Ceylon Sapphire Crown Jewellery

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If anyone had any doubts about the quality of sapphires from this part of the world, in terms of their global recognition, and demand, notably from the highest echelons of society, then one needs to look at the many instances where Ceylon sapphires were sought after and used in Royal jewellery. In speaking of the bit of historical status of the island nation when it comes to providing top quality jewellery, some of it has even entered the ranks of legend. From their use by the great Israelite King Solomon to a sapphire amulet worn by the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. The sapphire that is mined from this gem rich is believed to be among the oldest in the world, with its widespread use going to a time even before the start of the age of discovery. Over the course of centuries sapphires from Ceylon have established an excellent reputation for their rich colours, the rarity of stones and large carats. and is a much-prized gem with a long history. The Ceylon sapphire, today being amongst the most highly prized gemstones in the world. In this post, we will look at the Royal use of the famed gemstone from Ceylon: instances where sapphires have made it into the crown jewel. And here the reader must be aware, the crown jewels we are speaking are not only of Ceylon sapphires that have made it to the Royal crowns but sapphires that have become a part of other respected Royal jewellery items.

Princess Diana’s Royal Engagement Ring

It is difficult to speak of a famous Royal jewel that is both immensely popular and lustrous. Princess Diana’s engagement to Prince Charles, the future king of England, and later the grand Royal wedding captured the world’s imagination. And with it the attention that was directed on the events, items and the people who associated with it. Whilst the magic of wedding ceremony that took place in the heart of London awed many across the world, the item that stole the attention was Diana’s engagement ring: The 12-carat blue sapphire gemstone from Ceylon, set in 18 karats white gold band, that is surrounded by a halo of 14 solitaire diamonds. A beautiful ring, that was at the same time defined by a quiet elegance, whose appeal has stood the test of time, having being passed onto her daughter-in-law. As the story goes the young princess at the time, was given a range of precious rings to choose from; the 19-year-old princess-to-be was given a selection of rings from jewellery to the royals, with her final selection being from the great jeweller Garrard. A choice that would mesmerize the world, as Princess Diana’s engagement ring will not only become one of the most recognized jewel in the world, but also one of the most popular Royal jewels ever.

The Crown Jewels: Stuart Sapphire

Another great sapphire that comes from Ceylon, the one that qualifies as a crown jewel in a technical sense, is the magnificent 104-carat Stuart sapphire in the Crown Jewels. The history behind this gemstone is interesting. First, the name of the sapphire is related to the House of Stuarts, a Royal House of Scotland from 1371, and later England, following their unification in 1603, under the unification of crowns. The sapphire over its history was passed down to a number of British monarchs, eventually finding its way James II (1685-88), who then had escaped to France following the Glorious Revolution of 1688-89, that deposed the Catholic king. The sapphire was then passed onto his sons, eventually reaching the rightful heir Henry Stuart, the Cardinal of York. Given the good relationship between King George III (1760-1820) of England, the ownership of the grand sapphire was given to the British monarch. Eventually, the stone found its way onto the Imperial State Crown and remains as one of its foremost jewels (1). The Stuart Sapphire, as noted is a 104-carat gemstone, that is oval in shape, a cabochon-cut sapphire with rich blue coloured, the most preferred colour for blue sapphires. The stone is presently set on the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain.

The Crown Jewels: St. Edward Sapphire

The smaller St Edward's sapphire, originally belonging to Edward the Confessor, from whom it is named. The great king, who ruled England from 1042 – 1066, was known for his piety and is credited for the building of Westminster Abbey. The fine blue, rose-cut sapphire. The precious gemstone is now set on the topmost cross of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain. The presence of Edward’s sapphire on the Cross atop the crown is significant for many reasons. As a holy man, Edward the Confessor was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1161, almost a hundred years after his death in 1066. and holds a respected position. The Cross and sapphire that is placed on it are meant to signify the spiritual importance of the throne.

Sapphire Brooch of Empress Maria Alexandrovna

There are not many gemstones in the world that can surpass the 100-carat mark. Even surpassing the 10-carat mark is a great feat in the world of gemstones. However, that is exactly what you get and more with princess Maria Alexandrovna Blue Sapphire brooch. The brooch is a decorative jewel, often worn by the nobility that communicates status and value. And the sapphire brooch of the Russian princess and later queen of the Russian empire. (Until the downfall of the Russian Royal family in the Revolution of 1917). Her sapphire brooch contains one of the few 100+ carat sapphires ever to be in use and is ranked among the largest sapphires ever. What makes the empress's Royal jewel so magnificent is that the gemstones come in at a staggering 260+ carats. The origins of the sapphire are shrouded in mystery, however, the sapphire sourced from Ceylon, then part of the British Empire, ended up in the Great London Exhibition of 1862. Where a sapphire weighing 260.37 carats was purchased by Russian Emperor Alexander II. Given the close relations between the Russian monarchy and other European kingdoms, like Great Britain, this trip and purchase were not out of the ordinary. The monarch then presented the jewel to his wife Empress Maria Alexandrovna, after which the sapphire brooch came to be known. Describing this rare treasure is not easy. The wonderful, great carat and beautiful colours of the gemstone are all the things one would expect from a Ceylon sapphire.