Tourist trap alert! The name “Gem Museum” is a misnomer. It’s a jeweller’s and not anywhere close to being called a museum. Setting up a tiny depiction of a mine doesn’t qualify something to be called itself a gem museum, no matter how much the owner tries to defend the claim by appealing to the amount they invested in creating what they call “a piece of art”. The owner’s claim that it is for educational purpose doesn’t make any sense either. It is evident to all that the naming is to deceive tourists into believing that it is a museum, while it is a shop selling gems, with all tour operators getting commission to take tourists there. Their frustration of being exposed in these reviews is shown in the form of frantic efforts by the owner to justify the “museum” naming. Just look at the rude replies given by them in response to those reviews in which visitors have decently pointed out that it’s not a museum but a shop, and that it is a tourist trap. I’m sure the owner will come up with some lame excuse to this review as well, let alone being rude. It’s ironic that they rudely ask such visitors to be polite in their reviews. Our guide from Hayleys conceded that he receives commission for taking people there, though I am not aware whether Hayleys approves of this. In one of the replies, the owner justifies his method saying that in places like the London Tower Castle, visitors pay an entrance fee but yet there’s merchandise sold there, and that he doesn’t charge an entrance fee. Oh, how generous of the owner to not charge an entrance fee to enter his museum!! Is the owner not aware that the London Castle Tower is a landmark historical monument, while his is a private jewel shop? Is he underestimating the intelligence of the visitors by comparing his method with that done at historical sites? We aren’t that naïve to buy that argument. A private shop is NOT a museum. And paying guides to bring people to your shop, telling them that they are being taken to a museum, is deception.

Yes it is a tourist trap. This place mainly sells semi precious stones, gems and jewellery. They try to make it look somewhat educational by having displays of how stones are refined and even had the stairway look like you're entering a mine. They carry variety of gems and typically in Sri Lanka, various types of sapphire. There's even a small tea coffee and spice section where they whisk you off to if they can't get you to buy gems. Tea and coffee here look old and somewhat dubious so I'll recommend you avoid buying any here as there are plenty of refined teas stores around. Guides and drivers might bring you here so they get paid a little but the guys here are just trying to make a living as of everyone else and besides, they're not that pushy and are friendly even though you explicitly say that you will not be buying anything. You can just browse around and if something is really fancies you, negotiate on the price. Otherwise think of it entirely as a Sri Lankan experience also ;)

They have made a museum from the entrance of this shop to the middle. From the entrance to the whole store is like a stone mine ! After entering its a beautifully decorated shop inside ! The salesmen of the store are good and helpful. The owner's sons do the deal themselves while buying stones. The youngest son is incredibly polite and a good person. He talked to us a lot. Everyone in the shop including the owner is Muslim, Alhumdullillah.

Very fancy name for nothing but extremely overpriced and low quality gemstones. I bought a few after barganing to half of the marked price but found out later that I paid twice as it should be. Sapphire price usually about $100 for a ct (exactly same quality at other shop) but I paid $200 for a ct of White/blue sapphire. Very disappointed. I thought I got a better price in sri Lanka but actually it is better to buy here in Australia.

My husband bought me a pendant and said it's for my birth month... But what he bought was blue sapphire and it's not for December.... I said him he should have bought zircon, tanzanite or turquoise!!! He doesn't know and it seems you have mislead him!!! It will be better if you correct your mistake with the right pendant!!!

Not exactly a museum! It's basically a shop and the guys who are there to take you on a "tour" are only interested in selling their merchandise. Worth a visit only if you are interested in buying gems / jewellery.... nothing educational like a museum is expected to be!

Visited the Gem Museum recently and walked out with a magnificent Padparadscha set in 18k white gold. The quality of the stone and the craftsmanship of the jewelry was outstanding. Moreover, their customer service was top-tier, making the entire experience worthwhile.

An experience like non other, walking through the gravel pit and the explanation of the sedimentary layers that pressurize rock/coal to form presicous stones was enlightening. The customer service and understanding was spot on... Great job guys.

I'm extremely satisfied with my experience at the Gem Museum. The diamond selection they have is impressive, and their knowledgeable staff helped me pick out the perfect piece. Their professionalism and quality of service are beyond reproach.

Very bad experience, this place is not a museum its a shop with overpriced gems. I bought in Feb earnings which broke immediately when I traveled back home. They are pushing to buy and promised good quality. All over waste of money and time.

My mom bought a Ruby...I will go again to buy more gems when I visit them next month!! Genuine stones and the salesmen were patient and not too pushy at all..they gave good suggestions...specially the manager...forgot his name though …

A must place to visit, if planning for gem purchase. Staff was very good and supportive. I like the way staff was helping us choose the right one rather focusing on selling something for their interest. I'm really impressed. Thank you staff

The Gem Museum exceeded my expectations. It's not just a museum; it's a haven for jewellery lovers. The wide range of gemstone jewellery, from ruby rings to emerald pendants, is just amazing. The staff was knowledgeable and very patient.

