like and hey.. dont forget to bargain and bargain hard. Even then the store would have made 50-80% profit :)
Gamimi Gem is also know as Handuni's Gem and you can check them out at handunisgems.com
We bought some rings and turned out to be good.. I did had them checked once home and they are indeed genuine. They have staff who took care of the kids so while the adults shopped the kids were totally engaged.
Written July 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hilary K
Cork, Ireland4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Visited Gamini Gems & Jewellery in Dumbala. We asked our guide to bring us somewhere reliable as we felt we could trust him - he worked with Walker Tours who are a large company in Sri Lanka. Trailfinders contract guided tours to this company so we felt confident with his choice. Gamini Gems & Jewellery have a slick and professionally operation. We purchased a beautiful multi stone bracelet that was not cheap. We received a certificate of authentication and believed this was our guarantee all was well.
We got the bracelet valued for insurance purposes by a professional gemologist and the value came in short of what we paid. We were very disappointed and felt we were taken advantage of.
We contacted the company be email and got no satisfaction.
The problem I have is the complicity of the guides working for Walkers who in turn provide a service for a large company such as Trailfinders. Lesson learned.
We got the bracelet valued for insurance purposes by a professional gemologist and the value came in short of what we paid. We were very disappointed and felt we were taken advantage of.
We contacted the company be email and got no satisfaction.
The problem I have is the complicity of the guides working for Walkers who in turn provide a service for a large company such as Trailfinders. Lesson learned.
Written March 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dambulla branch is one of the branches of Gamini Gem & Jewellery (Pvt) Ltd. We sell genuine gem studded jewellery. We are a reputed institute in Sri Lanka & we always sell genuine natural gem studded jewellery to our customers.
Written November 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sangeeth R
Sri Lanka2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
As fans of local craftsmanship, we couldn’t miss a visit to Gamini Gem during our Sri Lanka trip. The artistry in their jewelry is remarkable, and the team was so informative about the gemstones and their origins. We left with a one-of-a-kind bracelet that’s a true masterpiece.
Written November 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Myra Zeineddine
Dubai, United Arab Emirates32 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
First you watch a documentary on gem stone mining and then you are taken around the museum for a tour about stones. The man who guided us was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. They also have a shop to buy stones. I purchased a moonstone in silver pendant and the color of the silver changed around 2 weeks after the purchase. The prices are more reasonable than other spots in Sri Lanka. More reviews @myra.recommends
Written May 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings from Sri Lanka...!
Thanks a lot for your comments & you are always welcome to our outlets again in the future...
Written November 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sanan B
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We had holidays in Sri Lanka. And also we were planning to buy some gems in Kandy. As we did not know anyone there, I had to read many reviews online for different gem shops. Finally we filtered out most of them and visited Gamini. First we discussed our concerns regarding fake stones and overpriced items. Sumith, was guy who met us there. He answered our questions in a calm and patient way. He introduced himself and described their family business, which started years ago. Then he presented us items, which we were looking for. This was done in relaxed atmosphere with no pressure at all. I had a nice cup of coffee as well. As a result, we bought 5 items with great discounts. They gave invoice and certificate for each item. Thanks!
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your good comment. All the very best...
Written November 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lomu
rochester kent8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great presentation of Gem mining in Sri Lanka, HOWEVER quite simply you can be scammed here purchasing.
My wife and I purchased 2 "Royal" Sapphire rings and received Certification from Gamini of the stones quality, weight etc.
I was suspicious of mine due to refraction of light changing depending on the angle.
After consulting with my jeweler back in the UK it turns out the "Cornflower Blue" Sapphire CERTIFIED by Gamini, is actually a pretty, BUT near worthless Iolite stone.
Not much of a surprise but Gamini have not responded at all to my contact on this issue.
Enjoy the tour BUT DO NOT BUY anything unless you really know your gemstones.
Completely ripped off as a tourist.
My wife and I purchased 2 "Royal" Sapphire rings and received Certification from Gamini of the stones quality, weight etc.
I was suspicious of mine due to refraction of light changing depending on the angle.
After consulting with my jeweler back in the UK it turns out the "Cornflower Blue" Sapphire CERTIFIED by Gamini, is actually a pretty, BUT near worthless Iolite stone.
Not much of a surprise but Gamini have not responded at all to my contact on this issue.
Enjoy the tour BUT DO NOT BUY anything unless you really know your gemstones.
Completely ripped off as a tourist.
Written December 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We never force our clients to purchase our products. Royal & Corn Flower Blue Sapphires are unique to Sri Lanka.
Written November 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tina206
Hampshire, United Kingdom3 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
My partner and I visited Gemini Gems on the recommendation of our tour guide after we asked to be taken to a reputable jeweler to purchase a sapphire for my engagement ring.
We arrived and our first impression was of a professional set up, we were shown a 10 minute video of how gems stones were mined in Sri Lanka and offered soft drinks, we were shown a range of the gems available in their natural state and then taken through to the workshop where they made the jewelry and finally into the sales room.
