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About Us

Introduction and Founding Story

I believe every great journey begins with a story. Ours is a story of passion, perseverance, and a strong commitment to making a difference.

 

My name is Afrih Anver, a professional chemical engineer, and I now oversee our family business legacy, which spans several decades. Our journey began with my grandfather, who traded gemstones in a small village called Atulugama, strategically located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s gem triangle — Ratnapura, Colombo, and Beruwala.

 

In the early days, the business operated in a traditional way, without a formal structure, business name, or registration. When I took over leadership from my father, we decided to modernise and formalise our operations. Today, we are proudly registered with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and actively engage with international communities. Over three decades of involvement in both local and African gem trades have helped us build strong networks with miners, traders, and industry professionals.

 

As the first engineering graduate in my family, I spent six years working in the corporate sector before deciding to join the family business, driven by my passion and personal interest. Although I had practical exposure to the gem industry from a young age, I also wanted to strengthen my academic knowledge and professional expertise.

 

Throughout our journey, we remain committed to improving our craft, encouraging innovation, and contributing to the growth of the gemstone industry. We are equally dedicated to supporting local communities who depend on this trade for their livelihoods, introducing new technologies to the industry, and creating new market opportunities for the people involved.

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Afrih Anver

afrihanver heat treatment

With Lakmini Furnace

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BSc Engineering Convocation

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in sydney

afrihanver 12 apostles

in melbourne

afrihanver ocean

20 nm from colombo port with crude oil tanker

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Expo 2020

Afrih Anver

BSc Eng (Hons) | GIA Alumni Collective Member

Afrih Anver graduated in 2016 as a Chemical and Process Engineer from the University of Moratuwa and promptly joined BPPL PLC’s Management Training Programme. His career soon expanded into various roles across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Australia, and the UAE, each providing valuable professional exposure and international experience. He later joined his family business, which has a legacy of over three decades, with a clear vision of expanding it into the global market.

 

Afrih did not limit his education to engineering alone. He completed a Diploma in Gemstone Enhancement at GJRTI and graduated in Coloured Stones from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), becoming a GIA Alumni Collective member. He is a visionary who aims to apply new technologies to the gem industry while preserving the legacy, sustainability, and values of a business built across generations.

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Mission and Values

Our mission is to grow Shola Gems globally by offering ethically sourced, high-quality gemstones, preserving our three-decade legacy, and delivering lasting value to our community and future generations

Craftsmanship

We combine tradition and skill to create gemstones that reflect excellence, artistry, and timeless beauty.

Innovation

We continuously evolve our craftsmanship and processes to deliver modern, value-driven gemstone solutions.

Quality

We ensure every gemstone meets the highest standards through expert selection, precision cutting, and rigorous verification.

Integrity

We ensure every gemstone meets the highest standards through expert selection, precision cutting, and rigorous verification.

Community

We value long-term relationships and support the people who grow, craft, and appreciate our gemstones.

Sustainability

We source responsibly and promote eco-friendly practices to protect our environment and industry’s future.