Sri Lanka is a prime source for Fine Sapphires of all colors. This gorgeous island mentioned by all historians and travelers as ” the pearl of the Indian Ocean ” , and still popular for Sapphires of important size. Presently Kashmir is depleted of Sapphires and Burma with political problems and difficult access, it is Sri Lanka which provides Sapphires of all colors, and many other precious and semi precious gemstones.

Hassim Illyas, back from England with his wife Riffaya in 1974, was interested in doing exports, started Colombo Export Company in Pettah, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Soon realized the beauty of gemstones, began dealing and exporting gemstones to different parts of the world. He traveled to many countries, but attracted towards US, being the main importer of gemstones, and found New York City very active in colored gemstones. So in 1988, he temporarily moved to NY, US, and formed Asian Gem Enterprises, a New York Corporation.

Established AGE together with Riffaya Illyas in 1988 in Forty seventh St, West, in Manhattan NY city, which is the center for colored gemstones and diamonds, popularly known as Diamond District. With good sales in NY city, there was consistence purchase of gemstones from Sri lanka. Colombo Export Company in Sri Lanka and Asian Gem Enterprises in USA were both involved in all the activities connected with gemstones, and they were the Members of Sri Lanka Gem Traders Assn, SLGTA, American Gem Traders’ Assn., AGTA, and International Color Stones Assn, ICA.

Now Hassim and Riffaya are US citizens, in addition to being citizens of SL. They always retained their connection with their original country and also the business activities. With their expansion in gem business, they ventured into jewelry and designs as well, and the new company known as Amgem International Designs incorporated in Sri Lanka.

Now in New York, they are members of Diamond Dealers Club, DDC, a prestigious club catering to diamond and color stone dealers. They believe in complete disclosure of treatments, firmly committed to run the business ethically while understanding clients’ requirements. They provide knowledge information to the clients whenever necessary. Our dedication is to provide necessary knowledge and expertise and bring the precious color gems, which are gifts from nature, to you.