Speak with a Jewellery Specialist - Book An Appointment
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.
£58,500
£24,000
£15,000
£14,500
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.
There has been a technical error - our staff have been informed.