HOW does the company project its business to grow in Malaysia over the next five years, and what strategies will be used to reach these targets?
Throughout history, Sri Lanka and Malaysia have shared a special and enduring bond. So, when the time came for us to choose a destination for our first overseas expansion, the decision was effortless. Malaysia’s vibrant diversity, the warmth of its people, and its dynamic economy made it impossible for us to look elsewhere.
As we celebrate the grand opening of our first outlet here in November last year, we are also preparing to launch a second location in Kuala Lumpur in Q1’26, followed by two additional outlets in Johor and Penang in Q3 and Q4.
Our strategy has always been—and will continue to be—to deliver exceptional value and uncompromising quality to our customers. Once someone shops with us, they tend to return again and again.
What qualities make Sri Lanka sapphires distinct from those sourced in other countries such as their reputation, colours, and ethical sourcing practices?
In one word, I would say colour. Nothing quite matches the brilliance of a Sri Lankan blue sapphire – it has a way of stopping you in your tracks. For me, that feeling is unique to a Sri Lankan blue sapphire; no other gemstone evokes it in quite the same way.
The story goes that when Prince Charles proposed to Princess Diana, he took her to the royal jeweller, where she was presented with an array of engagement rings set with exquisite diamonds, emeralds and rubies. Yet her choice was a Sri Lankan blue sapphire. To this day, Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring continues to inspire some of our own designs.
When it comes to sourcing, Sri Lanka has come a long way over the past decade. Most of the country’s gemstone mines are located in the central regions of the island, and historically, the trade was often considered precarious. In recent years, however, the Sri Lankan government has taken significant steps to improve transparency, with a clear focus on eliminating corruption and malpractice across the industry.
Can you share typical price ranges for genuine Sri Lankan sapphires and explain what customer segments the business aims to attract in the Malaysian market?
When it comes to pricing, it’s important to understand how the jewellery industry operates. From mine to shelf, a gemstone can pass through many hands – often being sold and resold several times. With each transaction, the price increases, as every intermediary adds their own margin.
At One Sapphire, we source all our stones directly from the origin, removing the need for costly middlemen. This direct approach often surprises people when they see our prices. In fact, some costume jewellery outlets sell glass stones at higher prices than our natural sapphires.
At One Sapphire, an exquisitely crafted blue sapphire bracelet starts at under RM2,000, with rings from around RM900, and complete sets priced from as low as RM6,000. Our aim is not to be perceived as “cheap”, but to deliver genuine value – exceptional craftsmanship, authentic gemstones, and transparent pricing.
With global silver prices reaching all-time highs, our pieces represent outstanding long-term value. Unlike costume jewellery, which depreciates over time, fine sapphire jewellery retains – and often increases – its value.
Are there any immediate or future plans for expanding the brand across Malaysia or the region, and how will these be supported through retail, e-commerce, or partnerships?
From experience, we’ve found that when it comes to jewellery, customers prefer to see pieces in person. It gives them the opportunity to try them on and better understand the fit, feel, and craftsmanship.
From our perspective as the seller, meeting customers face to face is equally important. It allows us to better understand their needs, offer personalised guidance, and help them select pieces that truly suit them.
That said, we recognise that consumers are increasingly moving online. While all our products are currently available to view and purchase via our website, we are also planning to launch our dedicated e-commerce platforms by the start of next year, making our collections even more accessible.
What is the history of the company in the Sri Lankan gemstone industry, and what level of investment has gone into establishing its presence in Malaysia?
We have been in business in Sri Lanka for over 20 years, building a strong reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and trust. Recently, we marked an important milestone with the opening of our 24th outlet, and today our stores can be found in all major and prominent shopping malls across the island.
Our decision to expand into Malaysia represents the next chapter in this journey. It is a natural progression for the brand, and we see it as a key stepping stone towards broader international expansion, allowing us to introduce our heritage and expertise to new markets beyond Sri Lanka.
