How do you care for Ceylon sapphires?

Ceylon sapphires are members of the corundum family, sitting second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness, and durable enough for everyday wear. To clean a Ceylon sapphire ring , soak it briefly in warm water with a little mild soap, work gently around the stone with a soft-bristled toothbrush to lift dirt and oils, then rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. For antique and vintage pieces, we recommend periodic inspection by a specialist to check the setting and claws.

How can you tell if a sapphire is Ceylon?

Ceylon sapphires can often be recognised by their characteristic silk inclusions, fine rutile needles that form distinct patterns within the stone and are a strong indicator of Sri Lankan origin. Visual traits are only indicative, however; origin can be confirmed with certainty only through an independent laboratory report from Gübelin, SSEF, GCS or other noteworthy gemmological laboratories.

How much are Ceylon sapphires?

At Berganza, we specialise exclusively in antique Ceylon sapphires, a finite historic supply pre-dating modern treatment practices. Fine quality unheated stones with vivid, even colour and certification from reputable laboratories typically command the highest prices, while heated examples generally hold less value. Natural, untreated examples therefore command a particular premium. Our Ceylon sapphire rings begin at around £5,000, with exceptional pieces priced considerably higher.

What is the best colour for a Ceylon sapphire?

The most prized colour for a Ceylon sapphire is a bright, vivid "cornflower blue", a medium-toned, strongly saturated blue with the distinctive liveliness and transparency for which Sri Lankan stones are celebrated. Unlike the velvety character of Kashmir sapphires or the deeper, more violet-toned "Royal Blue" of Burmese stones , Ceylon sapphires are noted for their brilliance and clarity. Pure hue, even colour distribution and minimal zoning define the finest examples.

Why are Ceylon Sapphires so expensive?

Ceylon Sapphires can be expensive due to several factors; historically, old stones are highly prized for their colour, clarity and rarity. Unheated examples are more expensive still due to their extreme scarcity on the modern market. Antique Ceylon sapphires in particular command a premium due to their distinctive hand-cut character, provenance, quality and overall rarity.

Ceylon Sapphire Rings and Engagement Rings

About our Ceylon sapphire ring collection

Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, has produced sapphires for over 2000 years and is known to produce sapphires of not only blue but also a spectrum of fancy colours, including pink, yellow, green, purple, and even the rarest of all sapphires, the padparadscha. When compared to Burmese sapphires, or Kashmir sapphires, Ceylon stones possess a more radiant, bright blue that is sometimes velvety.

Our Ceylon sapphire rings showcase some of the most distinctive material produced from Sri Lanka’s historic gemstone mines. With their characteristic luminous blue tones and exceptional transparency, these sapphires have long been prized for their beauty. Set within antique and vintage designs, each stone also carries the craftsmanship and history of the period in which it was originally fashioned, giving every ring a character that is entirely its own.

What to look for when buying a Ceylon sapphire ring

Colour, treatment, certification and provenance can all have a significant bearing on the rarity and value of a Ceylon sapphire, particularly when considering an antique or vintage piece. Fine quality natural unheated Ceylon sapphires are exceedingly rare and, when compared with heated examples of similar size and colour, will command a premium due to this natural rarity. At Berganza, we ensure all our Ceylon sapphire rings are sourced for the natural beauty and exquisite cornflower blue.

Consideration	What to look for	At Berganza	What to avoid
Colour	A bright, luminous blue, with excellent transparency and strong saturation. Medium to light tone with subtle violet undertones known as ‘cornflower blue’.	Each Ceylon sapphire ring is individually assessed by our in-house gemmological team, acquired for its unique character and lively colour.	Sapphires with weak or uneven saturation, appearing overly dark, washed out or lifeless.
Treatments	An untreated natural Ceylon sapphire with clearly displayed treatment status.	We specialise in natural, no-heat Ceylon sapphires; this is confirmed at the time of acquisition by our in-house gemmological team.	Heated sapphires or stones with undisclosed treatment status.
Certification	Certification with treatments and origin confirmed for the sapphire, confirming Ceylon origin and natural, untreated status.	Our in-house gemmological team works with respected independent laboratories (SSEF, GUBELIN, GCS) from around the world to confirm each Ceylon stone is untreated and originating from Sri Lanka.	Certification from unverifiable laboratories, unsupported claims of Ceylon origin, or report details that do not match the listed piece.
Authenticity & Provenance	An original Ceylon sapphire ring with a clear, accurate description and documented evidence supporting its provenance.	Each piece is examined and researched by our specialist team to assess its originality, condition, period, materials and construction.	Imitation or reproduction jewellery and ‘in the style of’ pieces.