A golden tribute
to the fishing traditions
of Sri Lanka
the Net Collection
The harmony of tradition and sustainability in Sri Lanka shines through one of the island’s most ancient practices: the art of fishing. It is this time-honoured craft that inspires one of OONA’s most iconic collections, the Net Collection—a heartfelt homage to the skill and mastery of the island’s artisans, who still hand-weave and mend their nets along Sri Lanka’s sun-drenched shores.
For centuries, alongside the export of tea and the mining of precious gemstones, fishing has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy. The island’s abundant waters are home to a dazzling array of marine life, from tuna and swordfish to vibrant tropical species.
Even today, fishing remains vital for the livelihood of many communities and serves as a captivating draw for visitors thanks to unique methods like stilt fishing, traditional to the island’s southwest coast. In towns such as Galle and Ahangama, the iconic image of stilt fishermen perched gracefully on their slender poles—riti panna—anchored in the surf has become a must-see spectacle for travellers.
Other traditional fishing methods passed down through generations, such as gillnetting, seining, and beach seining, are equally mesmerising, embodying a collective spirit. Fishermen, in beach seining, cast their nets from a boat, which are then hauled ashore in perfect rhythm with the ocean’s waves—an almost dance-like synchrony that reflects the sea’s ebb and flow. Common catches include tuna, sardines, and mahi-mahi.
The nets have long been crafted by the fishermen, traditionally woven by hand using simple tools like the netting needle and mesh gauge.
In the past, these nets were made from natural fibres such as cotton or coir (coconut fibre), lovingly spun by hand. While modern materials have since replaced these fibres, the intricate craftsmanship remains unchanged—a shared experience, lovingly passed down from father to son.
Delicate sapphires, caught within golden lattices, echo the shimmering scales of fish or the glistening drops of seawater that sparkle in the sun as the nets dry along the beach.
In our Net Collection, we have sought to immortalise this meticulous craft, translating the intricate knots and patterns of these nets into exquisite jewellery.
All the creations in this collection are carefully woven by hand using fine gold thread. The various necklace designs are perhaps the most iconic, but the cascading earrings stand out for their elegance, capturing the intricate beauty of the net motif.
Each piece requires weeks of dedicated craftsmanship, making every item a true masterpiece. At OONA, we celebrate the art of craftsmanship and pay tribute to these ancient trades through our creations, bringing their enduring beauty into the present.
