In the most unlikely place- a row of shabby kades on the turn off just before the Rowing Club, is the most magical little shop. Hewage’s Jewellers is the sort of shop you find in novels; a dark and slightly dusty treasure trove filled in this case quite literally with treasure. Ancient chests, cabinets, and cupboards crammed with gem-studded Kandyan hairpins, intricately worked bracelets, and heavy, opulent silver chains. The selection is actually vast but the majority of the pieces are antique silver and filigree. If the wonderfully attentive staff (Mr Hewage and his assistant) dig through the various cases for long enough though they’ll uncover sapphires, amethysts, rubies and some exquisite gold pieces. While the shop is a little time capsule of old world beauty and the hand crafted pieces are unique and really quite exquisite their prices are incredibly reasonable. You can pick up antique silver bracelets and rings for Rs 3000-5000 though of course you could also blow Rs. 75,000 on a eye-popping 100 year old sapphire hairpin. If you ask, there's also (at least for now) an amazing Rs. 350,000 diamond bangle with rough-hewn diamonds in every nook and cranny. It's so imperfect and honest and true. This shop in old skool in the very best sense. It was originally in Chatham Street, a much more appropriate location for its lovely old things but Fort’s wartime shutdown forced them out to their less than salubrious present surroundings. The service is warm and personal, they know you by name and they’ve survived because a small group of loyal customers just keeps going back. In addition to selling beautiful antique pieces they’re also excellent craftsmen who retain the skills of traditional silver smiths and can polish and repair pieces of jewellery with consummate skill.