Sourcing Rare Sapphires in Sri Lanka with Hardy & Diamond

Amongst the golden beaches, tropical rainforests, and tea plantations of Sri Lanka, precious treasures are hidden beneath the earth. Within the world of fine jewellery, this teardrop-shaped isle has long been prized for its rare sapphires, captivating admirers for centuries with a sparkling spectrum of luminous colours.

This November, a select group of gem enthusiasts will have the enviable opportunity to venture to the “Jewel of the Indian Ocean” in search of beautiful stones, with the aim of transforming them into bespoke designs to treasure forever. They will embark on the inaugural Gemstone Journey from Hardy & Diamond, a new UK-based luxury travel concept founded by Joanna Hardy and Jessica Diamond.  

Hardy brings over 45 years of jewellery expertise, with experience as a goldsmith, diamond dealer, and Sotheby’s auctioneer, and is a familiar face on the BBC Antiques Roadshow. Diamond, in a brilliant nod to nominative determinism, is Watch & Jewellery Director for Conde Nast Traveller, The Times, and The Sunday Times, with contributions to Wallpaper, Vanity Fair, and British Vogue.

Together, they form a jewellery powerhouse: Hardy with her superlative understanding of gemstones, and Diamond with her extensive knowledge of Sri Lanka, contemporary jewellery, and a curated roster of design talent. The Gemstone Journey offers an unprecedented jewel odyssey, shaped by passion, authenticity, and savoir-faire.

Treasure hunt

“We want the journey to feel intimate and special, like a dinner party of eight to twelve people, rather than a big tour group,” says Diamond. “Guests will learn, in a relaxed and fun way, about Sri Lanka’s importance to the heritage of sapphires and other gemstones, which were first discovered there around 200 years ago.”

The five-night journey begins in Colombo, with guests whisked to Malabar Hill, a boutique resort tucked into the jungle along Sri Lanka’s southern coast. The following days combine upscale travel experiences—poolside lounging, spa treatments, sundowner cocktails, and sumptuous local feasts—with exclusive, insider jewellery encounters.