Sri Lanka is famed for its sapphires and jewellery. Jewellery stores can be found all over the island, from luxury hotels to gem emporiums, but most moonstones come from the mine in Ambalangoda, where you can buy uncut or faceted gemstones at the on-site store. Ambalangoda is also the centre of Sri Lanka’s mask-making tradition. The gruesome masks are used in ritual Kolam dances and other ceremonies. The island has a rich tradition of artisan crafts that come in different forms, including wood, stone, lace and batik, thus making shopping for gifts and souvenirs a unique and inspiring activity. In the capital, Colombo, there are plenty of superior craft shops, many of which offer a contemporary approach to traditional crafts.