It's a shop and not a museum. All guides take you there as they get paid to take you there. It's simply a private shop selling jewels and paying commission to guides and tour agencies who bring tourists there. Save your time and money.

Visited the Gem Museum on a friend's recommendation and was blown away by the variety of jewellery on offer. From elegant pendants to regal tiaras, they have it all. Bought a breathtaking blue sapphire ring, and I couldn't be happier.

Amazing experience. The entry free and the staff will take the effort to explain about the gem and the history. They do a good job guiding you about everything you need to know about the gem and Juwellery industry. … තවත්

The Gem Museum is a paradise for jewelry lovers. The quality of astrological stones they offer is unmatched. I recently got a blue sapphire ring and it has been receiving compliments everywhere I go. Can't wait to visit again.

Excellent Gem and hand made, Jewellery shop. They got a really nice collection and choices and located in the heart of the colombo town. Staff were well trained and have provide depth of information. I’ll see you again.

If you're in Sri Lanka and love jewellery, the Gem Museum is a must-visit. I was impressed with their variety of gemstone pieces. I walked away with a stunning pair of emerald earrings that were just too hard to resist.

It is not a museum but an expensive gem shop. Our driver took us there on the hope of getting a commission. What a waste of our time. On the other hand the salesman was not overtly pushy.

Everything that I saw was v good...lots of variety..salesman explained my doubts .he never pushed me just for the sake of buying ..the person whom I gifted loved it...will come back again

The Gem Museum is the perfect place to learn about Sri Lanka's rich history in gem mining and production. Their collection is vast, and the staff are always eager to provide information.

It was nice place and one of authentic place to by stones in Colombo. The sales team was really well trained about product and they explain well about the process of making the stones.

Nice collection.But I think getting the gems only is better instead of the entire jewellery set.Its because we can place it in whichever metal frame or design we want in our own place.

Biggest scam....fake gems....real gems are overpriced...guides are paid...they scam foreigners in thousands..same stones available at cheap price...these people should be sued

Visited the Gem Museum and was thoroughly impressed by the range of gems on display. The staff were also very accommodating, making for an overall excellent visit.

I was amazed by the variety of gems on display at the museum. The guided tour was also very informative, giving me a new appreciation for Sri Lanka's gem industry.

Took my family to the Gem Museum and we all had a wonderful time. The kids loved the interactive exhibits, while the adults appreciated the stunning gem displays.

Huge selection of Sri Lankan gemstones as well as international products. Staff are available and eager to explore your desires. Have a cup of tea while deciding.

Just another shop. Driver get commission to bring you there. Do not go! If the driver offers this via a tour, just say no! Do not waste you precious time.

Nice selection. Very friendly and courteous staff. My wife did some bargaining and they accepted our prices that what we budgeted to spend.

Pls visit to our showroom at green path no.43 colombo 03.next to N car travels. Our gems and jewerrally is genuine and resonable priceses.

Very competent and authoritative staff, friendly, honest advice ... staff did not push for sales ... very good rates/prices!!

The staff is really friendly even if you are there only to see and to not buy anything. It's free. Go and check it out.

Don't get why it's called a museum. Missleading name, don't like that. People are friendly but for my taste to pushy.

Nice place. They have a big collection. If you need to buy a gem stone. This is the ideal place.

Excellent collection of Sri Lankan gems & jewellery at very reasonable prices with certificates

A good place to buy authenticate srilankan sapphires that is if you have dollars to spare

Have been to this showroom few times. The service is exceptional, friendly and honest.

Good place for buy sri lankan gemstone special blue sapphire and pudhparaga and ruby

Beautiful stones and jewelery. Lots of different styles n colours to choose from.

Notice the other 3 positive reviewers probably work here. Tourist trap. Don't go

A very good gem collection is available in this place. Staff is also very kind.

Gem price is are little higher than others. But lots of variety is available.

Lovely service and attention to detail. Certainly will be back in the future

One of the Best place to visit for tourists to buy gems and jewelleries

Just another tourist trap gem shop like you see so many all around.

Multi coloured n multy quality of gem available in reasonable cost

If you're a gem fanatic, you may find some interesting stones.

Good Collection, reliable service, and lowest price in market.

Shop not museum, if you bargain proce can be reasonable.

Trustful place where you can buy gems and jewelleries

Because my favourite thing is to find gems everywhere

Super kind staffs with reasonable price for gems

He gave duplicate gomedh or you can say garnet

I recommend this place cheap and good quality

This one of the place with honest seller...

One of the best Gem Museums in the World.

Lot of options available at good prices

They are desperate to sell their stuff

It's too costly comare to Indian gems

Very very expensive, and dingy place

Avoid this place and thank me later.

Very good place for best gem buyers

Superb place to purchase your gems

Nice and quick customer service...

It's a good place to buy jewelry

Genuine and dependable service.

It was good but very expensive

Good depiction of gem mining!

Great place to get Sapphires

Gem Store for a worth price

Fantastic variety of pearls

Nice stones in cheep price

Wrong name. Wrong price.

Friendly and safe place

Good place to purchase

Great jewelry shop.

Quit nice

Not nice