The 5th C: Country of Origin

Why should the country of origin matter when it comes to sapphires? Isn’t the sapphire just another precious stone that contains a mineral character that is the same throughout the world? Why should anyone both with the question of country, when it comes to their choice of sapphires? Admittedly this is a tricky question. Though it is worth stating that the character of sapphires does change in accordance with the presence of various trace minerals. But that is a discussion for another time. Whilst certain jewellers don’t consider the country of origin a reliable measure when it comes to assessing the quality of the gemstone. A position that contains some truth to it. After all, what really matters when it comes to a quality gemstone are empirically measurable factors: Its colour, clarity of the stone, the number of inclusions etc. Whilst these points are certainly valid. We choose to differ with respect to the question in a few key ways.

Why the Country of Origin is Important

First, since sapphires are precious gemstone, that has a long history of use, going back thousands of years, the historical dimension of the gemstone is something that is worth considering. Since the purchase of precious gemstones, like sapphires is not a simple decision: As the choice of sapphire in your engagement ring, the monetary value that is attached to the gemstone alone is usually not enough. In an era where sapphires are being unearthed in various parts of the world, including in nations that have historically not been known for the gemological heritage (e.g. United States). Sapphires that have a historical pedigree when it comes to sapphire mining are worth considering.

Further, the value of sapphires has been further compounded by the entry of artificial, or lab-grown variants. These synthetic types, which are popular among certain segments of the market, further strengthen the need for those who are looking for more authentic natural sapphires, to look more carefully at the country of origin of the sapphires. It is a fair bet that countries that have had a long history in the sapphire trade, are less likely to be swayed by the mass-market appeal of cheaper, synthetic variants.

The Countries of Origin for Sapphires

Type in the word “Sapphires” and “Country” into Google, and you’re likely to run into a handful of countries. Notably Myanmar, Thailand, Madagascar and of course Ceylon. Each of these countries has developed a reputation for being the top sources of natural sapphires in the world. With some even developing a reputation for being the home of distinct sapphire variants. Such as the Kashmir sapphire: which is native to that part of the world; and is known to carry a unique colour, that is captivating and extremely rare. Thailand historically has been one of the top producers of sapphires in the world. Owing to its dominance in the supply of this variant of gemstones. Thailand, akin to its strength in rice agriculture; has cultivated a firm position in the sapphire and ruby trade. However, when it comes to the quality of the gemstones, their rubies tend to rank better.

Then there a host of other countries that have gotten in on the sapphire trade more recently. With countries as far apart as Cambodia and Australia coming up with their sapphire gemstone variants. The latter is known for having varieties of two-coloured sapphires (known as “parti sapphires”; which have been unearthed from its alluvial deposits. Then there is the South-East nation of Myanmar which is known for its ‘Burmese sapphire’: Which is a darker variant of the Royal blue sapphire; one that is found in other parts of the world. Notably in Ceylon.

Madagascar Sapphire

A relatively recent, but now well-established player in the gemstones industry, the island of Madagascar rose to prominence in the world of gemstones following the discovery of major precious mineral deposits in 1998. A former French colony, that gained its independence in 1960; but despite its political independence and strong exports, Madagascar, like many other African nations in the region, is a country raked by socio-economic hardships. As a largely agrarian society, the discovery of gem deposits in the latter part of the 20th century in the southern part of the nation was a welcome addition to wealth starved economy. The discovery of other deposits in the northern part of the country, with gemstones that come in a variety of colours and shades, that combined with a large and growing supply, has helped establish the African island as one of the top trading countries in sapphires. One of the unique selling points of Madagascar sapphires is their size: For gemstones from this part of the world are known for their relatively larger carats. Thus in addition to the wide variety of colours, the component of size makes these sapphires uniquely attractive. Madagascar, given the wider variety of sapphires, has even begun to challenge, what is potentially the leader in the sapphire world: Ceylon. With its ability to provide even rare varieties of sapphires, like the famous Padparadscha that was historically unique to the country that is next on our list.

Kashmir Sapphires

A rather interesting addition to this list, owing to the fact that this tumultuous region is no longer one of the major sapphire exporting regions in the world. Historically renowned for its rich sapphire mines that produced some of the most beautiful and sought after sapphires in the world. This region in Northern India, where sapphires were unearthed in 1870, then part of the British Raj, that soon became a rich source for quality sapphires, with the famous range of blue sapphires, with their velvety colour gamut being the notable outputs. However, supply in these mines soon ran out (in around five years). New sapphires sources in 1952, but these variants were markedly different to those from the earlier period and were considered less valuable. Some of them even confused with lower quality variants from Ceylon. Today Kashmir sapphires are known primarily for their history and extreme rarity, with sapphires from Ceylon taking the mantle of quality and the lead in the supply of stones.

