Our Mission
Tenora’s mission is to redefine the experience of acquiring Sri Lankan sapphires in the United Kingdom — through structured clarity, selective restraint, and exacting standards — honouring the heritage, provenance, and legacy of Ceylon’s gem tradition.
At Tenora, responsible sourcing is not an afterthought— it is a principle . We honour Sri Lanka’s gem communities through trusted partnerships, verified provenance, and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
Our Values
Structured Clarity
We articulate each sapphire with clarity and structure, allowing clients to understand its story, treatment, and nuance without ambiguity.
Selective Restraint
Our collection is defined by what we choose not to include. Each sapphire is selected with deliberate restraint, prioritising rarity, balance, and integrity over volume.
Sri Lankan Stewardship
We honour Sri Lanka’s gem heritage through respectful sourcing, cultural responsibility, and long-term commitment to integrity within the Ceylon sapphire trade.
Exacting Standards
From evaluation to photography and documentation, every sapphire is presented with exacting standards, ensuring composure and refined detail.
Meet Our Founders
Co-Founder
Senani Thotabaduge
Born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and established in the United Kingdom since 2002, Senani brings both cultural depth and strategic discipline to Tenora’s foundation.
While the initial vision centred on wholesale distribution, Tenora has since evolved into a more considered and luxury-led sapphire house under shared stewardship. With over two decades of experience leading enterprise-level digital systems and completing both a Master’s degree in Computer Science and an MBA in the United Kingdom, Senani contributes operational structure, analytical rigour, and long-term vision to the house.
Today, he remains committed to supporting Tenora’s evolution as a refined Sri Lankan Sapphire House — grounded in integrity, heritage, and disciplined standards.
Co-Founder & Director
Sadini Thotabaduge
Rooted in Sri Lanka’s gem heritage and raised in the United Kingdom, Sadini brings a considered and disciplined perspective to the curation of Ceylon sapphires. Early immersion in Sri Lanka’s gem regions shaped her understanding of origin and integrity, forming the foundation of Tenora’s philosophy. Through continued independent study and close engagement with the sapphire market, she has developed a structured and analytical approach to evaluating quality, treatment, and provenance.
Her vision is to present Sri Lankan sapphires with structured clarity, selective restraint, and enduring respect for their provenance.
The Tenora Journal
Reflections on education, provenance, and the principles that shape Tenora.
A Heartfelt Journey: Our Commitment to Ethical Practices and Community Support
In January 2005, Senani Thotabaduge and friends braved the winter cold on London’s Oxford Street to raise funds for tsunami victims. This mission laid the foundation for Tenora Ceylon Gems’ commitment to ethical gemstone sourcing and community support. Discover how our dedication to transparency, authenticity, and high-quality Sri Lankan sapphires sets us apart in the gemstone industry.