I wanted to take a moment to share the wonderful experience my
husband had in Sri Lanka courtesy of orchid member Ahmed Shareek.
Some months ago I inquired about a reputable stone dealer in Sri
Lanka - immediately I received 5 or more orchid responses - sort of
like a Greek chorus - saying Ahmed Shareek. I was familiar with his
name from the list but didn’t realize he was in Sri Lanka. I had
anticipated my husband would be traveling to Sri Lanka in April - it
was cancelled. Meanwhile I purchased some stones via the internet
from Ahmed and was very happy with them. My husband finally went in
August and just returned - it was a State Dept. trip unrelated to
gems and jewelry but at Ahmed’s invitation, he called Ahmed and was
given the royal treatment - he took him shopping, showed him around,
introduced him to restaurants, gem and antique jewelry dealers, etc
- it was absolutely wonderful!! Ahmed was extremely generous with
him time and and of course, I am happy because I am now
the proud owner of some new gems and some antique jewelry - Thank
you, thank you, thank you!!
Ahmed invited people to visit him in Sri Lanka - I highly recommend
it, and him, if you can possibly go.