Australian Sapphires

Sapphire trade in Australia goes as far back as 1851. The gold mines of Cudgegong and Macquarie rivers in New South Wales providing the ground for gemstone extraction. With later discoveries in New South Wales. However, the commercial mining of precious stones didn’t begin until the early part of the 20th century. Sapphire production in Australia eventually took off with the introduction of mechanised mining in the late 1950s, to a point where Australian sapphires rose to global prominence in terms of quality and availability, supplying European markets with sapphires and rubies. As the 1960s rolled on, the Queensland government facilitated the emergence of small, independent sapphire miners; which in turn gave rise to smaller, more localized gem mining communities. Whose success was fueled by the global demand for precious gemstones and the rise of Australia as a top tourist destination, which brought in greater demand? In the next decade, more advances were made to sapphire mining in Australia, with the introduction of heavy machinery to the field, fueling a mining boom (like a small gold rush) in parts of Australia like, Queensland. Things started to drop off later with the emergence of more competition from the likes of Thailand and Ceylon, which boast a large, and high quality of stones. Australian sapphires, on average, tend to be darker in color and dichroic in character: Where visible light that hits the material is made to split into two wavelengths, hence producing dual color tones in the same gemstone. Australia in more recent times has come to be renowned for ‘parti-sapphire’ varieties, which are deep green to yellowish in character.

US (Montana) Sapphires

It might be difficult to think of America as a sapphire mining nation. However, the United States with its powerful industrial base, strong mining infrastructure, and technological prowess, and vast landmass has begun to make inroads into this field of sapphire mining. Interestingly sapphires were found in America all the way back in 1865, by gold prospectors near the Missouri River. Whilst interest minimal at the time, the gold rush of the 1900’s indirectly led to the discovery of new sapphire deposits in the region. These gemstones of varied colours soon became a source of the fascination of the wealth-hungry diggers and in time, though at a much slower pace than the gold industry, the sapphire mining establishment in the United States came into being. Known under the heading of Montana sapphires, the American variants were notable for the range of lighter coloured stones; with places like Dry Cottonwood Creek and Rock Creek becoming notable sapphire mining centres. American Sapphires are known for their variety of larger carat, pale coloured sapphires.

Ceylon Sapphires

Right. The famous Ceylon sapphires. The Island of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, is a country that has a rich heritage in sapphire mining and trade. On that stretches back thousands of years. A nation that has been a key trading hub in the Indian Ocean: As a resource-rich nation that has serviced countries from Europe to China with, among many things, spices, tea and gemstones. An Island that was even recognized by the ancient Greeks as Tabropane, and has been a part of the fantastic imagination of other great civilizations. Here we shall uncover some of the key reasons that make Ceylon Sapphires a special choice.

The Island of Serendipity

The Island of Ceylon is mentioned in n the famous 1001 Nights. In the tale of the well known Sinbad the Sailor, in which it is told, the legendary sailor, during his Sixth Voyage, having set off from the legendary city of Baghdad, crashes lands his ship on a mysterious Island. Stranded and without water, the sailor sets off in search of fresh water on a small craft, through the river that snaked through a mysterious mountain. In the course of this demanding journey, which lasted for days, Sinbad discovers countless precious stones and jewels. Upon entry from the river mountain, he finds himself in a land of bounty. Where the local king, upon hearing Sinbad’s great adventures, generously provides for him and sends him away with gifts and resources from the land.

This story, whilst clearly a myth, nonetheless tells you a bit about the character of this nation. Ceylon is a nation that is naturally blessed with gemstones and other natural resources. When it comes to sapphires, there a near-limitless variety of colours, shapes, and sizes (e.g. some of the largest sapphires in the world come from this part of the world). Ceylon, based solely on supply, is among the top destinations in the world for sapphires. Importantly, however, given the range of the stones from this region, the chances of getting hold of a quality stone are also higher. Ceylon’s top position in the gem trade is highlighted by other factors as well. Namely the process that goes into bringing this gemstone to market.

Ethically Sourced Sapphires

Sapphire mining is a highly regulated process on the Island. As a country blessed with vast natural habitats and wildlife, the country; strengthened by its Buddhist heritage, which calls for the respect of all life, takes environmental protection and conservation, very seriously. Notable here is the mining techniques: Ceylon (Sri Lanka) is one of the few countries in the world that does not permit mechanized mining. Thus sapphire mining is a down to Earth-process (very literally). Where all stakeholders who are involved in the trade recognize the close relationship between the mining of sapphires and the effects it has on the environment.

For example, given that a large number of sapphires in Sri Lanka are taken from gravel deposits which are located close to rivers. Areas that also tend to be rich in paddy cultivation. Hence the danger to the environment, and livelihoods, is a very real one. Knowing this, those involved in the sapphire mining trade take great care in managing the process. Such as the use of products sourced from the natural environment in constructing the (temporary) mines, and excavation tools.

An Expansive Colour Range

If you want top colours in sapphires, then look no further than Natural Ceylon Sapphires. The country is renowned for its top-quality blue sapphires. With the famous Royal Blue and Cornflower Blue sapphires being sourced from this Island. Another key factor to consider is the treatment of the gemstone. As almost all sapphires in the world are subjected to some form of heat treatment; Ceylon Sapphire are those which are carefully heated, under strict regulations. With a long history in the treatment of gemstones, many of them involving natural processes. Ceylon Sapphires are among the best heat-treated stones in the world. Then there are the colour varieties. But that is a discussion for another time.