It’s a good thing for Sri Lanka that Kate Middleton didn’t get cold feet.
Prince William’s choice of a Ceylon blue-sapphire engagement ring for Middleton, publicized ahead of their April royal U.K. wedding, became the centerpiece of a Sri Lankan marketing campaign that saw gem exports jump 37 percent in the year through October. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority says the value totals $77 million so far this year, boosted by Middle East demand for blue sapphires.
