TRADITIONAL GOLD JEWELLERY IN SRI LANKA, GMA HERITAGE COLLECTION
Some jewellery is made to follow the latest trends. Other pieces carry the stories of generations. As we celebrate the anniversary of our Galle showroom, we wanted to mark this milestone in a way that reflects who we are, where we come from and the traditions we continue to cherish.
Over the years, we have preserved traditional gold jewellery designs from Sri Lanka that are rarely seen in modern jewellery collections. Rather than allowing these pieces to be melted down or forgotten, we decided to bring them together as our Heritage Collection.
Whether you are interested in traditional bridal jewellery, handcrafted gold pieces or simply curious about how jewellery has changed over time, the Heritage Collection offers an opportunity to explore something different.
Step into Sri Lanka’s rich jewellery heritage with the GMA Heritage Collection, a celebration of generations of traditional gold craftsmanship and timeless designs. Discover the collection at our Galle branch and explore the artistry behind each piece.
Visit GMA de Silva Jewellers to learn more.
From elaborate gold necklaces to traditional bridal chains, each design offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship, beauty and cultural significance of Sri Lankan jewellery from generations past.
More than a jewellery launch, our Heritage Collection is an invitation to rediscover the artistry of traditional gold jewellery, celebrate our journey in Galle and experience how jewellery designs have evolved over the years. You can see it for yourself at our jewellery shop in Galle on 23 and 24 October 2026, with pieces from the collection also available for purchase after the launch event.
The Story Behind Our Heritage Collection
Jewellery preferences have changed significantly over time.
In earlier generations, gold jewellery was often characterised by heavier weights, intricate detailing and elaborate designs. Today, many customers prefer lighter pieces that are more practical for everyday wear. As these preferences changed, certain traditional designs became less common.
Rather than melting down existing pieces and losing the opportunity to showcase these designs, we decided to bring approximately 100 jewellery pieces together as a dedicated Heritage Collection.
The idea was simple: preserve the visibility of traditional jewellery designs and allow our customers to appreciate the craftsmanship behind them.
By presenting these pieces together, we hope to create an experience that feels different from a typical jewellery collection.
A Collection That Celebrates Generations of Gold Jewellery
One of the most interesting aspects of the Heritage Collection is the opportunity to observe how jewellery designs have changed across generations. The collection brings attention to traditional styles associated with earlier decades, including designs familiar to families in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, alongside styles with much older roots.
How has jewellery changed over time?
Traditional gold jewellery was often created with substantial amounts of gold, resulting in heavier pieces with bold detailing. These designs were especially popular for weddings, family celebrations and significant milestones.
Modern jewellery, by comparison, frequently places greater emphasis on lighter weights, simpler styling and versatility.
Neither approach is necessarily better. They reflect the changing lifestyles, preferences and purchasing decisions of different generations.
Traditional Sri Lankan Gold Jewellery Worth Rediscovering
Among the collection’s most significant highlights are traditional gold chains, including the Pol Mal Malaya and Siribo Mala.
These designs represent a style of jewellery that requires considerable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Pol Mal Malaya: A Traditional Gold Necklace
The Pol Mal Malaya is a traditional Sri Lankan gold necklace design associated with the coconut flower motif.
Known for its distinctive structure and elaborate appearance, the design reflects the artistry of traditional gold jewellery making.
Unlike many modern, lightweight necklaces, traditional pieces of this kind can require substantial quantities of gold and detailed handwork.
The Pol Mal Malaya is one of the most important designs we are highlighting through the Heritage Collection.
Siribo Mala: Preserving a Traditional Design
Another design we are proud to feature is the Siribo Mala.
In our experience, these traditional chains are particularly demanding to produce because of the detailed handmade work involved.
Such pieces are not suited to straightforward mass production using machinery.
Their craftsmanship, gold content and labour requirements also contribute to their higher cost compared with many contemporary jewellery designs.
