Knowledge
Madagascar is known for its abundance of gemstones, and in particular its sapphires, which are one of the great gemmological discoveries of the twentieth century. Quickly establishing a reputation as some of the finest gems, they are now the most sought after sapphires from modern mines, and have even been compared in quality to those from Kashmir, Burma and Ceylon.
Gemstones
An Exceptional Location
Today, Madagascar is situated 400 km off the coast of East Africa and is one of the most naturally abundant and diverse places on earth, a result of its unique geological formation. Over 165 million years ago, Madagascar lay land-locked in the centre of supercontinent Gondwana and when this ancient land mass broke up, a myriad of flora and fauna remained on the island with no way off. Consequently, 80% of Madagascar’s species are unique to the island.
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As for its incredible gem diversity? Its closest neighbours as part of Gondwana had been Sri Lanka, East Africa and Southern India, some of the richest gem deposits in the world, and Madagascar had been sat right in the middle. According to a study by USAID, only 10% of the island does not bear gems, a most astonishing figure!
A Five Hundred Year Journey
Madagascar has been known as a source of gemstones since 1547 when French Captain Jean Fonteneau first mentioned this island’s gem bearing nature. This was followed a century later by Etienne de Flacourt, the French governor of Madagascar, who spoke of sapphires specifically.
A couple of centuries passed before Madagascar’s incredible potential as a gem source was realised in 1891. Various specimens, including sapphire and rubellite were brought to the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris by M. A. Grandider, the first time Madagascan gems had reached Western shores.
However, it would be yet another 100 years of waiting when, in 1991, deposits of gem quality sapphire were discovered and mining began in earnest. Significant discoveries came about in 1994 in the Andranondambo region of southern Madagascar, followed by fancy sapphires at Ankarana in 1996, and in the Ilakaka area in 1999.
The finest blue sapphires are said to come from Tiramene in the Andranondambo region, and even resemble gems from Kashmir, Burma and Sri Lanka with their exceptional colouration.
The Diversity of the Madagascan Mines
Corundum is more diverse in Madagascar than any other place on earth. Sapphires can range from pale through to a rich and saturated blue. In the far north of the country, dark iron rich sapphires are found in basaltic deposits, with inky blue, green and yellow colourations.
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As well as blue, a plethora of sapphires from Madagascar are fancy coloured, with many of these originating in the Ilakaka region. These are often of the pink variety, however other hues include purples and yellows. Even the much sought after and rare padparadscha sapphire can be unearthed on the island.
Discover fine Madagascar sapphires, in a rainbow of hues, at Berganza. All natural and untreated, these incredible colours are as nature intended! Whether you are looking for a beautiful madagascar blue sapphire, or a fancy coloured gem, these can all be found in the Berganza vaults!
Mozambique Rubies
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Colombian Emeralds
Ceylon Sapphires
Burmese Sapphires
Yes, they can be very valuable. Some madagascar blue sapphires, comparable to the finest sapphires on the market, are highly sought after.
Around 90-95% of sapphires are treated today and therefore it is commonplace to treat sapphires from Madagascar. However, there are some particularly high quality gems which are untreated, such as the ones in the Berganza collection.
Yes, known for their beautiful colours and varieties, as well as being abundant in production, Madagascar sapphires are a wonderful choice for both engagement rings and other forms of jewellery. Whilst we specialise in antique jewellery in London’s Hatton Garden, our collection of these fine gems is not to be missed!