Two of the UK’s leading jewellery experts, Joanna Hardy and Jessica Diamond, are unveiling an extraordinary new concept for mature, curious travellers: Hardy & Diamond – Gemstone Journeys, debuting in Sri Lanka in April 2026.
Travel Begins at 40 readers receive an exclusive 10% discount on this unforgettable experience. Quote Travel Begins at 40 when making your booking enquiry.
A Curated Gemstone Travel Experience for Discerning Mature Travellers
This five-night luxury journey takes travellers deep into Sri Lanka’s glittering gemstone story, guided by two of the most respected names in jewellery. Your base is the elegant, boutique Malabar Hill hotel and spa on the island’s tranquil south coast.
Across the trip, Joanna and Jess share the depth of their 50+ years’ combined expertise through intimate dinner talks exploring the island’s gem-rich history, its global significance as a sapphire powerhouse, and their own experiences within the world of fine jewellery.
Explore Sri Lanka’s Sapphire Legacy with Leading Jewellery Experts
As one of the world’s premier origins of sapphires, Sri Lanka has long been a place of fascination for jewellers. Joanna Hardy, a global sapphire authority with more than four decades in the industry, brings unparalleled insight into this vibrant world.
Expect engaging, entertaining and deeply informative sessions that open up a world normally hidden behind auction houses and industry insiders.
Ethical Mine Visit and Guided Gemstone Buying Opportunity
Guests will take a day trip to a responsible, transparent artisanal mine to witness first-hand where Sri Lankan gemstones begin their journey from earth to jewellery.
The adventure continues with an exclusive gemstone buying day at the award-winning Trebartha East Round House, where fully vetted and trusted local dealers present a curated selection of fine stones—blue, pink and yellow sapphires, tourmalines, citrines, spinels and topaz.
With Joanna and Jess guiding every step, you’ll have the opportunity to select a gemstone that feels truly your own—authentic, ethically mined and fairly priced.
Transform Your Stone into a Bespoke Jewel Back in the UK
The journey doesn’t end when you return home. Drawing on their extensive relationships with leading designers and makers, Joanna and Jess will personally match each guest with a jeweller who can transform their chosen stone into a bespoke piece that reflects their style, budget and story.
The resulting jewel becomes a meaningful reminder of an unforgettable experience—an object of beauty shaped by both the island and your own journey.
Why This Experience Is Unique
Jess Diamond explains, “I’ve visited Sri Lanka for years and have always tried to buy loose stones, but I could never be certain of their origin or ethics. With Joanna’s unrivalled contacts and expertise, we can now offer something truly extraordinary.”
Joanna Hardy adds, “The gem and jewellery industry is captivating but often inaccessible. Sharing my decades of expertise in one of the world’s most important gemstone destinations is a privilege. This journey is for anyone with curiosity—not expertise.”
Limited Spaces for an Exclusive Jewellery-Inspired Adventure
Trip dates:
22–27 April 2026
27 April – 2 May 2026
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Malabar Hill, Sri Lanka
- Normal prices are £6,950p/p per double or £7,950 per single not including flights. Exclusive Reader Offer: 10% off for Travel Begins at 40 readers – quote Travel Begins at 40 when enquiring.
Booking & enquiries – [email protected]. Spaces are strictly limited to ensure a personalised, intimate experience. More details at www.hardydiamond.com.
