Ceylon Sapphires: Uncovering the Mysteries of a Gemstone

Sapphires make up the top four precious stone types and are found in many parts of the world. Since sapphires have many regional sources, the question is: does the country of origin actually matter? Such as finding the right precious jewellery: Like sapphire engagement rings. Before we can answer this question, it is important to understand what the sapphire’s country of origin means in relation to the character of the gemstone. Why should a potential buyer, either of sapphire jewellery or the precious stones alone, consider its geographic source?

Culture

Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) has a long history in the gem trade. The tradition of trading gemstones with merchants, local and foreign, goes back over a thousand years. It is a country containing some of the oldest gem mines in the world. The sapphire stone, long recognized for its beauty and rarity, has been sought after by kings and traders of old. The great Venetian explorer Marco Polo was captivated by the gem-rich character of the island, called Ceylon ‘Gem Island’. Following successive waves of European colonization, the prominence of the Island nation as a gem hub only increased. As trade between colonies and their holders increased, the value of Ceylon sapphires grew. The name Ceylon is itself a vestige of colonialism, given to the country by the then ruling British. 

World Class Sapphires 

Given the abundance of these precious stones, it may not be a surprise that Ceylon, over the years, has produced some world-class gemstones. The renowned Logan Sapphire, which comes in at 423 carats is one such example. The gemstone mined in Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest faceted precious stones in this variety and was gifted to the Smithsonian Museum in 1960. Another example is the Blue Giant of the Orient: arguably one of the largest cut sapphires ever, that came in at 466 carats and was sold to a private bidder for a million dollars. And the popularity of this country as a location for world-class sapphires is not set to diminish. In 2016 the gemological institute in Colombo, the Capital of Sri Lanka, certified a sapphire gemstone that weighs 1404.49 carats. According to local records, nothing larger has ever been certified. The sapphire, known as the Star of Adam, is named after the first man, and a mountain that is named after him: Adam’s Peak. Who, according to local beliefs, visited the Island, after being driven away from Eden. This sapphire is valued at at least $100m, though the asking price may go higher.

Ratnapura- City of Gems

A key feature of Ceylon sapphires is the history that goes into them. The rich traditions go back for many years, along with the processes that go into it the making of sapphire jewellery. One must understand that the trade-in precious stones in this Island nation are a part of the local culture. If one visits a Sri Lankan gem hub like Ratnapura, one would soon know that the gem trade is part of almost every aspect of people’s professional and social lives: From various types of employment, the numerous gem stores that mark the city; the integration between the gem trade and local village and town life. To buy sapphires from Sri Lanka is to buy into the culture of this gem-producing nation. The Ceylon sapphire comes with a cultural taste of its own. A uniquely Sri Lankan one. In fact, mining practices in this region are believed to follow a set timeline: At a certain auspicious period, which is believed to be the right time to mine for these gemstones. One that coincides with good fortune for those involved in this trade. 

Sunrise at Adam's Peak, Rathnapura

Character

Ceylon sapphires are primarily sourced from alluvial deposits, that contain the mineral corundum, from which sapphire is derived. With the majority falling under the Geuda and Ottu mineral varieties making up the majority of the stones. A notable feature of Ceylon sapphires is their colour intensity: which tends to be greater in their natural states. Sapphires come in a range of colours. Besides the popular Royal blue, this variety of gemstones can be found in many colours: from pink, yellow, and white. And depending on the jeweller you visit, you can find sapphires in almost all colours of the rainbow. With the exception of green sapphires, which are rare the world over, the colour range in Ceylon Sapphires is vast. The unique characteristics of Ceylon sapphires can be better understood by looking at two special sapphire types.

Padparadscha Sapphires

This variety of sapphires is named after the native lotus blossom, found in the watery environments of the country. The Padparadscha, with its peculiar shades of pink and orange hues, is one such example of the unique colour range of Ceylon sapphires. Whilst deposits in parts of Africa have also unearthed the Padparadscha variety. They do not match the unique shades of the stones that come from this part of the world. Further, the sheer range of colours and shades of sapphires: in the variety of blue, pink, yellow, and even combined shades of green-blue sapphires, means that there’s something for almost everyone.

