The largest Gem and Jewellery show will pave the way for local gem and jewellery dealers to showcase their products for international markets.

Sri Lanka export Development Board (EDB), a sponsor of the show expects over 10,000 participants at this year's show.

"We are expecting over a 10,000 participants this year throughout the four days of the exhibition. A large number of buyers from China have confirmed whilst over 100 international buyer delegation are expected to attend the show from several countries," Chairman Facets Sri Lanka Juzar Adamaly told media at a press briefing. USA is the largest gem stone buyer of Sri Lankan gemstones. This event also expects attendance from India, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong USA, Russia, Norway and Germany. Therefore, with the growth of the industry Sri Lanka will be able to reach US$ one billion market in 2016, he said.

Facets Sri Lanka, held since 1991 with state and private sector patronage, will showcase a wide variety of sapphires and gemstones from producers and wholesalers from all the main producing areas of Sri Lanka. The show also provides free gem testing and assaying facilities at the event.

Facets is also marking a milestone this year when it commemorates the 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary of the show.

The event will be hosted by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and the SME pavilion from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).