Knowledge
The island of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is nicknamed the ‘Jewel box’ of the Indian Ocean, and has been recognised throughout history for its spectacular abundance and astonishing range of precious gemstones. Likely the oldest gem source in the world, the Ceylon mines have been continuously in use since the stone age. More than 40 different species of gemstone have been discovered so far, of which sapphire is the most coveted.
Gemstones
Steeped in History and Legends
Veddahs, the indigenous people of Ceylon, were likely the first to come across the coloured pebbles in the sandy bottom of streams. From their discovery, the island became surrounded in myth and legend because of its treasures; beautiful and previously unheard of gemstones.
One legend tells how King Solomon wooed the Queen of Sheba with jewellery set with Ceylon gemstones in 10th century BC. The island and its gems even featured in the Travels of Sinbad the Sailor in the early 9th century epic Tales of Arabian Nights.
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Ceylon Sapphires first appeared in the Western world with the Etruscans, as early as 600 BC and can be also seen decorating jewellery of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Often appearing in the form of drilled beads to be threaded onto necklaces and earrings, sapphires have also been used for cameos and intaglios, its hardness making it the perfect material for this artform.
In the 13th century Marco Polo visited the island and detailed sapphires in his Book of Marvels, although by this stage, the island had long been revered as a source of fine gemstones across the world.
An Unceasing Supply
Despite its small size, it is estimated that over 90% of Ceylon is made from gem-bearing rock, and it has been the longest continually producing source of sapphires globally.
The mines still remain active today with the vast majority of sapphires continuing to be mined from secondary deposits. Largely alluvial gravels, riverbeds and below the surface of paddy fields are some of the main areas in which these deposits have been found.
Mechanised mining is banned in Sri Lanka, as it is known today, and by keeping with traditional methods of mining, employment is provided for thousands of inhabitants of the island, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of Sri Lanka, its gem trade, and its people.
Exceptional Colours and Qualities
Historically, many blue sapphires unearthed in Ceylon of a good and even colour came in larger sizes, with some high quality gems surpassing 100-300 carats.
Ceylon sapphires are celebrated for their bright mid blue colour, which is often referred to as a distinctive ‘cornflower’ blue hue. This beautiful colour is typically a lighter blue than sapphires from other mines across the world. In Sri Lanka, this shade is often compared to the electric blue of a peacock’s feather, or neck.
Rainbow Hues
Alongside blue sapphires are a wondrous variety known as ‘fancy sapphires’. This term is simply used to describe any sapphire that is not blue, with different trace elements causing this variation in colour. With numerous hues encountered, including yellow, purple, pink and orange, it may be easier to list those not regularly seen, namely colourless sapphires and those with tones of emerald-green.
Yellow sapphires are the most abundantly found of fancy sapphires in Ceylon, and their colour ranges from pale yellow and bright lemon to a rich golden hue. Pink sapphires are also often found and showcase shades of pale baby pink to vivid, intense magenta.
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Padparadscha: The Rarest of Them All
Padparadscha sapphires, prized for their beguiling orangey pink colour, are one of the most desirable and rare of all coloured gemstones. They are so scarce that in fact you may never have heard of their existence. Their name is derived from the Singhalese word for ‘lotus flower'- a blossom of exquisite colour which in turn echoes the gemstone's exotic origins as the tropical island of Sri Lanka is historically their main source.
These coveted and highly sought after sapphires have a very specific colour ranging between a pinkish orange and an orangey pink, sometimes thought of as the colour of the sunset. The unique colour is created by a delicate balance of chromium, iron and titanium and the colour is in fact so exact that it can only be classified as a padparadscha if the gemstone is accompanied by a reputable gemmological laboratory report.
Ceylon padparadscha sapphires are said to bring inner peace to its wearer and enable them to become more aware of their surroundings. They are considered to be among the most beautiful and valuable of all corundum gems.
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Optical Phenomena
Ceylon sapphires can also feature stunning optical phenomena. Colour change sapphires can be found in Ceylon and these rare gems change colour depending on the type of light they are seen in. Typically, although not always, they appear blue in natural daylight and transform as if by magic to a violet-purple under incandescent light!
Another effect, known as asterism, or a ‘star sapphire’ is also present in some Ceylon sapphires that are cut en-cabochon to showcase this effect. These represent some of the finest examples of star sapphires from any source and often feature a deeper hue, especially in the larger stones where the colour can build along longer light paths.
Notable Sapphires from Ceylon
Famous Ceylon sapphires include the Logan Sapphire which is approximately 423 carats. One of the largest faceted blue sapphires in the world, this magnificent gem can be viewed in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.
Also now residing in the Smithsonian is the Star of Bombay, a 182-carat blue star sapphire from Ceylon, originally owned by silent film star Mary Pickford.
Perhaps the most famous example of a Ceylon sapphire is the one featured in the engagement ring of the Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton. Weighing 12 carats and once worn by Princess Diana, this ring has become synonymous with royalty, with similar pieces being highly sought after ever since.
Here at Berganza our selection of these beautiful sapphires is unsurpassed. Vintage and antique Ceylon sapphire and diamond rings can be found in a variety of styles to suit both ladies and gentlemen with examples from across the ages. Ceylon sapphire engagement rings have a particular allure, from timeless three stones and solitaires to dazzling clusters reminiscent of royalty!
We are also privileged to feature some larger ceylon gems as part of our collection, providing cocktail ring heaven to those wanting to stand out from the crowd. As one of the hardest gemstones, it is a popular choice for antique and vintage rings.
Add a splash of colour into your jewellery box with our rainbow of fancy sapphire rings. From pinks, yellows and purple to the highly coveted padparadscha sapphires, our collection features jewels that are sure to capture attention!
If rings aren’t your thing, then our Ceylon sapphire pendants in an array of colours have a beautiful articulation and would make for a perfect gift. Or perhaps your loved one is seeking a stunning ceylon sapphire and diamond bracelet, in which case we have a remarkable Art Deco example!
Kashmir Sapphires
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Yes, the second hardest gemstone after a diamond, and an extremely wearable colour, sapphire engagement rings are a popular choice, and can indeed be seen in many antique rings.
Yes, Ceylon, or Sri Lanka as it is known today is still a major source of gemstones, although the quality of gems is not as high as it used to be. Sri Lankan sapphires are still highly sought after
Ceylon sapphires can be very valuable depending on their carat weight and the quality of their colour. Large blue ceylon sapphires are rare and can be worth a lot of money, as can more unusual varieties, such as Padparadscha sapphires.