There was a lot of jewelry on show and single gem stones available to purchase, the prices were high, we negotiated and paid less than 50% of the initial asking price, the salesman were very attentive and after I had chosen my sapphire they were very swift in taking payment which we later joked about.
Back in the UK I went ahead with the design and manufacture of what was to be my engagement ring, before completion the stone was sent for valuation to one of the leading Gem testing laboratories situated in Hatton Garden in London. When the results came back we were shocked to be told the sapphire was synthetic, lab grown and only worth 3% of the purchase price we had paid.
We communicated with Gamini Gems, initially they were not interested in returning our money, trying to convince us they were a reputable company and insinuating that we were lying. We had to hire a solicitor in Sri Lanka and threaten them with criminal proceedings before they took any serious notice.
It has taken us 8 months to get our money back, Gamini Gems tired every which way not to pay us, once we received a refund we had to return the stone, this was done by meeting a cousin of a member of their staff outside our local police station.
We have since contacted the National Gem Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka to advise them of our experience as Gamini Gems state they have been approved by the NGJA on their sales receipt.
Our experience of Gamini Gems has been stressful and upsetting, we were very much conned by professionals who made no apology for their actions.
We do not recommend this company in the strongest possible way. Please save yourself the stress and aggravation we experienced, there are alternatives out there as we have since found.
We arrived and our first impression was of a professional set up, we were shown a 10 minute video of how gems stones were mined in Sri Lanka and offered soft drinks, we were shown a range of the gems available in their natural state and then taken through to the workshop where they made the jewelry and finally into the sales room.
There was a lot of jewelry on show and single gem stones available to purchase, the prices were high, we negotiated and paid less than 50% of the initial asking price, the salesman were very attentive and after I had chosen my sapphire they were very swift in taking payment which we later joked about.
Back in the UK I went ahead with the design and manufacture of what was to be my engagement ring, before completion the stone was sent for valuation to one of the leading Gem testing laboratories situated in Hatton Garden in London. When the results came back we were shocked to be told the sapphire was synthetic, lab grown and only worth 3% of the purchase price we had paid.
We communicated with Gamini Gems, initially they were not interested in returning our money, trying to convince us they were a reputable company and insinuating that we were lying. We had to hire a solicitor in Sri Lanka and threaten them with criminal proceedings before they took any serious notice.
It has taken us 8 months to get our money back, Gamini Gems tired every which way not to pay us, once we received a refund we had to return the stone, this was done by meeting a cousin of a member of their staff outside our local police station.
We have since contacted the National Gem Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka to advise them of our experience as Gamini Gems state they have been approved by the NGJA on their sales receipt.
Our experience of Gamini Gems has been stressful and upsetting, we were very much conned by professionals who made no apology for their actions.
We do not recommend this company in the strongest possible way. Please save yourself the stress and aggravation we experienced, there are alternatives out there as we have since found.
Written November 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
London, UK18 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Bought a ring which I've had valued at 3 London Jewellers and know I was badly ripped off !
Bought a "star sapphire" ring which we were told was precious and unique to Sri Lanka. It's a polished sales process and my wife and I paid a lot of money (though less than the ÂŁ2,400 the sales person initially asked for for a custom made ring.
I went to Hatton Garden to have our ring valued and 3 jewellers valued it at 10% of the price we paid. We were ripped-off and I want to warn other travellers so they hopefully avoid the same experience.
We asked our driver to take us to the temple and to Sigiriya. The driver suggested Gamini. First impressions are good as they offer you a DVD and tea. The sales people are very slick too. I feel very let down by our driver who I now believe was complicit to the sales scam.
My wife and I were told the star sapphires are unique to Sri Lanka and highly valuable. The sales people are extremely knowledgeable and the pitch includes tax savings vs buying from London and immediate savings of 75%. The jewellers were not interested in the stone and gave it negligible value!
The service is good, but the whole setup is a designed to rip off tourists.
Bought a "star sapphire" ring which we were told was precious and unique to Sri Lanka. It's a polished sales process and my wife and I paid a lot of money (though less than the ÂŁ2,400 the sales person initially asked for for a custom made ring.
I went to Hatton Garden to have our ring valued and 3 jewellers valued it at 10% of the price we paid. We were ripped-off and I want to warn other travellers so they hopefully avoid the same experience.
We asked our driver to take us to the temple and to Sigiriya. The driver suggested Gamini. First impressions are good as they offer you a DVD and tea. The sales people are very slick too. I feel very let down by our driver who I now believe was complicit to the sales scam.
My wife and I were told the star sapphires are unique to Sri Lanka and highly valuable. The sales people are extremely knowledgeable and the pitch includes tax savings vs buying from London and immediate savings of 75%. The jewellers were not interested in the stone and gave it negligible value!
The service is good, but the whole setup is a designed to rip off tourists.
Written June 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gamini G
We are since 1995, we don't have an intention to cheat our valuable customers. We always advice our customers to contact us if they have any sort of issue. It seems the ring was undervalued by the jewelers in London due their poor knowledge of Ceylon gems. If Mr.Paul's real intention is to find a solution for his disappointment, he is welcome to contact us..
Written August 15, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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