Cornflower Sapphires

The Island Nation is one of the few places in the world where you can find the special cornflower blue sapphires. The unique velvety blue that is dispersed throughout the gemstone is a sight to behold. A sub-variety of this sapphire is the rare type of Cornflower Blue Star Sapphire. Some of these come with needle-like markers, pointing in various directions. These artistic inclusions, reflect light in a particular way and create a star effect known as ‘Asterism’. Whilst asterism is a feature of other sapphire stones. Whilst the Kashmir variety of blue, and especially cornflower sapphires have historically held sway. The supply of these gemstones from this region has almost stopped. Whilst there is competition from gem exporting nations for the special market for Cornflower sapphires, from the likes of Thailand and even Australia. None can match the colour quality, and vividness of the Ceylon gemstone.

So combined with the history of gem mining; the sheer range of gemstones that comes from this part of the world (around 75 different varieties of gems); the unique and expansive colour range of the sapphires, combined with the rich gem mining culture that values this trade, ensures Sri Lanka remains the top destination. However, there are other factors that determine the unique character of Ceylon Sapphires.

Ceylon Sapphires have the most vibrant colour spectrum of all

Curing

The treating of sapphires is an established practice in the gem trade. Miners and merchants have traditionally sought to increase the quality and durability of the sapphire stone by heating it under various temperatures. This is a common and accepted process. The curing process differs from country to country. In Ceylon, the gemstones are treated at relatively higher temperatures for sufficient time to ensure that impurities and minor inclusions are removed and/or minimized. What is important to consider, since the country has a long history of curing precious stones, this process is handled with great care, and those involved know the limits of the process. The heat treatment of sapphires and other precious stones, should not be confused with altering the sapphire's mineral properties by the addition of other materials and chemicals.

The process of curing follows a strict set of rules. If one wishes to know the process of curing, it, like many other aspects of the sapphire trade, contains a traditional approach. The heating of the stone is managed using hot charcoal hearths that are kept going with the blowpipes. Where the stones are usually heat-treated at over 1,000 Celsius. In addition to the traditional approach, modern technology is also used: where burners, in a more measured way, help improve the quality of the gemstone.

Untreated Ceylon Sapphires

For those who are seeking sapphires that are not heat-treated, then Ceylon sapphires are once again a great country of choice. As one of the most notable nations in the world, when it comes to sapphire trade, the rich abundance of these precious stones means that given the supply, finding untreated sapphires would be an easier process. Provided one is able to find the right jeweller or gem dealer: who is able to meet the demand for such stones. However, one must be aware that high-quality untreated, natural sapphire, that meets the standards of treated natural sapphire, will come with a higher markup. For the right price, you can find untreated natural sapphires. However, there are payoffs that you need to consider: in addition to the price, untreated sapphires tend to have more inclusions. Further, sapphires are heat-treated and are intended to make them more durable. So it is a trade-off. However, one must be clear about treated sapphires vs sapphires whose character has been modified by chemicals and other illegal processes. Knowledge of sapphire treatment would help you in this process.

An Ethical Choice

In a time when responsive sourcing and environmental protection weigh heavily on the mind of buyers, it may help to know that Ceylon sapphires are sourced, mined and traded under strict environmentally friendly conditions. A country renowned for its natural environments, wildlife, natural heritage sites, and concern for all that is natural, the safeguarding of nature is a key priority for those involved in the gem trade. In addition, sapphire mining in Sri Lanka is a very worker-friendly process. Where the rights, the health of those involved in mining, curing and trade are safeguarded. For example, the sapphire trade in Sri Lanka is regulated by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA). Which issues licenses to those wishing to enter the gem trade. Further, Sri Lanka has a culture that is naturally environmentally friendly. The heritage of its Buddhist religious culture calls for the respect of all life. The Sri Lankan people naturally care for the well-being of plant and animal life. And environmental degradation of an illegal kind is sanctioned. For the environmentally-conscious gemstone seeker, Ceylon sapphires are a safe bet.

Ceylon Sapphire Engagement Rings

Every precious stone needs to have a final destination. When it comes to precious jewellery, almost nothing can beat the beauty and value of an engagement ring. A token of love, trust and commitment, the right engagement ring, set with a valuable precious stone is special. Whilst diamonds tend to be the dominant option for precious stones in engagement rings, sapphires are increasingly becoming a top choice for engagement rings. Whilst the sources of sapphires are many. With nations like Australia and the United States getting into the sapphire trade. However, it is tough to beat the unique character of Ceylon sapphires. An engagement ring with just any sapphire stone might seem like a second choice. But one which carries a special Ceylon Sapphire, like the one which featured in Princess Diana’s (and now Duchess of Cambridge’s) engagement ring, is simply unbeatable.