The Heritage Collection gives you the opportunity to appreciate these pieces beyond their monetary value.
Editorial note: Confirm the preferred English spelling of “Siribo Mala” (some listings use “Siri Bo Malaya”) and add our product photographs before publication.
The Role of Traditional Gold Jewellery in Sri Lankan Weddings
Gold jewellery has long played an important role in Sri Lankan wedding traditions.
For many families, jewellery represents more than an accessory. It can symbolise family heritage, important life milestones and traditions passed between generations. Elaborate traditional chains such as those featured in the Heritage Collection were historically given to brides in certain Southern Sri Lankan wedding traditions.
Jewellery has long held cultural and financial significance in Sri Lankan society, particularly in wedding traditions. Historical accounts also trace jewellery craftsmanship back to the era of the early Sinhalese kings, reflecting the country’s longstanding tradition of skilled goldsmithing. (Explore Sri Lanka)
These pieces were valued for their craftsmanship, substantial gold content and cultural importance. As gold prices and jewellery preferences have changed, the practice of purchasing particularly heavy traditional chains has become less common.
However, some families continue to value these customs.
By showcasing such jewellery, we hope to preserve awareness of designs and traditions that younger generations may not otherwise encounter.
Why Handcrafted Gold Jewellery Is So Special
One of the defining features of traditional gold jewellery is the skill involved in its creation.
Many older designs require detailed handcrafting techniques that cannot be easily reproduced through standardised machine production.
The process can involve shaping individual components, creating intricate patterns and carefully assembling each element into a finished piece.
This level of craftsmanship requires patience, precision and specialised knowledge.
For us, traditional jewellery making is also closely connected to our history.
Since we were established in Ambalangoda in 1920, we have developed our expertise through generations of jewellery manufacturing and retail.
The Heritage Collection is our way of bringing this craftsmanship into focus and introducing you to designs that reflect a different period in Sri Lankan jewellery making.
More Than a Jewellery Collection: A Museum-Inspired Experience
What makes our Heritage Collection special is that we have not created it solely to encourage purchases. We also want you to experience the collection as a display of traditional jewellery.
You will have the opportunity to explore designs from different periods, compare older styles with contemporary jewellery and learn more about how craftsmanship has evolved.
Some visitors may be interested in purchasing a piece. Others may simply want to see the designs, appreciate the artistry or introduce younger family members to jewellery styles that were once more familiar.
Our intention is to create a viewing experience where traditional gold jewellery can be appreciated for its history and craftsmanship.
Where Can You View the GMA Heritage Collection?
The first presentation of the Heritage Collection will take place at our Galle branch on 23 and 24 October 2026, alongside our showroom’s anniversary celebrations.
We also plan to showcase the same collection at our other branches in the coming months, potentially including Ambalangoda and Maharagama.
You are welcome to discover the collection, appreciate the traditional designs and enquire about individual pieces if you are interested in purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the GMA Heritage Collection
What is the GMA Heritage Collection?
Our Heritage Collection is a curated display of approximately 100 traditional gold jewellery pieces, brought together to showcase older Sri Lankan gold designs and the craftsmanship behind them.
Is the Heritage Collection available for purchase?
The collection is intended for viewing and appreciation, but if you are interested in purchasing an individual piece, you are welcome to enquire with us.
What makes the Heritage Collection different?
Rather than focusing only on contemporary designs, the collection highlights traditional, often heavier gold jewellery styles that have become less commonly available.
Where will the Heritage Collection be displayed?
The first viewing will be at our Galle branch on 23 and 24 October 2026, with pieces from the Heritage Collection remaining available for purchase after the launch event and potential presentations at our other branches in the following months.
Discover a Different Side of Sri Lankan Gold Jewellery
Jewellery trends may change, but the craftsmanship and traditions behind older designs remain worth celebrating.
Through our Heritage Collection, we are bringing traditional gold jewellery into the spotlight, so you can appreciate designs that tell the story of earlier generations.
